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Moving to Switzerland from the USA is an exciting endeavor. The Swiss culture and lifestyle are very different from the American. You might be ready to start enjoying the Swiss cheese, chocolate, and beautiful craftsmanship, but before you can get to the fun tasks, you need to understand all aspects involved in moving to Switzerland.
| Size of the Apartment | Cost of Sea Freight | Cost of Air Freight |
| 1 BD Apartment | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| 3 BD Apartment | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 BD Apartment | $7,000 | $15,000 |
*Disclaimer: The prices are estimates and may change due to the weight, size, and volume of the shipment
A big factor affecting the moving costs is the volume of your move. Generally, knowing the correct volume will help you get more accurate cost estimates for your international move. Fill in our volume calculator below and start the first step in your cost journey.
Services: International removals, national moving, excess baggage, car & vehicle transport, piano transport, art transport
Associations: IAM
Services: international removals
Associations: IAM, AMSA
Services: international removals, national moving, excess baggage, car & vehicle transport, piano transport
Associations: IAM
Services: international removals, national moving, car & vehicle transport, art transport
Associations: FIDI, IAM, LACMA, PAIMA
Finding the right moving company will ease your international move. If you want more research, look at all our international movers.
Looking for the best deal for moving to Switzerland? Requesting multiple quotes from different companies increases your chances of finding the right deal and moving company for yourself. Fill in our form below and receive up to five free quotes now.
The average cost of living in Switzerland is around USD 4,477 and USD 8,955 for a family and between USD 2,798 and USD 4,477 for a single person. Although the cost of living is higher in Switzerland, the average income is also higher than in the US, which balances out the cost of living.
| Expense | Cost in the USA | Cost in Switzerland |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $ 20.00 | $ 27.85 |
| Cappuccino | $ 5.19 | $ 5.51 |
| 12 Eggs | $ 3.77 | $ 6.85 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $ 12.04 | $ 28.06 |
| Bottle of Wine | $ 15.00 | $ 13.37 |
| Monthly Bus Pass | $ 65.00 | $ 89.11 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $ 0.93 | $ 2.04 |
*Source: Numbeo
The USA and Switzerland have a tax treaty to avoid double taxation. As always, if you spend more than 180 days of the year in Switzerland you will be considered a tax resident, and therefore are obliged to pay taxes.
The income taxes will vary based on the canton and municipality you live in, but generally, they will be lower than the taxes in the US.
Switzerland does not require a visa for US citizens traveling to the country for less than 90 days (within 180 days). However, if you plan on staying longer or moving permanently, you must sort out your visa application before arrival.
If you are moving for over 90 days, you must apply for a visa through the US embassy or Swiss consulate.
What you need to apply for a Swiss visa:
The healthcare in Switzerland differs from most countries, in that it does not offer free public healthcare but does have a mandatory health insurance requirement. However, this means that the quality of healthcare is excellent and that there are many English-speaking specialists.
You must enroll in a health insurance plan within three months of moving to Switzerland, which will grant you an insurance card that you can use when seeking medical attention.
There are many insurance providers to choose from and most will cover 80% to 90% of treatment costs. The cost of health insurance will always depend on your age, region, and the chosen plan.
Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world and offers a high quality of life, clean cities, and excellent education. As a multicultural country, it’s also a desirable and relatively easy place for expats to integrate.
The Swiss franc is the official currency, and having a local bank is advised. Generally, opening a bank account in Switzerland will save you a lot of money in conversion costs over time.
Below you can find some of the best local banks:
Switzerland is known for its high prices and cost of living, but it offers equally high salaries and some of the world’s lowest unemployment rates. Working in Switzerland is possible for English speakers because many international hubs and companies are located in the country.
You’ll need a work contract and a work permit before moving to Switzerland. To qualify for a work permit, your employer must justify the reason for hiring you over a Swiss resident, and you’ll generally need to:
Below you can find job-seeking sites for English-speaking jobs. Speaking French or German at a professional level will be beneficial due to the multilingual nature of the country.
Zurich – Zurich is the financial hub of Switzerland and one of the most expensive cities in the world. It’s a great option for anyone looking for vibrant city life with a twist of old-town charm. Zurich has an excellent public transportation system making it easy for younger expats as well.
Geneva – Geneva is located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, making it an international hub. The expat-friendly town is situated at Lake Geneva, giving it an idyllic view and an urban environment.
Basel – Home of the Art Basel fair, the city is a great option for art-loving expats. Located on the border of Germany and France, Basel is an international city full of museums, rich history, and job opportunities.
Bern – The capital of Switzerland located in the center of the country offers a great place for expats who wish to explore. Bern is home to a medieval old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a high quality of life.
Lausanne – Lausanne hosts a large student population, making it a nice option for student expats or young adults. It’s home to many universities, beautiful nature on the shore of Lake Geneva, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Last but not least, if you’re moving from the USA to Switzerland with your furry friend, make sure that you’ve carefully followed all the requirements so that you avoid any unpleasantries upon your arrival:
Note: for more detailed information regarding the entrance of pets to Switzerland, please refer to the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office’s website.
Now that we’ve covered all the basics of moving to Switzerland, you’re one step closer to enjoying the Alps and the diverse nature of Switzerland. If you are left with any questions, see our FAQs below and read our other articles.
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