Swiss Relocation Resources
A curated collection of the best resources to help you navigate your relocation journey to Switzerland.
Comparis.ch - Comparison Portal
Switzerland's leading comparison portal. Compare health insurance, banking, telecom, and housing options to find the best deals for your needs.
ch.ch – Swiss Government Portal
Official Swiss portal for "easy answers" about life in Switzerland. Provides guidance on residence permits, customs, and other formalities.
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Switzerland's official authority on immigration and visas. Offers visa requirements, ID and visa provisions, and a short-stay visa calculator.
FDFA – Entry into Switzerland & Residence
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs info page. Summarizes regulations for entering Switzerland, distinguishing between EU/EFTA and third-country nationals.
Study in Switzerland – Official Portal
Information hub for international students. Provides guidance on studying in Switzerland, including university programs, application steps, and scholarships.
Expatica – Moving to Switzerland Checklist
Comprehensive relocation checklist. Covers everything from researching visa requirements to finding housing and healthcare.
Moneyland – Moving to Switzerland: The Checklist
Point-by-point list of steps by a Swiss finance portal. Lists what to do before and after arriving in Switzerland.
Comparis – Checklist for Expats Moving to Switzerland
Practical to-do list from a Swiss consumer site. Covers the top 10 tasks for new arrivals, such as obtaining a residence permit.
InterNations – Guide to Relocating to Switzerland
In-depth expat guide by a global expat network. Walks you through relocating household goods and pets to Switzerland.
IamExpat.ch – Expat Guides and Services
Online platform for internationals in Switzerland. Provides practical how-to guides, job listings, housing ads, events, and news.
Swiss Forum (swissforum.co.uk)
Active English-language forum for expats in Switzerland. Hosts discussions on visas, jobs, housing, schooling, and daily life.
Reddit – r/Switzerland & r/AskSwitzerland
Community-driven forums on Swiss life. English-speaking subreddits for news, culture, and Q&A.
Newly Swissed
Online magazine about Swiss culture and daily life. Offers articles on Swiss quirks, traditions, and tips for integrating.
My Swiss Story
Expat life blog by Pragati Siddhanti. Focuses on helping newcomers navigate life in Switzerland with ease.
ExpatsBlog Switzerland Directory
Catalog of expat blogs in Switzerland. A curated directory listing dozens of blogs by expats.
Numbeo – Cost of Living in Switzerland
Crowdsourced cost of living database. Provides up-to-date price data for Swiss cities.
Expatistan – Switzerland Cost of Living Comparisons
Global cost comparison tool. Offers a simple way to compare the cost of living between cities.
Moneyland Cost Calculators
Swiss finance comparison site tools. Provides calculators and comparisons for Swiss health insurance, taxes, and living costs.
SWI Swissinfo – "Switzerland: How To" Series
Swiss public media guides on living in Switzerland. Offers articles addressing practical questions about Swiss life.
The Local – Switzerland
News site with expat-focused articles. Publishes expat-oriented articles on Swiss bureaucracy and culture.
Our Swiss Adventure (YouTube)
Family vlog and advice for newcomers. Provides step-by-step guides on moving procedures.
Switzerland is Life - Walking Tours
Immersive walking tours in Swiss destinations like Interlaken and Gimmelwald, with millions of views for their scenic, relaxing videos.
MySwitzerland
The official Switzerland Tourism website, offering detailed guides, itineraries, and interactive maps for all types of travelers.
Lonely Planet: Switzerland
Renowned for reliable travel tips, destination guides, and forums for connecting with other travelers.
Swiss Family Fun
Specializes in family-friendly activities, hiking, and city tours, ideal for those traveling with children.
Rick Steves Europe: Switzerland
Offers American perspectives, practical tips, and detailed itineraries, with a focus on budget travel and authentic experiences.
IRS - Tax Guide for US Citizens Abroad
Official IRS resource explaining tax obligations for US citizens living abroad, including foreign earned income exclusion and tax credit information.
FBAR Filing Requirements
Information on Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) requirements for US persons with financial accounts in Switzerland exceeding certain thresholds.
US Embassy in Switzerland - American Citizen Services
Official US Embassy services for American citizens in Switzerland, including passport renewals, notarial services, and emergency assistance.
Americans in Switzerland Facebook Group
Active community of American expats sharing advice on daily life, immigration, taxes, and cultural integration in Switzerland.
US-Swiss Tax Treaty Explained
Comprehensive guide explaining the bilateral tax agreement between the US and Switzerland, and how it impacts income, dividends, royalties and pensions.
American Citizens Abroad (ACA)
Nonprofit organization advocating for Americans living abroad with resources on taxation, banking, voting and citizenship issues.
TransferWise for Americans in Switzerland
Money transfer service guide specifically for Americans moving funds between US and Swiss accounts while minimizing fees and exchange rate costs.
FATCA-Compliant Swiss Banks
List of Swiss financial institutions that accept American clients and comply with Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act requirements.
UBS Guide to US Persons in Switzerland
Banking guide from UBS explaining the special considerations and services available to US citizens living in Switzerland.
American International Club of Zurich
Social club organizing events, networking opportunities and support services for Americans in the Zurich area.
American Women's Club of Zurich
Organization providing social connections, volunteer opportunities and practical support for American women living in Switzerland.
US vs. Swiss Healthcare System Comparison
Detailed analysis comparing the American healthcare system with the Swiss health insurance mandate system, costs, and coverage differences.
Housing Guide for Americans in Switzerland
Tips for navigating the competitive Swiss rental market as a foreigner, including application strategies when lacking local rental history.