Pros and Cons of Moving to Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its snow-capped mountains, clear lakes, legendary chocolate, and punctual trains. It draws in expats with strong employment prospects and a high standard of living. But, like any destination, life in Switzerland comes with both advantages and challenges.

Below are some pros and cons of living in Switzerland.

Accommodation in Switzerland

+ PRO: High housing standards

Finding accommodation in Switzerland means stepping into a world of high-quality housing. Swiss homes are built to last, with excellent insulation, modern kitchens, and stylish, well-equipped bathrooms. Many apartments come with dedicated parking spaces, and nearly all housing is well connected to public transport. If you’re lucky, you might even find an apartment with mountain or lakeside views – although these come at a premium.

- CON: Highly competitive market and strict rental rules

The Swiss housing market is fiercely competitive, especially in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne, where demand far outweighs supply. Finding an apartment in these areas can take months, and it’s not unusual for dozens (sometimes hundreds) of applicants to compete for a single listing.

Rental agreements in Switzerland typically favour long-term tenants. Leases often last five years or more, and breaking one early can be tricky – you’ll usually need to find a replacement tenant. Landlords tend to prefer Swiss residents or those with long-term permits, so you may have a hard time if you’ve just arrived.

- CON: High upfront costs and strict regulations

Be prepared for steep upfront costs. Most landlords require a security deposit of up to three months’ rent. Airbnb and similar platforms have faced stricter regulations in cities like Zurich and Geneva, limiting options for temporary stays. If you need a short-term rental, serviced apartments or corporate housing might be your best bet.

+ PRO: Innovative solutions are emerging

The Swiss rental market is tight, but some new solutions are making it easier to find housing. Co-living spaces are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among young professionals in Zurich and Basel. Companies such as Nest, Lyvly, and HOM offer shared accommodation with flexible contracts.

Renting Accommodation in Switzerland

Lifestyle in Switzerland

+ PRO: Active outdoors culture

If you love the outdoors, Switzerland is your playground. From alpine trails to pristine lakes, you’ll never be short of ways to enjoy nature. Hiking remains hugely popular, and e-biking is gaining traction, making it easier to explore Switzerland’s stunning mountain routes without breaking too much of a sweat. In winter, you can hit the ski slopes or try snowshoe hiking and ski touring.

- CON: Making friends with locals can be difficult

Swiss people are friendly but reserved, and forming friendships takes time. If you’re used to casual meetups and spontaneous plans, you might find socialising here more structured. Locals often build friendships through clubs, sports, or shared interests rather than casual conversations.

Joining local sports teams, hiking groups, or professional networking events can help you meet people. In Swiss-German areas like Zurich and Bern, integrating tends to take longer than in French-speaking cities like Geneva and Lausanne. In either case, learning the local language will go a long way in making connections.

- CON: Sunday closures can be frustrating

If you like running errands on Sundays, you’ll need to plan ahead. Most shops and supermarkets in Switzerland close for the day, except for a few convenience stores at railway stations and petrol stations. That said, things are changing. Some high-traffic tourist areas in Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne now allow limited Sunday trading.

Lifestyle in Zurich
Lifestyle in Geneva
Lifestyle in Basel

Education in Switzerland

+ PRO: Lots of excellent schooling options

Education in Switzerland offers a wealth of choices, from high-quality public schools to private and international institutions. If you’re planning to stay long-term, enrolling your child in a Swiss public school is a cost-effective way to ensure they receive a top-tier education while fully integrating into the local culture. Bilingual and international schools may be a better fit if you’re on the move frequently or prefer continuity with international curricula.

- CON: Adjusting to a new education system can be difficult

If your child doesn’t speak German, French, or Italian, adjusting to a Swiss public school can be tough at first. While public schools provide intensive language support classes, immersion in an unfamiliar language and culture can take time.

Swiss schools often follow a half-day schedule, meaning many children go home for lunch before returning in the afternoon. While some cantons are introducing full-day school models, it’s not yet standard across the country.

+ PRO: Children can be independent

One of the biggest advantages of raising children in Switzerland is the emphasis on independence. It’s common to see children walking to school alone, riding bikes, or taking public transport with friends from an early age. Safety is a major reason for this. Crime rates are low, and most Swiss neighbourhoods are well-maintained and pedestrian-friendly. Many schools also use a buddy system, where local students help newcomers adjust, making the transition smoother for international families.

Schools and Education in Switzerland

Working in Switzerland

- CON: Jobs for non-locals are limited

While there are some opportunities, breaking into the Swiss job market can be difficult without language skills. Many employers expect at least B1-level proficiency in German or French, particularly for customer-facing roles. Recognition of foreign qualifications varies. EU degrees are generally accepted, but if you’re from outside the EU, you may need to go through a formal equivalency assessment via Swiss ENIC/NARIC.

- CON: Finding work as a trailing spouse is tough

If your partner has a job in Switzerland, securing one for yourself isn’t always straightforward. Many roles are filled through networking rather than job postings, so making local connections is critical. Work permit restrictions can also be a challenge. If you’re on a B-permit as a dependent, you’ll need to apply separately for work authorisation.

+ PRO: High salaries and strong work-life balance

Switzerland is famous for its high wages and excellent working conditions. Swiss salaries are competitive, and employment contracts in Switzerland include strong worker protections.

Swiss professionals are highly productive but don’t equate long hours with hard work. Punctuality, efficiency, and direct but respectful communication matter more than overtime. Swiss labour laws also promote healthy boundaries on work time, with generous holiday allowances and strict limits on overtime.

Work in Switzerland

Local culture in Switzerland

- CON: Culture shock is real

Despite Switzerland’s modern, international atmosphere, adjusting to life here can take time. The country operates with a distinct set of social norms, and newcomers often experience culture shock. For example, everyday life follows strict rules. From mandatory recycling to quiet hours (Ruhezeit) in apartment buildings, Swiss society values order and discipline.

+ PRO: English is widely spoken

Adapting to Swiss culture is easier than you might expect, thanks to the widespread use of English. Most Swiss people speak it fluently, particularly in business settings and tourist hubs like Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne. English is taught in Swiss schools from an early age, making daily activities like shopping, banking, and public transport simple. That said, learning the local language – whether Swiss German, French, or Italian – goes a long way in building deeper connections with locals.

Local Culture in Switzerland 
Business Culture in Switzerland