Living in Zurich: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Zurich.
Dynamic and culturally rich, Zurich is with no doubt one of the world's best cities for quality living. Over the years, many expatriates have moved there so as to benefit from the opportunities it provides at all levels and low tax rates.
As a leading global financial center, it is also one of Europe's wealthiest regions. By choosing to live there, you will enjoy a vibrant urban life alongside the Lake Zurich.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Zurich with general information to discover the destination.

Discovering Zurich
Moving abroad is a significant decision that involves leaving familiar surroundings to begin a new ...

Adapting to the culture in Zurich
Your adjustment to a new country as an expatriate will be influenced by your country of origin and ...

Developing your social circle in Zurich
Moving to a new country entails significant adjustments, both professionally and personally. ...
Work
Dive into the Zurich labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Zurich.

Working in Zurich
Zurich is a top choice for expatriates in Switzerland. Being the country's economic and ...

Zurich's labor market
If you're planning to relocate to Zurich to grow your career, the first step is to familiarize ...

Jobs in Zurich
Discover professional opportunities in Zurich and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Zurich. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Accommodation in Zurich
Despite its high cost of living, Zurich is a fantastic place to reside. However, the ...

Buying property in Zurich
As an expatriate, the prospect of investing in real estate can be quite enticing. Some countries ...

Find your ideal home in Zurich
Explore real estate listings in Zurich to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Zurich.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Zurich.

Getting around Zurich
Once you have secured a job and accommodation in Zurich, it's important to explore the city's transportation options. Zurich boasts an ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Zurich.

Things to do in Zurich alone, with your partner or with friends
Whether you're on your own, with family, or with friends, Zurich offers a range of activities ...

Things to do on weekdays and weekends in Zurich
Zurich offers a fantastic quality of life. Despite being Switzerland's largest city, its ...

Sports activities in Zurich
With Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps as your backdrop, staying fit in Zurich is a breeze. Whether ...
Articles from the magazine
Philippe Michecoppin: "A good offer includes a package that supports the candidate during the move"
Philippe Michecoppin comes from France but is a globetrotter at heart. After having lived in Spain, Italy and Greece, he settled in Switzerland in 2005. Philippe has been with the Adecco Group for the past 21 years. In 2011, he took the lead of the Candidate International Mobility programme. Since then, his mission has been to restructure and enhance the international recruitment services offered by the Adecco Group to its clients, candidates and associates.
Sarah in Geneva: "There is a high concentration of expats"
Australian expat, Sarah settled in Geneva with her husband 3 years ago to develop their careers. They are enjoying their life in Switzerland...
Denhi in Gruyeres: "People here are very conservative"
Denhi was born in Mexico. Following her marriage, she moved to Germany where she spent several years. Nowadays, she is living in Gruyeres where she works in the hotel sector. Denhi also enjoys going out and seeing her friends.
Queso Suizo
My name is Amanda, but everyone in my family (except my husband) and many friends call me Mandy. I don't think I'll ever outgrow that nickname. I am from paradise, otherwise known as San Diego, California, U.S.A.
Kate in Zurich: "The quality of life here is so wonderful and the pace of life is quiet and slow"
Kate comes from Washington. She fell in love with Switzerland 10 years ago during a train ride. Following a two years stay in London, she finally moved to Zurich in 2014 with her husband and two daughters. In this Interview, she shares her views about life in Switzerland.
First came love, then came Switzerland
When Ashleigh met her lovely Swiss man, she didn't know what the future holds — a marriage, settlement in a new country, and a rewarding work life. Ashleigh and her husband are now living in Geneva, and as a first-time expat, she had a lot on her plate at the beginning. But almost two years after, the culture shock and feelings of loneliness have lightened, and Ashleigh enjoys the charms of Switzerland, plans a family, and can't be happier with her online projects.
Switzerland: An Italian expat's views on the German-speaking labour market
Sara is a pharmacist specialising in medical cannabis, who comes from Abruzzo. She has been living in Thurgau, Switzerland, for nearly two years now, where she works in an elderly care home. She talks to us about how hard it is to find a job in this part of the country as a non-German-speaking expat, and about the importance of learning the language before relocating.
Why is Switzerland the best country for expats?
Switzerland is not just banks and chocolate. The country also offers excellent quality of life and a plethora of other benefits for expatriates. So much so, that expats have chosen Switzerland as their favorite country in the HSBC Expat Explorer 2019. Here is what makes Switzerland a country of choice for expatriates...
