Emigrate to Switzerland
Emigrating to Switzerland: Find out the most important information for your stay here
Switzerland is a mountainous country in Central Europe with numerous lakes, villages and high Alpine peaks. For many who want to emigrate to Switzerland, the breathtaking landscapes and high quality of life are particularly attractive. Its cities are home to medieval quarters with landmarks such as the Zytglogge clock tower in the capital Bern and the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. Switzerland is also known for its ski resorts and hiking trails. Banking and finance are important industries, and Swiss watches and chocolate are world-famous. Emigrating to Switzerland offers the opportunity to live in a country with a stable economy and a first-class healthcare and education system.
Facts about Switzerland
Capital City
Bern
Population
8.70 million
Surface Area
25,653.31 mi² or 41,285 km²
Continent
Europe
Official Language
Romansh, French, German, Italian
Currency
Swiss Frank (CHF)
Emigrating to Switzerland: An overview of the political system
Switzerland practices direct democracy. In addition to the usual right to vote in democracies, Swiss citizens also have the right to vote on substantive issues. The government of Switzerland, the Federal Council, consists of a college of 7 members who make their decisions by consensus. The Federal Councillors are elected by the United Federal Assembly, which consists of a large and a small chamber. The National Council, the large chamber, represents the people, while the Council of States, the small chamber, represents the cantons. Representatives from 11 parties put forward their views in Parliament.
Climate in Switzerland: Important information for emigrants
Switzerland generally has a temperate climate. The main Alpine ridge separates the rather cool and humid climate in the north from the milder, sometimes even Mediterranean climate in the south. However, there are considerable regional differences. The inner Alpine valleys often have their own characteristic climate. Valais and the Engadine, for example, are known for their comparatively low levels of precipitation.
Healthcare system in Switzerland: Important facts for emigrants
In Switzerland, the cantons have extensive powers in the healthcare sector, for example in hospital care, cutting-edge medicine, professional licensing and prevention. The federal government, on the other hand, is responsible for compulsory health insurance, combating communicable diseases and reproductive and transplantation medicine.
Every resident of Switzerland is required by law to take out basic health insurance, although the choice of insurer is free. The amount of the monthly premiums depends on the area of residence, gender, age and the chosen level of the annual deductible for adults (between CHF 300 and CHF 2,500). In 2017, the average monthly premium for compulsory basic insurance (including accident cover) amounted to CHF 447. In addition to basic insurance, every insured person has the opportunity to take out optional supplementary insurance.
Emigrating to Switzerland: An overview of the economic situation and quality of life
Switzerland's gross domestic product per capita in 2023 amounted to 91,700 euros. The Gini coefficient of wealth describes the distribution of wealth. The indicator is an established, internationally comparable measure of wealth inequality. It is measured on a scale from zero to one. The higher the value, the greater the inequality. The Gini coefficient in Cyprus is expected to be 0.33 in 2024 (source: Statista).
TThe standard of living and life satisfaction in Switzerland remain at a very high level. These factors are particularly attractive to many who wish to emigrate to Switzerland. In a European comparison, Switzerland ranks third in terms of standard of living, behind Luxembourg and Norway. Emigrating to Switzerland therefore offers the opportunity to benefit from a high quality of life, excellent educational institutions and first-class healthcare.
National holiday
Federal Holiday
Emigrate to Switzerland - Entry Requirements
Entry is possible for German nationals with the following documents:
- Passport: Yes
- Temporary passport: Yes
- Identity card: No
- Temporary identity card: Yes, within the scope of validity, see notes.
- Children's passport: Yes
Notes/minimum validity:
Switzerland is a party to the European Agreement on the Regulation of the Movement of Persons between Member States of the Council of Europe of 13.12.1957. Travel documents other than the temporary identity card may not have expired for more than one year. The legal situation regarding the use of expired travel documents may not be known everywhere.
FAQs for emigrating to Switzerland
Where can I find relevant information about my country of entry and the entry regulations that apply there?
We have compiled destination country information as well as entry requirements and customs information for many countries in the Relocation Service section of our website and are constantly expanding this section.
Can I use my own container that I already own for the move with DACHSER & KOLB?
For every removal, which we at DACHSER & KOLB always offer as a door-to-door (full service) removal, a container is rented for the duration of the removal. We therefore do not offer the option of using your own container.
Who is responsible for my move abroad and the services I need there?
As a FIDI member, we work abroad with selected, long-standing partners who work in accordance with our service standards.
Are my removal goods insured in the event of damage?
For every overseas move, we naturally cover transportation insurance at current value for the used household goods and personal belongings
What types of transportation do you offer for overseas relocation?
It is generally possible to carry out overseas removals via air freight or sea freight. In the case of sea freight, it is possible to ship the removal goods as additional cargo (“LCL shipment” with Liftvan) or with a container (FCL shipment in 20 feet, 40 feet or 40 feet high cube). We will be happy to discuss which option is best for you in a personal consultation.
When and how must the move be paid for and what is the payment deadline?
You will receive an invoice a few weeks after placing the order and pay the full amount directly in advance.
Do I have to pay taxes and customs duties on my removal goods?
Removal goods can be imported tax and duty-free into most countries if you have a valid residence permit. We will be happy to check the options for importing the removal goods for your desired destination country in a personal consultation.
Are you interested in moving to Switzerland or another destination country?
Then do not hesitate and contact us today.
Alexander Brugger
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - AIR&SEA
