Are you planning on moving to Zurich, Switzerland? If so, you’re going to need to gather lots of information before relocating abroad to this central European city. It’s widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and prosperous cities in the world. There is a lot of rich and exciting history and culture that’s truly worth exploring and experiencing. To help you get started on your expat journey, here are some tips we’ll share with you, so you can follow them to make your transition much more comfortable.
You Should Make a Plan Before Moving to Zurich, Switzerland
When moving across the world, it’s essential to go with a plan so that you don’t run into any trouble. First you’ll need to make an expense checklist based on moving and living expenses. Then you’ll need to figure out how to secure a job for stable income, along with finding a place to live, and learn about immigration rules and regulations for living in Europe as an American and what documents are required of you. To start, you’ll need to research how expensive it is to live in Zurich.
Is it Expensive to Move to Switzerland
Before you book a flight to central Europe, you’ll need to know about all the expenses of relocating there. First, you’ll have to pay for a ticket, that can cost as much as $1,300, depending on where you’re flying from. Not only that, but it would also be smart to hire a reputable international relocation company for their shipping services. You’re also going to have to pay for temporary accommodation if you’re waiting to move into an apartment, or taking time to look for one.
Immigration Rules and Visa Requirements
Even though not a member of the European Union, Switzerland is one of the many countries that are a part of the Schengen area. This means, as a US citizen, you don’t have to have a visa before you enter Switzerland. You’re allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days within six months. However, you have to report to local authorities upon your arrival with the appropriate documents needed to travel abroad and share details about your stay. If you wish to stay longer or work there, you’ll have to apply for a long-stay visa or a working permit visa, which you’ll have to meet specific requirements beforehand. For further information, you can contact the federal department of immigration and ask about requirements for entry and duration of stay.
Research the Cost of Living and Taxes in Zurich
It’s a wise decision to always check how much it costs to live anywhere before you move there. Zurich is a relatively expensive place to stay in and rivals the cost of living in almost any major US city. If you plan on staying here and finding a good home, it would be especially beneficial to get to know the cost of living, so you don’t get caught off guard with any expenses.
Is it Expensive to Live in Zurich
Though it isn’t the capital of Switzerland, it’s still the country’s largest city with a lot to offer its citizens. However, it is quite expensive to stay there in-fact it’s so costly that it rivals costs in NYC. For reference, to live an ordinary life in NYC, you would have to have at most $8,100 a month, not including housing. To live everyday life in Zurich, you would have to make $8,340 a month, again without housing. You don’t have to be the world’s greatest economist to know that’s a lot of money for just standard life – a pretty hefty price to pay for one of the best cities to live in Europe.
Which Taxes Should You Expect to Pay While Living as an Expat
Taxes are always a rough experience, no matter where you go. Getting a nice hefty paycheck and watching it get chopped down is enough to make you want to curl into a fetal position and cry, but you have to do it if you’re going to stay here. Living as an expat, your taxes will be levied by the Swiss government, and you’ll have to pay income taxes, wealth taxes, and if you belong to any churches, you’ll have to pay taxes there as well – yes, there are church taxes! In total, you’ll be paying a 21% tax rate – rough, but necessary if you’re to have access to all public amenities.
Find a Job Before Moving Abroad
It’s hard to imagine staying anywhere new without having a steady job, let alone living overseas. It would be wise to secure a decent paying job before you get to Zurich. Luckily there are jobs for expats, but you’ll need to meet a few requirements beforehand. Though speaking English is becoming increasingly more common, it still isn’t the primary language spoken. The most commonly spoken language in Zurich is Swiss-German, so you’ll have to know it well enough to hold a conversation just to get a job there comfortably. You’ll also have to have a strong resume and a few recommendations.
Expat Friendly Jobs in Zurich
Though there are opportunities for expats, you’ll have to work hard to find one. Information technology, banking, wealth management, and engineering are considered big business. There are vacancies for English speaking expats; however, those fields are highly competitive. You’ll have to be very vigilant about seeking a job there, but once you land one, it’ll open up many doors for you and help you adjust to a new country.
Pick the Best Neighborhood for You
Zurich is a pretty big city that spans over 88 sq km (33 square miles), divided in 12 districts, and home to 403,000 citizens. There are plenty of communities you can choose to move to, but the hard part is choosing the right place for you. Since you’re a US citizen staying in a new region, it can be challenging to decide. To help you choose, we made a short list of neighborhoods to call home and enjoy staying in:
- Niederdorf – An upscale part of the city with plenty of old architecture and exciting bars, restaurants, and shopping centers located on the city’s east side. Even if you don’t stay here, you’re likely to end up visiting.
- Lindenhof – This area is filled with many old guild houses, public squares, beautiful views, and right next to the business district.
- Langstrasse – Once known as the red-light district, this neighborhood is known as the place to be for nightlife. There are lots of bars, clubs, restaurants in the area, and trendy shopping areas to enjoy.
Is Zurich a Good Place to Live
This metropolis genuinely a great place to stay in; it’s clean, there are plenty of outdoor activities, restaurants, and more. And it’s more than that. Swiss, no matter where they live, tend to be friendly to foreigners, and their country is among the friendliest countries in the world. Furthermore, great outdoor options and lots of greenery make it one of the best places to live abroad with family. When everything is taken into account, Zurich and Switzerland are perfect choice for would-be expats.
Connect With the Expat Community
In Zurich, there are a total of 111,000 foriegn expats throughout the city. Among them, there is a small percentage of English speaking people that you can connect and share experiences with. You can find them either on social media or in any expat-friendly areas in the city. One of the best resources to look for other expats is to visit meetup websites. They have lots of scheduled activities and locations throughout the city, all year round. You can even start your own group and invite others to join.
Now that you have a much better idea of what it’s like to live in Zurich, you can start making your travel plans right away and book international moving services. All the planning and preparation is well worth it and you’ll truly enjoy the experience of living in central Europe.
