If you are planning to immigrate to Switzerland, you should already in advance plan where to stay. That process takes time and effort, so it is advisable to work with a relocation provider who will help you with the whole process.
Due to high property prices, most expats chose to rent instead of buying a home directly after arriving in Switzerland. Nevertheless, buying a home does offer various benefits and is therefore worth considering.
If you decide to buy an apartment or house, you should take your time in choosing where to settle. A relocation provider can be very helpful in finding the property that best suits your needs. If you can secure a suitable mortgage interest rate, buying your own property can be an interesting investment for a carefree future in Switzerland.
If you decide to rent a home when moving to Switzerland from abroad, there are various factors to take into consideration. The demand for rental property is high, which makes apartment hunting difficult, especially in city centers.
Most Swiss properties for rent or sale are nowadays advertised online. You may check portals like immoscout24 or homegate, newspapers, or work with a relocation provider. Due to their long experience, they usually have good connections with landlords and get to know in advance which apartments will be for rent.
When applying for a home, you are usually required to submit your wage statement and an extract from the debt register together with the application. The extract can be ordered online or at a debt enforcement office.
Once a landlord accepts your application, you can prepare to move in. Usually, there is the requirement to pay a rental deposit as security. This rental deposit often amounts up to three months’ rent. Concluding a rental deposit insurance with an insurance company can help to cover this financial burden. In addition to this, this insurance gives you and the landlord more security through damage coverage by the insurance, the termination is easy and the refund of the deposit often works faster than by conventional means.
We suggest you to conclude a liability insurance - it protects you from financial consequences in case of damage caused to third parties (water damage to the neighbours, losing the key if you rent the apartment, fire at home, and so on). Furthermore, taking out a household insurance is a good choice to also insure your own movable household such as your furniture, bicycles and more. Usually, this insurance secures you against theft outside as well. Besides this, you can additionally insure your electronic devices, your luggage and other personal belongings.
Regarding the rental price, there is another point to consider: It always includes additional costs. They usually cover the expenses for the caretaker, the heating and water. Not included in these additional costs are the costs for electricity, internet, waste disposal charge and the SERAFE charge (annual TV/radio costs).
Are you planning to rent or buy an accommodation in Switzerland or are you interested in a personal insurance solution? Have you already found an apartment, and now need to insure your household? We can help you with this process. Contact us for a personal consultation.
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world. Therefore, a lot of expats move to Switzerland with their families. We have listed the ten most popular swiss cities and given you a short review of them.
Impressive scenery, good career prospects and an excellent standard of living, have long made Switzerland an attractive destination for immigrants.
Switzerland is a great destination for expats, but every nation has its ups and downs. If you’re new to the country, or if you’re just in the process of planning your move, you should know what to expect. We’ve got the greatest advantages & disadvantages (plus how to deal with them!) about life in Switzerland laid out for you.
The corona situation in Switzerland is still critical. If you still don't want to miss out on some fun and sport, you'll get your money's worth when visiting ski resorts.
Switzerland is very famous for its many laws and obligations. Here are some of the most bizarre ones.
Switzerland has the longest, densest, most varied and best waymarked network of hiking trails. In so many ways a record breaker. In total in Switzerland there are 65’000 kilometers of waymarked trails at all levels of difficulties. We have gathered the most important information for hiking in Switzerland.
We have summed up for you the ten most beautiful and interesting sights in Switzerland.
Conditions, qualities and expectations vary from country to country. Therefore, it is important that you are aware and know how the dating scene works in Switzerland and what Swiss men and women value and love.
Are you moving to Switzerland with children? Then it is important for you to know how the education system works in Switzerland. Switzerland offers your children many opportunities and a high-quality education.
The range of childcare options in Switzerland is very diverse and wide-ranging. Find out in this article which childcare options are available for your children and which one best suits your needs.
Good career opportunities, numerous further qualification possibilities and an attractive salary. These are the things that define the Swiss labour market. The world of work is stable and the unemployment rate has been low for many years, which is one of the many reasons why the Swiss labour market is one of the best in the world.
You already know that Switzerland offers very good educational opportunities and great career prospects. But did you know that the study opportunities are also just as diverse?
As you already know from our article on "How to find love in Switzerland", making new contacts in Switzerland is not that easy. But that doesn't mean it's impossible - you just have to know how. Read on to find out more!
From amusing, charming to brutal traditions - Switzerland has a variety of traditions and customs to offer. Around 200 different ones are still practiced today. We are pleased to introduce you to four of the best known living Swiss traditions.
It's no secret that the Swiss work a lot - but what do they actually do on their days off or after work? Find out in this article which are the most popular Swiss hobbies.
Everyday life for newcomers can be challenging and often you don't know where to get the right support. In this article, we have compiled the most important apps that will simplify your life in Switzerland.
Switzerland has a wide range of leisure activities to offer. This also includes museums. Whether culture, science or art - visitors are fascinated by what Switzerland has to offer. In this article, we have selected the 10 most exciting museums for you from over 1130.
In all parts of the world, Easter is a good reason to share hope, confidence and joy with loved ones and create unforgettable moments together. But every country has different customs and traditions and so does Switzerland. In this article we will acquaint you with the most common and popular Swiss traditions during Easter time!
The Sechseläuten, also known as Sächsilüüte, is a spring festival in Zurich that has been held every spring in the center of Sechseläutenplatz since 1902. On April 25, the Sechseläuten took place. In this article you will learn the exciting story behind the spring festival.
Springtime - The favorite season for many people. And rightfully so. The weather is cooperating, the list of activities is endless and the anticipation for summer is huge. Want to be as active as possible this spring but don't know where to start? We have put together a list of the best activities for you to make your choice easier!
Sustainability is a topic that is becoming increasingly important and more and more people are addressing it. Whether it's reducing plastic consumption or separating garbage, everyone can make a contribution to more sustainability in their everyday lives. In this article, you will find out how you can make your everyday life more environmentally friendly.
The Sechseläuten is a centuries-old tradition at the beginning of spring in Zurich. It always takes place on the third Monday in April. Besides historically costumed guild members, bands, horses, flowers, flags and the "Böögg" characterize the festival. Nowadays, the Böögg is even the main figure and symbolizes winter. He is burned on a pyre just in time for the six o'clock chimes of the Grossmünster church. And the faster his head, filled with fireworks, explodes, the more beautiful summer will be. At least that's what they say in Zurich.
Living as an expat in Switzerland is an exciting journey full of new discoveries and experiences, but it also comes with numerous laws and regulations to adhere to. Switzerland takes fines seriously – violations of the many local regulations are quickly punished with fines. Here's how you can avoid unpleasant surprises and integrate smoothly.
The Street Parade is back in Zurich! If you’re new in Switzerland, you don’t want to miss this legendary occasion on Saturday, the 10th of August 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about the world’s largest techno-party (including our own special recommendation for the after-party)!
Switzerland is an expensive country, and it has not escaped the cost-of-living crisis unscathed. While the current economic situation for the average Swiss worker is still relatively stable, many people find themselves having to ‘tighten the belt’. Projections for the lower-to middle class are bleak, and newcomers to Switzerland are especially at risk.
James N., originally from the UK, has lived in Switzerland for the last 30 years. His professional career has led him to work in radio and in banking. In 2023, James was encouraged to apply for Swiss citizenship through the simplified naturalization process, as he was married to a Swiss national and had lived in the country long enough.
