Relocation To Switzerland

Visa requirements

All foreigners need the appropriate visa for Switzerland, irrespective of whether they want to stay for a holiday, or settle more permanently.
Anyone thinking of moving there should be aware that different rules apply to European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens, and those from elsewhere.

Citizens from the EU, the EFTA, and countries on the Swiss government’s designated list are allowed visa-free entry and can stay for 90 days, provided their passport is valid for at least six months.

Anyone wishing to work or live in the country for more than three months need to apply for a Swiss residence permit – there is no separate work permit. This applies to all foreign nationals, but it’s easier for EU/EFTA citizens to be granted one.

These are the most common permits:

Permit B (Initial Residence Permit): For anyone with an employment contract valid for more than 12 months; who have the means to live in Switzerland without employment; or who are self-employed, although you will need to show you have enough funds to live without employment. The permit is valid for five years, and is renewable for another five.
Permit C (Permanent Residence Permit): Only citizens of the EFTA and original 15 EU member states who have lived in Switzerland for five years are eligible.
Permit L (Short-Term): Granted to applicants with an employment contract that is valid for less than one year. This can be extended.

Currency

Swiss franc (CHF), divided into 100 rappen

Time difference

Switzerland is 1 hour ahead of London. It is 2 ahead from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Useful facts

• Capital city: Bern
• Official Language: Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch
• Unit of measure: Metric
• Electricity supply: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin, rounded plugs are used.
• Emergency numbers: 117 – for police, 114 for ambulance and 118 for fire services

Travel connections

Relocating to switzerland

LSS Relocation have built up a wealth of knowledge on locations around the World. To find out more please visit our information page To find out more please visit our information page.

Property prices

As a general guide you will find property prices are influenced by location and demand. Your choice of location will be influenced by your place of work. Local agents will be the best place to start. The process of buying any type of property or land is strictly regulated. The services of certain professionals are usually required for the process. The local estate agent should be able to give an estimation of all fees and the property charges the buyer will be responsible for when they become the owner.

Typical property prices

Price per square meter in city centre – 10,500.00 Fr.

Price per square meter outside city centre – 7880.00 Fr

Property estate agents

Other information

Restaurants when relocating to Switzerland

Relocation Companies

Location Strategy Solutions (LSS) was established in 1986. The Company has grown through innovation and excellent customer service provision and now includes many major international companies among its clients.

LSS is very much engaged with and involved in the world of national and international relocation with memberships and council involvement within the ARP, EuRA to name but a few. Through LSS’s long history within the relocation arena, deep rooted partnerships have been established across the globe allowing LSS to deliver to their corporate clients the right service for their particular needs, whether requiring seamless coordination across multiple jurisdictions or delivery in a single location.

We understand the need to combine a professional service with the personal touch, so important when dealing with the inherent stress of relocation and the particular requirements of each individual and family. Through maintaining our independence we can treat your employees as human beings and not a number in a database.

Relocating to Switzerland | UK Relocation Companies | Employee Relocation Switzerland LSS Relocation UK +44 20 3950 0550. Americas +1 312 999 0057. Asia +81 345 888429