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Posted on 11 September 2023

​Switzerland is a great place to consider working in if you’re looking for a beautiful, prosperous place with a high quality of life, great schools, low taxes (depending on where you live) and great people. It is a land where many opportunities exist for people with the right mindset and ambition - here are my Top 10 Things you should take into account when considering a job in Switzerland:

  1. Salary: Salaries in Switzerland are generally high, but the relative cost of living is also quite high. Many factors can influence the salary, including which region the job is in. You should do your research to make sure that the salary you are offered is competitive.

  2. Taxes: The Swiss tax system is complex and can be difficult to understand - I still struggle after 19 years as a resident. You should consult with a tax advisor to make sure that you are paying the correct amount of taxes – services which are quite easy to find online.

  3. Cost of living: The cost of living in Switzerland varies depending on the canton you live in. The most expensive cantons are Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.

  4. Housing:Housing is one of the biggest expenses in Switzerland and is quite competitive to find. There is a housing shortage and you will need to really put in effort to secure a great place – generally, the availability of apartments is higher outside the city centers. You should expect to pay at least 2’000 Swiss Francs per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a city.

  5. Transportation:Public transportation in Switzerland is efficient and affordable. A monthly pass for the Zurich public transportation system costs a few hundred Swiss Francs

  6. Food: Food prices in Switzerland are similar to those in other European countries. You can expect to spend around CHF 500 per month on groceries. Many great restaurants exist all over Switzerland - meals are not inexpensive.

  7. Healthcare:Healthcare in Switzerland is universal and compulsory. The quality of care in our hospitals is world-class and easy to access. You are obligated to purchase private health insurance – the cost for this varies on where you live in Switzerland. A good bet is to consult an insurance broker who can guide you to the best offer.

  8. Education: Education in Switzerland is excellent and free for all children up to the age of 16. However, there are some additional costs for extracurricular activities and school lunches.

  9. Utilities:Utilities in Switzerland are relatively expensive. You can expect to pay a few hundred Swiss Francs per month to cover gas / electric / water.

  10. Miscellaneous expenses:There are a few other miscellaneous expenses that you should factor into your budget, such as clothing, entertainment, and travel.


In addition to these factors, you should also consider the following when considering a job in Switzerland:

  • The language(s) you speak: Switzerland is a multilingual country, and you should aim to speak at least one of the official languages (German, French, Italian, or Romansh) to get by. Many jobs require local language skills – invest time and energy early to get to intermediate level and you will see that you have increased options for work.

  • Your work visa: If you are not a Swiss citizen, you will need to obtain a work visa before you can start working in Switzerland. EU passport holders are able to work in Switzerland without any need for work visa sponsorship – anyone who lacks EU nationality would require visa-sponsorship which is very limited in scope.

  • The cost of moving: Moving to Switzerland can be expensive, so you should factor in the cost of transportation, accommodation, and other expenses.

If you are considering a job in Switzerland, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are aware of all the costs involved. However, if you are willing to make the financial commitment, Switzerland can be a great place to live and work.

Here are some additional things to consider when making your decision:

  • The canton you want to live in: Each canton has its own tax rates and cost of living, so it is important to choose one that is right for you.

  • The type of job you want: There are many different types of jobs available in Switzerland, so you should find one that matches your skills and interests.

  • Your family situation: If you have a family, you will need to consider the availability of schools and other amenities – the schools here are great and some of the top ranked universities are in Zurich and Lausanne.

I hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of the things to take into account when considering a job in Switzerland. If you are interested in learning more, please follow TalentCloud Group on LinkedIn today. We would be happy to help you find the perfect job in Switzerland!

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