With four official languages and a multicultural population, Switzerland is a diverse nation. Still, certain quirks of everyday life will take some time for expats to get used to. Having a well-informed, open-minded approach is generally the best way to get used to the local culture in Switzerland. 

Making local friends can be difficult as the Swiss have a reputation for being conservative and reserved, and adjusting to the laws that govern everyday life can be tricky. Be that as it may, the country's love of uniformity means that everything runs like clockwork, and expats will soon learn to adapt to the pace of everyday life here.

Language barrier in Switzerland

Despite the country being somewhat dependent on tourism, the Swiss can be nonchalant towards people who don't speak a local language. Expats will likely need to learn the basics of their region's predominant language to settle in. 

Switzerland’s four language regions can offer starkly different cultural experiences. In the German-speaking part, one is very aware of the orderliness and quietness of the residents, while the southern, Italian-speaking canton of Ticino can give the experience of a mini, albeit more systematic, Italian town. The French- and the Romansh-speaking cantons fall somewhere in between. Throughout the country, one thing is for sure: the Swiss like their peace and quiet. 

Most locals speak English, but signs, restaurants and transport announcements are in the local language outside tourist areas. Between French, German, Italian and Romansch, English can seem non-existent.

Applying for immigration documents and visas in Switzerland can also be tricky for expats who don't speak German or French – so most expats hire an immigration consultant.

Attitude towards foreigners in Switzerland

For some time, foreigners have been flocking to Switzerland. This has made some Swiss people uneasy around expats, and some believe immigrants take away valuable jobs. The Swiss are patriotic and many proudly display the flag outside their homes.

Some expats find that they are only really accepted when they adopt the local language and customs.

Making friends in Switzerland

Expats living in Switzerland will find life in the Alpine country methodical and safe. But without an expat social network, new arrivals can find it harder to integrate. To make the most of their experience, expats should try to understand the locals, respect their rules and customs, and if possible, learn their region's local language. 

The Swiss can be extremely private people, so those who come from collectivistic cultures may find it lonely in Switzerland. Especially in the German-speaking parts, everything is scheduled – including a catch-up with friends. So, unless it is with a group of friends from one's own culture, it is best to stick to the schedule. 

Whatever the rules are, Switzerland offers organisation that cannot be so easily found in other countries. Public transport is extremely dependable. The Swiss are proud of their country and mostly satisfied with how it is run. Some fear that outsiders will spoil the status quo, so there can sometimes be apprehension towards foreigners. This can be overcome by a willingness to integrate by speaking the local language and playing by the rules.

Further reading

►Read the guide to Transport and Driving in Switzerland to learn about the best ways to get around the country

Expat Experiences

"The biggest adjustment was being away from nearly everyone I’ve ever known and also learning the language. I hated not being able to communicate what I thought and felt! For me, the most shocking was the animosity people felt towards Americans. I had never felt that kind of prejudice before. It took me a while to realize that it wasn’t necessarily against me, it was a reaction to things that they had seen in movies and on TV that they thought were true." 

Check out our interview with American expat Melissa to learn more about the expat lifestyle in Switzerland. 

Are you an expat living in Switzerland?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Switzerland. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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