Working in Switzerland
Switzerland is recognised as a world leader in private banking, and Zurich is renowned as a major financial centre offering an excellent quality of life. The benefits of working in Switzerland are obvious – it’s favourable tax status is well known. A picturesque country located in the centre of Europe, it’s an ideal place from which to explore the continent.
We have put together some information about living and working in Switzerland to help you decide whether to consider taking a position there. If you want to know more, please contact our consultants.
The essentials
Visa requirements
A visa is not necessary for nationals of European Union member states, who are entitled to work in Switzerland, although some states require a transitory period. Nationals of other countries will need to check their eligibility – limits are placed on the number of workers coming in from other countries, and eligibility also depends on experience and qualifications. For more information, visit the Federal Office for Migration website www.bfm.admin.ch
Where to live
In many areas of Switzerland, accommodation can be expensive and difficult to find, and this is especially true of Zurich and Geneva. The most popular type of housing is in apartment blocks which have house rules for all residents, and may have a shared washing machine in the cellar with a rota for use. The vast majority of apartments are unfurnished.
When you have found an apartment you will need to sign a contract, usually for a minimum of a year, and will need to pay a deposit ranging from one to three months rent. Utilities are not normally included in the rent, although often water, heating and cleaning of communal areas is included.
If you will be living in Switzerland for more than three months and plan to have a TV or radio, you will need a licence – more information can be obtained from www.billag.ch
You will also need insurance, and are legally obliged to subscribe to third party liability insurance.
In Zurich and Geneva, you can choose to live right in the city, or to commute from outside. Both sides of the lake are popular with ex-pats in Zurich, as well as city centre locations.
Transport
Public transport in Switzerland is excellent – frequent, convenient and inexpensive. In Zurich and Geneva, you can use trains, trams, buses and lake boats to get around. Both cities also have a free bicycle scheme. Taxis are expensive, but easily available at official taxi ranks – you can’t normally flag them down on the street. There is also a successful car-sharing scheme in operation.
Going further afield
Switzerland is completely landlocked, and is bordered by France, Germany, Italy and Austria. Europe’s extremely efficient, fast and cheap high speed rail network is the best way to get to and from these countries. High speed TGV trains connect Zurich and Geneva with Paris. For more information, visit www.raileurope.co.uk
The rest of Europe is accessible by air, both Geneva and Zurich have international airports served by low cost carriers and scheduled airlines. The Swiss Travel Centre can arrange all types of travel www.stc.co.uk
Driving
It is possible to drive on a non-Swiss license for a year, after which you will need to apply for a Swiss driving license. Cars are subject to annual tests, similar to the UK MOT. All cars using the Swiss motorways need to buy and display a motorway tax sticker. Parking is available on the street or in multi storey car parks, you will need to be aware of parking regulations and payments, which include permits, blue zone parking spaces and meters.
Healthcare
Basic health insurance is compulsory for everyone living in Switerland, and you must obtain insurance within 3 months of arriving in the country. Basic cover must include:
- Doctors visits
- Medications
- Hospital costs
- Maternity
There are options for enhanced cover. You must take your insurance details when you visit the doctor for the first time.
Switzerland offers excellent medical care, but it can be quite expensive. Dental care in particular is expensive, it’s best to ask for a quote before any work is undertaken.
Medication can only be obtained from the doctor or a pharmacy.
Tax
Switzerland’s tax system allows for contributions on a federal, cantonal and municipal or community level. Federal tax law is uniform throughout the country, but taxation varies considerably between the 26 cantons and each different community.
You will be liable to pay tax in Switzerland if you are resident in the country for more that thirty days. Income outside of Switzerland is subject to tax, and must be declared on your tax return. Residents are also subject to tax on net wealth assets. Married couples are considered a sole tax subject and must file a joint tax return. As the system can get complex, it’s usually a good idea to consult a tax specialist before filling in your return.
Registering at your community
If you are planning to work in Switzerland or stay in the country for over three months, you will need to register with your community. This needs to be done before you start work, and within fourteen days of your arrival. You’ll need the following information to register:
- Passport
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates of children
- A passport photo
- A copy of your employment contract
- Your rental agreement
There is a fee for registering.
Bank account
The two largest banks in Switzerland are UBS and Credit Suisse. In addition, there are many smaller regional and cantonal banks, and the post office also offers banking services. Although the smaller banks generally charge less, the larger banks usually provide a bigger range of services.
Accounts in Switzerland don’t use personal cheques, but cards for withdrawing cash, direct debits, online banking and credit cards are available.
It’s a good idea to set up a bank account as soon as you can on arrival in Switzerland.
Useful webites
For information on what to do in Switzerland, the official tourist board website is a good start www.myswitzerland.com and the Swiss Travel Centre is another useful website www.stc.co.uk for travel information. www.glocals.com is a site aimed specifically at ex-pats.