Sponsors
APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.
Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.
Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.
Buying and transferring currency across borders is a critical part of any overseas property transaction to get right, and our personal account-manager led service is here to help you understand and navigate the process safely and securely, without incurring any unnecessary costs. You can benefit from our knowledge about both the currency markets, and the logistics of international payments.
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
GUIDE FOR
Switzerland has long been a dream destination for expats, professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and families seeking a peaceful and high-quality lifestyle. Known for its breathtaking alpine landscapes, clean cities, and excellent services, Switzerland offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern efficiency. Whether you're drawn to the lakeside charm of Geneva, the cultural richness of Zürich, or the quiet mountain villages, Switzerland has something for everyone.
This guide provides a brief overview of Switzerland, with insights into its geography, culture, work life, language basics, and helpful relocation tips.
A Glimpse into Switzerland
Geography and climate
Located in the heart of Central Europe, Switzerland is bordered by Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, and France. Despite its small size, the country boasts incredibly diverse geography, snow-capped Alps, peaceful lakes, rolling hills, and vibrant cities.
The climate varies by region and altitude. Mountain areas experience cold, snowy winters perfect for skiing, while the lowlands enjoy mild summers. Cities like Geneva, Lausanne, and Lugano benefit from a slightly warmer, Mediterranean-influenced climate. Switzerland’s four seasons are distinct, offering everything from warm lake days in summer to magical Christmas markets in winter.
A snapshot of history
Switzerland’s history is rooted in independence, neutrality, and unity despite its cultural diversity. Formed as a confederation of cantons in the late Middle Ages, the country grew into a stable and prosperous nation renowned for diplomacy and political neutrality.
Over centuries, Switzerland avoided major European conflicts and developed a strong tradition of direct democracy. The country became a global financial centre, a hub of innovation, and home to international organisations like the United Nations and the Red Cross.
Today, Switzerland’s rich past is reflected in its architecture, traditions, and regional identities, from medieval towns to modern cities with world-leading infrastructure.
Diving into Swiss culture
Swiss culture is shaped by its multilingual heritage and a strong sense of civic responsibility. The country has four official languages which vary by region. Locals value privacy, punctuality, and order, but they are also welcoming, polite, and community-oriented.
Food and drink
Swiss cuisine is hearty and comforting. Think cheese fondue, raclette, rösti, artisanal chocolates, and mountain classics like Älplermagronen. Each region has its own specialties influenced by neighbouring countries. Dining is often relaxed and family-oriented, especially in smaller towns and villages.
Festivals
Switzerland celebrates numerous traditional events such as Fasnacht (Carnival), the Fête de l'Escalade in Geneva, the Alpabzug (cows returning from the mountains), and Christmas markets that light up cities every December.
Lifestyle
Quality of life is exceptionally high. Public transportation is famously efficient, nature is always nearby, and the environment is clean and safe. Outdoor activities are part of everyday life for many Swiss residents.
Working in Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its professional, structured, and efficient work culture. Punctuality is essential, communication is clear, and workplaces value quality over speed. Salaries are high compared to the European average, and work-life balance is taken seriously.
Many expats find opportunities in industries like finance, pharmaceuticals, engineering, IT, and hospitality. Cities such as Zürich, Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne host numerous international companies and organisations.
While Switzerland is not part of the EU, EU/EFTA citizens still enjoy easier access to work and residency. Non-EU nationals may require work permits that should be started early.
Weekends are typically spent enjoying nature, visiting local festivals, or relaxing with family. reflecting a lifestyle centred around balance and well-being.
Deutsch, Français, Italiano made simple
Switzerland’s linguistic diversity can feel overwhelming at first, but learning a few basics in the local language of your canton will go a long way.
Here are some useful phrases in Swiss German (commonly heard in Zürich, Basel, Bern) as well as standard forms:
English | Swiss German / Standard German |
|---|---|
Hello | Grüezi / Hallo |
Goodbye | Ade / Auf Wiedersehen |
Thank you | Merci / Danke |
Please | Bitte |
How are you? | Wie goht’s? / Wie geht’s? |
I don’t understand | Ich verstah nöd / Ich verstehe nicht |
Where is the nearest…? | Wo isch de nächschti…? / Wo ist der nächste…? |
Can you help me? | Chönd Sie mir hälfe? / Können Sie mir helfen? |
How much does this cost? | Wievil koscht das? / Wieviel kostet das? |
Do you speak English? | Schwätze Sie Englisch? / Sprechen Sie Englisch? |
In French-speaking areas (Geneva, Lausanne) or Italian-speaking Ticino, locals will appreciate basic phrases in those languages too.
Tips for a smooth transition
Understand residency requirements
Depending on your nationality, you may need a work visa or residence permit. Start early, as Swiss regulations can be strict and well-defined.
Secure accommodation in advance
Finding housing can be competitive in cities like Zürich and Geneva. Platforms such as Homegate and ImmoScout24 are useful starting points.
Learn about healthcare
Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but it’s not automatic. You must purchase health insurance within the first three months of arrival.
Respect local customs
Quiet hours, recycling rules, and community responsibilities are taken seriously. Being mindful of these helps you integrate quickly.
Learn the local language
Even a few key phrases will make daily life easier and show appreciation for local culture.
Explore your surroundings
Switzerland is a paradise for nature lovers. Take time to discover lakes, mountains, UNESCO sites, and charming old towns.
Final thoughts
Switzerland offers a lifestyle filled with natural beauty, safety, and stability. Whether you're relocating for work, seeking tranquillity in the mountains, or looking to experience one of Europe’s most scenic countries, Switzerland provides endless opportunities and a high quality of life.
Embrace the culture, enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, and make the most of what this unique country has to offer.
Willkommen in der Schweiz! Bienvenue en Suisse! Benvenuto in Svizzera!
Sponsors
APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.
Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.
Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.
Buying and transferring currency across borders is a critical part of any overseas property transaction to get right, and our personal account-manager led service is here to help you understand and navigate the process safely and securely, without incurring any unnecessary costs. You can benefit from our knowledge about both the currency markets, and the logistics of international payments.
Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.
From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.
By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.
Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.
Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.
Our life is full of metaphors; sometimes we don’t even notice them. However, if you look at today’s world through such a metaphorical lens, you understand why it can be compared to the river. It is dynamic, it is fast moving, every day it gets filled with new streams of ideas, tendencies, and innovations. Then, we can consider different organizations as banks of that river. They all have their traditions, cultural colors, and shades. That’s why there must be something to connect these banks, to make them united by common desires, ideas, business, strategies, language, etc. Therefore, our company come to serve as the bridge for that; we can build a connection between people, business organizations and various establishments. This singular belief makes ourselves and our clients’ products/services and international brand distinguishable amongst all of the rest.
Approach People is a network of consultants spread across our various agencies in Europe. Each Account Manager is an expert in their industry. They listen to you and advise you according to your specific needs. Thanks to a centralised European database, social media and partnerships with global job boards in Europe, your dedicated recruitment consultant quickly identifies potential talents. This expert will then assess and evaluate candidates before presenting you only the best profiles.
With a multilingual team and a deep understanding of global job markets, Approach People provides tailored recruitment solutions, from executive search to permanent and contract placements. Their commitment to excellence ensures a smooth hiring process for both employers and job seekers, making them a trusted recruitment partner worldwide.
Global Health Insurance, 100% Online – Anytime, Anywhere!
Whether you're an expatriate, student, frequent traveler, au pair, or business, we offer flexible insurance solutions for anyone traveling abroad. From registration to reimbursement, we make it easy to manage your health needs worldwide!
As a global leader in international health insurance, APRIL International provides comprehensive coverage for individuals, families, and businesses. Specializing in expatriate insurance, we offer tailored health plans that ensure access to quality healthcare—whether for short-term trips, long-term stays, or corporate needs.
With a strong focus on innovation, digital services, and customer support, APRIL International simplifies international health coverage, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. Our commitment to accessibility and personalized service makes us a trusted partner for those living, working, or traveling abroad.
Apt Wealth Partners is a trusted financial advisory firm based in Australia, providing expert wealth management, financial planning, and investment solutions. With a client-first approach, we help individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through tailored strategies and long-term planning.
From retirement planning and superannuation to tax-effective investment solutions, Apt Wealth Partners offers comprehensive financial guidance designed to build and protect wealth. Our focus is on delivering financial advice that allows us to become your personal CFO. Your finances will be tailored to your needs, allowing you to concentrate on living the life you want. We're privately owned and focus on providing the most transparent advice possible.
As an independent family enterprise, we take pride in our unique identity. With operations in 19 countries, we are Germany’s largest family-owned company and the world’s leading legal insurer. Our commitment to legal protection has made us one of the top providers in the German insurance industry.
At ARAG, we empower individuals, families, and businesses with access to legal support. With decades of expertise, we offer comprehensive legal coverage, ensuring our clients can defend their rights without financial strain.
Whether it’s personal legal matters or business disputes, we provide tailored solutions, including legal consultations, court representation, and mediation services. Our dedication to justice and accessibility drives us to make legal support available to everyone, helping our clients navigate legal challenges with confidence.
Load More
Start now
