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Switzerland

Comprehensive data

Europe — Expat guide for moving and living abroad

Overview

Capital

Bern

Currency

CHF

Continent

Europe

Entry requirements

Check if your passport needs a visa for Switzerland.

Check visa requirements

Popular passport access to Switzerland

Passport Status Max Stay
United Kingdom Visa Free 90 days
United States Visa Free 90 days
Austria Visa Free
Belgium Visa Free
Bulgaria Visa Free
Croatia Visa Free
Cyprus Visa Free
Czechia Visa Free
Denmark Visa Free
Estonia Visa Free

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Monthly costs

Zurich

Rent (center)

2,200 CHF/mo

Groceries

500 CHF/mo

Transport

87 CHF/mo

Est. Monthly Total

2,987 CHF/mo

Compare cost of living in Zurich

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Work Permits

  • L Permit (Short-term Residence)

    Duration: Up to 1 year, renewable once

    Workers with an employment contract up to 1 year

  • B Permit (Residence Permit)

    Duration: 1 year (non-EU) or 5 years (EU/EFTA), renewable

    Workers with an employment contract of 1+ years or self-employed persons

  • C Permit (Settlement Permit)

    Duration: Permanent, renewed every 5 years

    Long-term residents after 5-10 years (depending on nationality)

Explore all work permit options for Switzerland

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Salary & Tax

Income Tax Range

0% – 12%

Social Security (Employee)

0.063%

Federal tax only. Cantonal and municipal taxes vary significantly (effective total 20-40%). Social security includes AHV/IV/EO (~5.3%) and ALV (~1.1%).

Calculate your net salary

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Useful Services

Wise

Manage money in CHF with low fees and the real exchange rate.

Open a Wise account

World Nomads

Travel and health insurance for your move to Switzerland.

Get a quote