Moving to Switzerland from Australia: What You Need To Know In 2025

Switzerland is world-renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes, efficient public services, high quality of life, and central European location. Whether you're moving for career advancement, lifestyle benefits, education, or to join a family member, relocating to Switzerland from Australia offers a blend of natural beauty and modern living. With OSS Worldwide Movers, your international transition can be smooth, reliable, and stress-free.

This in-depth guide walks you through everything you need to know for your 2025 move to Switzerland—from visa options and healthcare to housing, costs, and life as an expat.

Why Move to Switzerland From Australia?

Career and Business Opportunities

Switzerland is a global hub for banking, finance, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and international diplomacy. Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are home to many multinational corporations and offer excellent career prospects for skilled professionals. The country also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe and high average salaries.

Unmatched Quality of Life

Switzerland consistently ranks at the top for quality of life thanks to its safety, cleanliness, public transport, and access to nature. Residents enjoy a balanced work-life culture, low crime, and some of the best public services in the world.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Living

From skiing in the Alps to hiking pristine trails and swimming in mountain lakes, Switzerland is a paradise for nature lovers. Outdoor activities are accessible year-round, and the environment is well-preserved through sustainable living policies.

Multilingual and International Culture

With four national languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—and a strong international presence, Switzerland is welcoming to expats. English is widely spoken in business and higher education, especially in urban centres.

Strategic European Location

Switzerland’s central location makes it easy to travel across Europe, with quick connections to France, Germany, Italy, and Austria by train or air.

Visa and Residency Options for Australians

Australians do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. For long-term stays or employment, a visa and residence permit are required.

Common Swiss visa types include:

• Work Permit (L or B type): Requires a job offer from a Swiss employer and approval from cantonal and federal authorities

• Student Visa: For those accepted into recognised Swiss universities or educational institutions

• Family Reunification Visa: For spouses or dependents of Swiss residents

• Self-Employment/Entrepreneur Visa: For those starting a business or working as a freelancer with sufficient funds

Once in Switzerland, all residents must register with their local commune (municipal authority) within 14 days of arrival.

Work permits are limited and subject to quotas, especially for non-EU citizens. Your Swiss employer must demonstrate that no EU or EFTA candidate could fill the position.

Cost of Living in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, but salaries and services are proportionately high.

• Rent: CHF 1,200–2,500/month for a one-bedroom apartment

• Groceries: CHF 400–600/month per person

• Transport: CHF 70–120/month for public transport (discounted with a Half Fare Card or GA Travelcard)

• Health Insurance: CHF 250–450/month per adult (mandatory)

• Utilities & Internet: CHF 150–300/month

Zurich and Geneva are the most expensive cities, while Bern and Lausanne are slightly more affordable.

Education In Switzerland

Primary and Secondary Education

Switzerland’s education system is well-structured, high-performing, and regionally governed. Each of the 26 cantons oversees school curricula, language of instruction, school calendars, and education laws. Public schooling is free and compulsory for children from around age 4 until 15 or 16, with the system divided into three main stages:

• Kindergarten (2 years): Typically begins at age 4 or 5.

• Primary School (Primarstufe): 6 years of general education.

• Lower Secondary School (Sekundarstufe I): 3 years of streamed education depending on academic performance. Students are placed in tracks that guide them toward vocational training or university.

Upper Secondary School (Sekundarstufe II) includes:

• Vocational Education and Training (VET): Switzerland’s dual system combines classroom learning with apprenticeships, often leading to skilled, well-paid employment.

• Academic Baccalaureate Schools (Gymnasium): Prepare students for university, culminating in the Matura qualification.

International and Bilingual Schools

Expats often enrol children in international schools, especially in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. These institutions offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), British A-Levels, American high school diplomas, or French Baccalauréat. Fees typically range from CHF 20,000–35,000/year, and places can be competitive, so early applications are recommended.

Higher Education

Switzerland is home to globally ranked universities and technical institutions:

• ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)

• EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

• University of Geneva

• University of Zurich

Public university fees are low by international standards, generally CHF 500–1,500 per semester. Courses in English are increasingly common at the Master’s and PhD levels, though Bachelor’s programmes are usually taught in the regional language. Student visas require proof of enrolment, accommodation, and financial means (~CHF 21,000/year).

Healthcare In Switzerland

Switzerland’s healthcare system is among the best globally, offering world-class medical treatment, short waiting times, and high patient satisfaction. However, it is also one of the most expensive, and managing insurance is a key part of settling in.

Mandatory Health Insurance (Grundversicherung)

All residents—including expats—must purchase a basic health insurance plan from a private insurer within three months of arrival. Insurance is individual (not family-based) and premiums vary by:

• Canton of residence

• Chosen deductible (Franchise)

• Age and health status

• Optional accident coverage (mandatory if unemployed)

Coverage includes:

• General practitioner (GP) visits

• Specialists (with referral)

• Hospital stays in a shared room

• Approved medication

• Maternity care

Popular Insurance Providers:

• CSS Versicherung

• Helsana

• Swica

• Sanitas

• Sympany

Supplemental Insurance (Zusatzversicherung) is optional and covers:

• Private or semi-private hospital rooms

• Alternative therapies (acupuncture, osteopathy)

• Dental and optical care

• Extended maternity services

Residents can switch providers annually. Websites like Comparis.ch help compare plans and costs.

Visiting a Doctor

Once insured, you’ll receive a health card used at appointments and pharmacies. Some policies require you to select a family doctor (Hausarztmodell), while others allow direct access to specialists.

Settling In Switzerland

Anmeldung – Residence Registration

Within 14 days of moving in, you must register your residence at the Einwohnerkontrolle (residents' office) or Kreisbüro (district office in cities). Required documents:

• Valid passport

• Proof of visa or work/study permit

• Rental agreement

• Employment contract or proof of study

• Health insurance confirmation

You will receive:

• A residence permit (L, B or C depending on visa type)

• A Swiss social security number (AHV/AVS)

• A tax identification number (Steuernummer)

Opening a Bank Account

A Swiss bank account is essential for rent, salary, and insurance payments. Required documents include:

• Passport and visa

• Proof of address

• Residence permit or registration certificate

Major banks:

• UBS, Credit Suisse, PostFinance, Raiffeisen

• Digital banks: Zak (Bank Cler), Neon, Yuh

Accounts typically include IBAN access and e-banking services.

Housing and Rentals

Finding housing is one of the biggest challenges. Prepare a rental dossier with:

• Personal information sheet (Selbstauskunft)

• Salary statement

• Extract from debt register (Betreibungsauszug)

• References from past landlords

Renters pay 1–3 months’ deposit and are often responsible for minor repairs. Tenancy contracts are binding, and terminating a lease may require 3 months’ notice and a replacement tenant.

Telecom and Utilities

Internet, TV, and mobile plans can be bundled. Most providers offer contracts with 12 to 24-month terms:

• Swisscom

• Sunrise

• Salt

Electricity is typically billed separately via the local utility. Heating (often central) and water may be included in Nebenkosten (additional rental costs).

Waste and Recycling

Each commune manages its own recycling schedule. Garbage must be placed in official taxed rubbish bags (Gebührensäcke). Recycling includes:

• Paper/cardboard (separate)

• PET bottles

• Aluminium/tin cans

• Glass (sorted by colour)

Non-compliance can result in fines.

Public Transport

• SBB CFF FFS: National railway operator

• Regional and city networks: Trams, buses, and local trains

Purchase a Swiss Half Fare Card (CHF 185/year) for 50% off public transport. The GA Travelcard provides unlimited travel but is more expensive. Apps like SBB Mobile, Fairtiq, and ZVV are invaluable.

Driving requires exchanging your Australian licence within 12 months of arrival (in most cantons). An eye test and theory exam may be required.

Working in Switzerland

Employment Conditions

Swiss work culture is professional and punctual, with a focus on quality and efficiency. The average workweek is around 41 hours, and most employees receive 4–5 weeks of paid leave.

Job Search Resources

Specialised recruitment agencies (e.g. Adecco, Michael Page, Randstad) can assist with expat placements, particularly in finance, IT, and healthcare.

General job board with Swiss-wide listings

• JobScout24.ch: Broad selection of job ads by region and sector

• Indeed.ch and Glassdoor.ch: International job platforms

• LinkedIn Switzerland: Popular for professional networking

• Company websites: Many companies post roles on their own career pages

Labour Market Overview

Switzerland’s labour market is stable, highly skilled, and competitive. Key sectors include finance, pharmaceuticals, IT, hospitality, engineering, education, and international organisations (particularly in Geneva). Salaries are among the highest in the world, and working conditions are excellent, with strong labour laws protecting employee rights.

Work Permits and Visas

Australians require a job offer before applying for a work permit. Swiss employers must prove they could not find a suitable candidate from the EU or EFTA. Work permits fall under the following categories:

• L Permit: Short-term residence, valid for up to 12 months

• B Permit: Initial residence permit, renewable annually

• C Permit: Permanent residence after five to ten years

Permits are subject to quotas and approval by both cantonal and federal authorities. Self-employment is possible but requires a detailed business plan and proof of financial viability.

Work Culture

Swiss workplaces value punctuality, professionalism, and efficiency. Hierarchies are typically respected, and meetings tend to be structured and purposeful. Multilingualism is common in the workplace, and while many offices operate in English, knowing the local language is a major advantage.

Salaries and Benefits

Median full-time salaries range from CHF 70,000–120,000/year, depending on profession and location. Social contributions (for pension, unemployment, accident, and disability insurance) are deducted from gross salary.

Most employees receive:

• 4–5 weeks of paid annual leave

• 13th-month salary (a common bonus paid at year’s end)

• Pension contributions to the Swiss 3-pillar system

Taxation

Income tax is levied at the federal, cantonal, and municipal levels. Some cantons are more tax-friendly than others (e.g., Zug, Schwyz). Expats may be taxed at source, and it’s advisable to consult a tax advisor for your first declaration.

Common Challenges When Moving From Australia To Switzerland

Cultural Adjustment

Switzerland’s culture may feel formal and reserved compared to Australia’s laid-back, sociable lifestyle. Social circles can be closed, especially outside of workplace relationships. Joining community groups, volunteering, or enrolling in local classes can ease integration.

Multilingual Environment

Each region has a dominant language:

• German: Zurich, Bern, Basel (Swiss-German dialects common)

• French: Geneva, Lausanne

• Italian: Ticino

While English is spoken in business and tourism, dealing with local authorities, healthcare, or rental agencies may require functional knowledge of the local language.

Complex Bureaucracy

Swiss bureaucracy is orderly but document-heavy. Processes like obtaining a residence permit, health insurance, or a rental contract often involve multiple forms and require precise documentation. Timely Anmeldung (registration), renewals, and tax filings are essential to remain compliant.

Cost of Living Shock

Switzerland’s high salaries are offset by high expenses. Daily items such as groceries, personal care, restaurant meals, and clothing can be significantly more expensive than in Australia. Planning and budgeting are crucial, especially in the first few months.

Limited Housing Supply

In popular cities, the housing market is tight. Tenants often compete for a single flat, and viewings can be highly selective. Building a Swiss-style rental dossier and being flexible on location can increase your chances.

Long Winters and Climate Adaptation

Switzerland’s winters are beautiful but long. Snow, early sunsets, and grey skies can impact mood and energy. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is not uncommon; light therapy, outdoor activity, and vitamin D supplements can help.