{"id":82,"date":"2020-05-20T10:25:01","date_gmt":"2020-05-20T10:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/?page_id=82"},"modified":"2022-09-13T06:01:04","modified_gmt":"2022-09-13T06:01:04","slug":"moving-to-switzerland","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.imovingto.com\/moving-to-switzerland\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Switzerland: Things to Take Care of Before Emigration"},"content":{"rendered":"

The <\/span>high-peak Alps<\/b>, <\/span>lakes<\/b>, and <\/span>beautiful villages<\/b> create fascinating sceneries in Switzerland to move as an expat and explore a new environment. Having more than <\/span>600 museums<\/b>, this country is ideal for those who enjoy all forms of <\/span>unique artistic expression.<\/b> What\u2019s more, diversity and culture accompanied by a healthy lifestyle make Switzerland so worthy to move to.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are one of those who aim to start a new phase of life by moving to Switzerland, <\/span>IMovingTo<\/span><\/a> will do its best to simplify all the difficulties associated with relocating to a new country.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost of Living in Switzerland: Briefly About Swiss Economy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Switzerland is characterized by a <\/span>strong economy<\/b> with a stable outlook and <\/span>low inequality,<\/b> as it is one of the most advanced and highly developed countries. Regarding economic opportunities, Switzerland has a <\/span>low unemployment rate<\/b> with an index of <\/span>4.8%.<\/b> Contrary to high living costs, there is a <\/span>medium-income tax rate,<\/b> and the average Swiss household expenditure is considerably higher than in neighboring European countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

Superior wages support the cost of living in Switzerland and <\/span>high living standards,<\/b> an advantage many expats in Switzerland find particularly appealing. However, prices are still high even if you find an inexpensive location to live. <\/span>Z\u00fcrich<\/b>, <\/span>Basel<\/b>, <\/span>Lugano<\/b>, <\/span>Geneva<\/b>, <\/span>Lausanne<\/b>, and <\/span>Bern<\/b> are among the world\u2019s most expensive cities.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Obtain a Swiss Residence Permit?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Obtaining your residence permit is the next step in moving to Switzerland as a non-citizen of the <\/span>EU<\/b> or an <\/span>EFTA<\/b> country. Even if you are a citizen of the EU\/EFTA country, you need to apply for a residence permit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You must apply for a residence permit at the <\/span>canton’s immigration office.<\/b>\u00a0 There are <\/span>26 cantons<\/b> in Switzerland, and each canton is responsible for issuing residence permits and work authorization to foreigners who desire to relocate. You have only <\/span>14 days<\/b> after moving to Switzerland to submit an application and ask for a residence permit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Permits L <\/b>or<\/span> B<\/b> will be given to expats who want to move to Switzerland for the first time. These <\/span>short-term residence permits <\/b>are valid for up to <\/span>1 year<\/b> and can only be extended for a maximum of <\/span>24 months.<\/b><\/p>\n

Immigrants who move to Switzerland to work in a certain position or company are granted a Swiss <\/span>L Permit<\/b>. You may not be granted new permission if you currently hold the L permit and want to change jobs. The Swiss <\/span>B Permit <\/b>is for first-time or temporary residents. It is provided to EU\/EFTA citizens for a period of up to <\/span>5 years <\/b>and to non-EU\/EFTA citizens for <\/span>1 year. <\/b>If needed, it may be renewed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visa Types & Regulations<\/span><\/h2>\n

Depending on whether you are an EU\/EFTA citizen or not, there are many types of Swiss visas. There may even be <\/span>annual distribution quotas <\/b>for some visa categories. The cost of a Swiss visa is generally inexpensive unless you’re applying for permanent residency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though the requirements for a Swiss work visa can seem challenging, the application process is <\/span>straightforward<\/b>. For instance, you need to have several years of <\/span>professional experience<\/b> in addition to a <\/span>university degree<\/b> to be eligible for a work permit in Switzerland. Additionally, non-Swiss nationals are required to have at least <\/span>A1 proficiency<\/b> in the language spoken most frequently in their canton of Switzerland.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>self-employment visa<\/b> application is also challenging because it requires<\/span> cantonal and federal approval. <\/b>Furthermore, you could be required to provide documentation of your enrollment in one of the <\/span>3 languages, French, German, <\/b>or<\/span> Italian<\/b>, when applying for any type of Swiss visa. Be aware that you will need to provide evidence of your knowledge of and ongoing study of that language when you renew your visa.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Manage Your Taxes?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Within <\/span>30 days<\/b> of arriving in Switzerland, you should start paying taxes if you are working here. Since each of the <\/span>26 cantons<\/b> and almost <\/span>2,250 municipalities<\/b> in Switzerland imposes its own taxes, the country’s tax structure can be complicated as it consists of <\/span>inheritance taxes, wealth taxes, property gains<\/b>, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a foreigner, your tax in Switzerland will be deducted directly from your paycheck. From canton to canton, the tax rate varies. The average income tax rate has remained static at around <\/span>40% since 2010<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that the Swiss government generally bases the amount of tax that a foreigner pays on their salary and other additional considerations like their monthly rent, childcare costs, and educational expenses to maintain their status as low-tax.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to their business and whether they are considered a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability corporation, <\/span>self-employed people<\/b> in Switzerland are taxed differently. Their particular taxes depend on the regulations of their canton. In general, just like any other business, self-employed people are required to <\/span>pay federal, cantonal,<\/b> and <\/span>local taxes.<\/b><\/p>\n

Healthcare System in Switzerland<\/span><\/h2>\n

In Switzerland, private companies provide health care, and you have to obtain insurance within <\/span>3 months <\/b>of moving there and submitting an application for a residence permit or registering with a <\/span>local cantonal authority.<\/b><\/p>\n

Using the <\/span>search engine<\/b> of the <\/span>Swiss Medical Association<\/b> is one option to find over <\/span>30,000<\/b> doctors and specialists. The search options include name, region, specialty, and language. Calculating the cost of health insurance depends on your specific canton and the type of medical care you require.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basic healthcare<\/b> is covered through <\/span>mandatory health insurance.<\/b> Despite having a universal healthcare system, Switzerland does not offer free public healthcare. All Swiss citizens should instead buy their own <\/span>private health insurance.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Both Swiss nationals and foreign expats are affected by this approach. As a result, despite being expensive, Swiss healthcare is of the best quality. Before they become <\/span>3 months <\/b>old, even newborn babies should have their own health insurance coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Relocate Your Belongings to Switzerland?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Moving furniture and belongings to Switzerland is a simple process, but it involves a lot of paperwork. In order to avoid paying <\/span>import tax<\/b>, you should prove that you have used every item you are taking with you for at least the previous <\/span>6 months.<\/b><\/p>\n

Duty should be paid if bringing a <\/span>vehicle <\/b>into Switzerland. You should declare your car at the Swiss border during regular business hours. Within <\/span>1 year<\/b> of moving to Switzerland, you need to register your vehicle with the appropriate <\/span>cantonal authorities<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be required to present proof of departure notice from the previous country in addition to the <\/span>customs form<\/b>, an <\/span>itemized list of goods, an<\/b> employment contract<\/b>, and a <\/span>rental lease<\/b> to prove your domicile transfer. Switzerland allows you to transport your goods while driving across the border; however, they can also be transported by <\/span>air<\/b> or even by <\/span>boat<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also crucial to be aware that certain items, including <\/span>cash, drugs, cultural artifacts, pharmaceuticals, plants, radar warning systems<\/b>, and <\/span>weapons<\/b>, may be subject to customs restrictions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can You Move Your Pets?<\/span><\/h3>\n

When moving to Switzerland, the majority of aquatic animals, like rodents and rabbits, simply require a <\/span>health certificate.<\/b> You should confirm that any <\/span>“exotic”<\/b> animals you own, like turtles, are not covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (<\/span>CITES<\/b>).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Both dogs and cats need to be <\/span>rabies-vaccinated <\/b>and <\/span>microchipped<\/b>. Your pet should have received rabies vaccinations for at least <\/span>30 days <\/b>before your arrival in Switzerland if you are from a country that the EU considers high risk for the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You must provide proof that your pet has received a vaccination within the last <\/span>1 year <\/b>if you are from a country that the EU considers to be low-risk for rabies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cane Corsos, Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers, <\/b>and other so-called aggressive dog breeds are prohibited from entering Switzerland. Depending on your canton, <\/span>Savannah and Bengal <\/b>cats may also be subject to restrictions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quality of Life & Climate<\/span><\/h2>\n

Considering the excellent quality of life, sophisticated healthcare system, social and environmental aspects, as well as great standards of education and housing, Switzerland came out on top rank as a country with the highest quality of life. In addition to having a wonderful <\/span>work-life balance<\/b>, Swiss expats also benefit from outstanding <\/span>urban <\/b>and <\/span>countryside landscapes.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Expats in Switzerland are still satisfied with their high standard of living, but many still have trouble integrating and getting used to the high expense of living there. Switzerland, regarded as an <\/span>economic powerhouse,<\/b> has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe and consistently ranks in the <\/span>top 5<\/b> on the <\/span>Index of Economic Freedom.<\/b><\/p>\n

Even when it comes to climatic diversity, due to Switzerland’s <\/span>4 unique climate types<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n