How to Move to Switzerland From the US 

Beautiful mountains, shimmering lakes and vibrant cities delight residents and attract expats to Switzerland. There's a lot to love about this small European nation, and it's a beloved destination for expats. 

With a global network of movers and extensive experience, Atlas International is well-positioned to assist you as you relocate to Switzerland. From planning your move to helping you clear customs and get your items set up in your new home, we're ready to help make your dreams of moving to Switzerland a reality.

Discover Swiss Life: Why Move to Switzerland?

American Expats find Switzerland particularly alluring for several reasons, including:

• Stable economy and great job opportunities: Despite being a small country, Switzerland has plenty of job opportunities for locals and expats alike. Many companies work primarily in English, making it attractive for US expats. It has a stable economy and a very low unemployment rate compared to other European nations.
• High quality of life: From comfortable salaries and easily accessible health care to clean environments and work-life balance, Switzerland emphasizes a high quality of life. It consistently ranks as one of the best countries to live in.
• Stunning natural beauty: Switzerland features awe-inspiring mountain ranges and glaciers, gorgeous waterfalls and pristine lakes. Hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and boating keep active nature lovers busy. 
• Safety: Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world, making it particularly attractive.
• Welcoming to foreigners: Around a quarter of Switzerland's population is foreign-born, and its inviting atmosphere makes it attractive to expats. 

Popular destinations include:

• Geneva: Geneva is the second-largest city in the nation and is known for its laid-back culture. It's near many of the continent's best ski resorts. 
• Winterthur: Winterthur offers cultural exploration through museums, art galleries and frequent city-wide events. It's also walkable and has an affordable cost of living.
• Bern: The capital city of Bern retains its distinctive architecture and small-town feel. It also provides central access to surrounding cities.
• Lucerne: The lakeside city of Lucerne brings medieval architecture to urban living. Here, you'll experience a vibrant culture and have constant access to outdoor adventures.

What You Need to Know Before Packing Up

Moving requires extensive planning, and relocating to Switzerland is no different. Expect to spend 3 to 6 months planning, preparing and taking care of paperwork. This gives you ample time to apply for visas, ensure your finances are in order and learn more about the local culture.

Navigating the Visa Process & Other Paperwork

US citizens seeking a long-term or permanent residency in Switzerland require permission. Permits depend on how long you intend to stay in the country, where you're from and whether you have desirable skills.

To move, you must first apply for a Swiss visa, which may be for work or school or to reunite with approved family members. Once your visa has been approved, you'll need to qualify for a residency permit, which will depend on the length of time you'll be in the nation.

Switzerland has 26 cantons, which are similar to US states. You'll have to get a residency permit for the canton where you intend to reside. The most common permit types include:

• B Permit: A B permit allows residency for foreign nationals intending to stay in Switzerland permanently for a specific purpose. Most commonly, it's for gainful employment and requires the applicant to prove they've been hired, either for an indefinite period or for at least 1 year. 
• L Permit: An L permit grants the applicant permission to remain in Switzerland for less than 1 year. It's typically used for temporary employment. 
• C Permit: After living in Switzerland for 5 to 10 years (depending on country of origin), residents can apply for a C permit. Americans and Canadians can get permanent residency after 5 years. 

If you're interested in Swiss citizenship, there are a few routes you can take. The simplest is ordinary naturalization, which you can apply for after living in Switzerland for 10 years if you hold a C permit. You may also marry a Swiss citizen to attain simplified naturalization. Simplified naturalization also grants citizenship to third-generation foreign nationals under certain circumstances.

Of course, relocating can be a major affair. Finding a job in a foreign country is often a drawn-out process, and if you're bringing cars or pets, you'll need to fill out extra paperwork to comply with regulations. Atlas International can help with the process.

The Cost of Living in Switzerland

The cost of living in Switzerland can cause sticker shock, as the cost of living and average salaries are higher than in the US. The average salary for expats in Switzerland is around $110,000 USD annually, compared to just $63,795 USD in the US. 

Switzerland's taxes are relatively low compared to other Western European nations. The national sales tax is also low at around 7.7% for most goods.

Buying a house in Switzerland is often more affordable than renting. However, renting may be the better option if you only intend to reside in Switzerland for a few years. Renting is often a simpler process, but it can be difficult to find available rentals that meet your requirements.

Life in Switzerland: Setting Expectations

Switzerland has four official national languages, including German, French, Italian, and Romach. While English is common (45% of residents speak it), German is the most widely used, with over 60% of the population using it as their main language.

Switzerland's universal health care system is renowned as one of the best worldwide. Private health insurance is required, but it's heavily regulated by the government. Education is also required, with 95% of school-age children attending their local public school, and the canton determines the curriculum. 

The housing market in Switzerland can be somewhat difficult to navigate, especially in the most popular cities. Most people rent their homes, with only around 36% of citizens owning a house. The labor market, however, remains steady, with a very low unemployment rate. 

When you move to Switzerland, you may experience a bit of culture shock. Learning about social norms before you move can help you integrate. For example, the Swiss tend to be more to the point. They don't typically pry or engage in small talk.

Choosing the Right Moving Partner

The right moving partner makes a world of difference when you're relocating internationally. You need a reliable company with decades of tenure providing smooth moves overseas. Atlas International is particularly well-versed in providing efficient relocation services. We've made countless moves from the US to Switzerland happen. 

The Atlas Process: Moving to Switzerland Made Simple

We take the headache out of planning your international move from start to finish. We start with a thorough consultation, which helps us understand your needs and concerns. This allows us to develop a custom relocation plan with our network of global movers to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

We offer door-to-door services, which include packing up your belongings, taking inventory for customs, and shipping them to Switzerland. We'll bring them to your new home or store them in the country until you're ready to receive them. We can even unpack in your new home if you want us to. 

Settling Into Swiss Society: Tips for Adjusting

While entering the workforce is often one of the quickest ways to start connecting with locals, there are numerous ways to settle in and make friends in your community. Sports, for example, are well-loved, with 70% of people practicing some sort of sport at least weekly.

Learning the most common language in your region also assists with the integration process. Consider taking local language classes, which may also introduce you to new foreign residents.

It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the public transportation system. Trains are often the mode of choice for longer-distance travel. Buses tend to run frequently, especially in large cities. In the busiest areas, routes run every 2 minutes.

Your Swiss Adventure Begins With Atlas International

If you want to move from Switzerland to the US, Atlas International is ready to help you start your international journey. It begins with a free quote online or contacting us via telephone to receive a personalized moving consultation. With Atlas International, you'll get the smoothest, most straightforward moving process possible.