Living in Switzerland: The Pros and Cons

The Advantages of Living in Switzerland 

In Europe, Switzerland is certainly a great place to live. With an exceptional quality of life, this country offers professional opportunities that attract thousands of young people every year. Socially as well, everything is in place to please you. And if you are French, you will undoubtedly appreciate the cultural differences with this neighboring country, which, in the end, isn’t so different.

Exceptional Quality of Life 

Switzerland is right next door, yet everything is more beautiful and more enjoyable. In terms of quality of life, this is evident when you stay in the country. This quality of life is measurable. The United Nations Development Programme has even ranked Switzerland as the number one country in terms of quality of life. 

This evaluation takes into account the Human Development Index, which measures the individual development of each resident. The World Happiness Report also places Switzerland among the best countries in the world where inhabitants are the happiest. 

Life expectancy in Switzerland is estimated at up to 84 years. The country is recognized as a neutral and politically stable state. As a result, life in Switzerland is pleasant, making people happier and reducing daily worries.

High Salaries and Professional Opportunities 

Money may not buy happiness, as the saying goes, but in Switzerland, money certainly contributes to happiness. This is clearly reflected in the population, and the numbers speak for themselves. Nearly 80% of the working-age population (15 to 64 years old) has a paid job.

When assessing salary levels in Switzerland, there is no real comparison with other countries, whether in Europe or worldwide. Switzerland offers the highest salaries in the world.

An average worker in Switzerland earns approximately 62,872 euros per year. In OECD countries like France, the equivalent figure is 47,684 euros. On a macroeconomic level, the country enjoys strong economic stability. The unemployment rate does not exceed 2.2%, and residents have significant purchasing power.

Living in Switzerland is also advantageous for those with ambitious professional projects. The importance of academic degrees is almost nonexistent, meaning you can find a job based solely on your skills. There is also a certain dynamism infused into business.

Companies focus on innovation and creativity and are constantly recruiting. Moreover, many young French professionals embark on the adventure of working in Switzerland while living in France.

A High-Performing Healthcare System 

Living in Switzerland guarantees health insurance. It is mandatory for everyone in Switzerland and allows access to quality healthcare services. The healthcare network consists of a dense system of private practices and hospitals. 

Functionally, the Swiss healthcare system is a dual-structured mechanism. The cantons independently manage everything related to hospital care and specialized medicine. They are also responsible for healthcare professions and preventive measures. 

On the federal side, responsibilities include mandatory health insurance, the fight against communicable diseases, assisted reproduction, and transplants. 

Simply put, when you fall ill in Switzerland, mandatory insurance covers expenses related to illness, accidents, or maternity. Additionally, living in Switzerland is particularly pleasant from a health perspective, as all citizens are treated legally and fairly.

Cultural Diversity and Stunning Landscapes 

Switzerland captivates with its breathtaking landscapes. Living in Switzerland is incredibly relaxing. The landscape is marked by Alpine regions and lakes. For example, Lake Geneva is a major attraction in the country. 

If you have student housing in Geneva, you can admire nature and the towering Swiss mountains. There are numerous places to visit due to their scenic beauty. Examples include the Grand Canyon of Tamina, the Swiss National Park, or the Rhine Falls. 

There are also historic cities that showcase Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage. You should know that the Swiss Confederation is influenced by various cultures: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. 

In short, if you are French and want to live in Switzerland, you won’t feel too disoriented. You just need to find accommodation near the Jura Arc or Geneva. Likewise, if you opt for student housing near the Franco-Swiss border, the cultural transition will be smoother.

The Disadvantages of Living in Switzerland

The experience of living in Switzerland is not rosy for everyone. The challenges of adaptation are personal. Most of those who settle into housing in Switzerland describe the high cost of living. Moreover, finding accommodation in Switzerland that meets specific needs is quite complex.

Living in Switzerland as a French person is not necessarily easy due to the realities of the country and cultural differences.

One of the Highest Costs of Living in Europe

If you want to settle in Switzerland, the main question to ask yourself is whether your salary can keep up with the cost of living. With such high salaries, Switzerland is also characterized by a very high cost of living. Living in Switzerland under these conditions can be truly difficult for many people. Generally, the usual expenses that weigh on the income of an average worker in Switzerland are distributed as follows:

• Taxes and social insurance: 23%
• Health insurance and supplementary insurance: 11%
• Food expenses: 7%
• Housing: 14%
• Transport: 7%

The main issue in Switzerland is rent and the associated costs. Electricity, heating, the SERAFE fee, etc., should not be overlooked. It is often difficult to cope with such financial pressure on a student budget. These expenses can be even higher depending on the canton.

Housing Access is Often Complex

To live in Switzerland, finding accommodation is a must. However, it is often finding housing that meets the desired conditions that proves to be difficult. There is a widespread housing crisis. An ideal location, affordable price, amenities, and above all, availability—combining all these factors in a single property is challenging.

Additionally, in Switzerland, affordable housing for student life is rarely available for rent. If you do find a rental opportunity, you will likely be placed on a waiting list. It can take up to two years before you are called back and able to move in.

Strict Bureaucracy for Expats

Living in Switzerland is appealing and attractive, but the experience can quickly become frustrating if you are not a Swiss national. Most people who settle in Switzerland complain about the rather strict bureaucracy towards expatriates.  

There are many formalities to complete for expats, despite Switzerland’s application of the free movement of people. It is still mandatory to obtain a residence or work permit if you wish to live in Switzerland. Otherwise, you must present a valid employment contract with an employer and prove sufficient financial resources. Even as a cross-border worker, you are required to apply for a G permit.  

To do so, you need to gather all the necessary documents and wait for processing times. If you are not familiar with Swiss procedures, you may face difficulties. The required declarations can be particularly burdensome. For instance, as an expatriate, you must inform the canton of your presence.  

Additionally, there is extensive paperwork to provide regarding your identity or employment contracts. It also involves navigating a system with variable enforcement, where rules change from one canton to another. Unless you reconsider your residency plans, patience is essential to live in Switzerland.

Culture Shock and Adapting to a New Way of Life

Switzerland may be the neighboring country, but many aspects are quite different from life in France. Language barriers can be an issue, especially if you move to a region where French is not the primary language. Even in the French-speaking parts of the Confederation, some people still struggle with certain linguistic differences. Many things change, including the meaning of specific words.

Some expressions are uniquely French and take on different meanings in the Swiss context, which can sometimes leave you confused.

It is also essential to prepare for a new way of life when residing in Switzerland. In Swiss culture, collective work takes precedence over individual achievements. You will also need to get accustomed to the Swiss attention to detail. Unlike the French, the Swiss meticulously plan everything, often relying on a participatory management style.

In the workplace, these small cultural differences can hinder your integration if you are not flexible. Longer working hours in Switzerland might also come as a surprise—you may need to work 5 to 15 hours more per week than in France to reach the legal 50-hour workweek.

Living in Switzerland also means adjusting your schedule for shopping. Swiss stores tend to close earlier, typically between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Before heading home, you will need to find time to do your shopping accordingly.

Focus: The Differences Between Swiss Cantons

To fully benefit from the advantages Switzerland has to offer, it is essential to understand the specificities of each canton, including tax benefits and the provisions available for students.

The Specificities of French-Speaking Cantons

In Switzerland, there are four cantons where French is the exclusive language:

• Geneva
• Vaud
• Neuchâtel
• Jura

Additionally, the cantons of Fribourg, Valais, and Bern are bilingual, where both French and German are spoken.

Tax Advantages in Certain Cantons

Switzerland operates under a federalist tax system, meaning that each canton has different tax regulations. If you are looking to settle in a canton for its tax advantages, Zug is one of the most attractive options.

Zug has the lowest tax rate in Switzerland, at 22.2%. If you find accommodation in the Baar area, you can benefit even further, as the tax rate there drops slightly to 22.1%. The canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden also offers favorable tax conditions, with a tax rate of 23.8%, as does Obwalden at 24.3%.

In some Swiss cantons, you might also benefit from a unique tax system known as the forfait fiscal (lump-sum taxation). This model is particularly advantageous for high-income earners, as taxable amounts are calculated based on expenses rather than income. This system is especially beneficial for expatriates.

Opportunities and Regional Specificities

Switzerland offers numerous opportunities. The Lake Geneva region, particularly Geneva and Vaud, remains underexploited in some sectors. If you are looking for more job opportunities, you should also explore Zurich, the canton with the highest recruitment rates, especially in the secondary sector.

Living in Central Switzerland provides greater employment prospects. The hiring rate for job seekers has increased by 8.6% in recent years. Among the most promising industries, real estate offers excellent career opportunities. You can also explore more specialized fields such as scientific and technical sectors.

Switzerland is also an attractive destination for professionals in finance and insurance, providing strong career prospects in these fields.

Advantages for Young Professionals and Students

Switzerland is a country that offers excellent opportunities for young professionals and students, largely due to its renowned apprenticeship system.

For students, the Swiss education system is ideal for learning to become independent. Many Swiss schools are globally recognized for their cutting-edge training and high-quality education. The teaching approach is particularly innovative.

Studying in Switzerland also increases your chances of integrating into the job market. Whether you plan to work within Switzerland or internationally, the reputation of a Swiss education can be a significant advantage in your career.