Before relocating to Geneva it is worth doing some research. Geneva is considered to be Switzerland’s most international city, and has been a long established destination for British ex-pats. Geneva is the home of the European headquarters of the World Health Organisation and United Nations as well as Dell and IBM.

The official language in Geneva is French but Spanish, German, Russian and English are all spoken. One thing to bear in mind if you are considering moving to Geneva is the high cost of living. Especially concerning the cost of accommodation, this is because there is a considerable housing shortage.

It is also mandatory for anyone moving to Geneva to purchase a health insurance policy within three months of arrival in Switzerland. This is not usually provided by the employer and should be budgeted for when you move.

Visa requirements when relocating to Geneva

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 when relocating to Geneva

Swiss franc (CHF), divided into 100 rappen

Time difference when relocating to Geneva

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

Useful facts when relocating to Geneva

Country: Switzerland
Official Language: Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch
Unit of measure: Metric system
Electricity supply: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin, rounded plugs are used.

Emergency numbers:|

Police – 117
Ambulance – 144
Fire – 118

Travel connections when relocating to Geneva

Airports: Genève Aéroport
Train stations: Genève Cornavin.
Main Road: A1, A1a,

Major cities close to Geneva

Grand-Saconnex, Meyrin, Vernier, Annemasse

Property prices when relocating to Geneva

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 in Geneva

Price per square meter in city centre – 15,585.00 Fr.
Price per square meter outside city centre – 7880.00 Fr

Typical property rental prices in Geneva

Price for an apartment in city centre – 1786.00 Fr per month
Price for an apartment outside city centre – 1170.00 Fr per month

Property agents when relocating to Geneva

CGI Immobilier
Rue des Bains 31
Genève
Switzerland
T: +41 22 809 09 09

CBRE Geneva SA
Rue des Bains 33
Genève
Switzerland
T: +41 22 322 80 60

Verbel SA
Boulevard des Tranchees 8
Genève
Switzerland
T: +41 22 807 33 44

Local government offices when relocating to Geneva

To contact the local government offices visit their website.

Leisure & entertainment when relocating to Geneva

Baur Collection
Rue Munier-Romilly 8
1206
Genève
Switzerland
T: +41 22 704 32 82

Maison Tavel
Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre 6
1204 Genève
Switzerland
T: +41 22 418 37 00

Cathédrale St-Pierre
Place du Bourg-de-Four 24
1204 Genève
Switzerland
T: +41 22 311 75 75

Restaurants when relocating to Geneva

Restaurant Chez ma Cousine
Place du Bourg-de-Four 6
1204 Genève
Switzerland
T: +41 22 310 96 96

Café du Soleilm
Place du Petit-Saconnex 6
1209
Genève
Switzerland
T: +41 22 733 34 17

Brasserie Lipp
Rue de la Confédération 8
1204
Genève
Switzerland
T: +41 22 318 80 30

Home entertainment & communication when relocating to Geneva

Broadband: Cablecom
Television: Sky Europe
Telephone: Cablecom 
Mobile phone: Swisscom

Education when relocating to Geneva

UK Expats will often send their children to the American Schools, which teach the syllabus in English.

Relocation Companies

Location Strategy Solutions (LSS Relocation) 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 relocation 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 Geneva  | UK Relocation Companies | Employee Relocation Geneva

LSS Relocation UK +44 20 3700 9785. Americas +1 312 238 9572. Asia +81 345 789 745

Relocating to Geneva – UK Relocation Companies – Employee Relocation Geneva 120615(ay)