Ways to live in Switzerland
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Work permit for qualified non-EU/EFTA workers
Switzerland admits non-EU/EFTA workers only as managers, specialists or other highly qualified staff, within yearly quotas set by the Federal Council.
- What you need
- Usually a university degree and several years of experience. The employer must show that no suitable candidate could be found in Switzerland or the EU/EFTA, and pay and conditions must match local norms. Language skills, age and adaptability are also assessed, and housing must be available.
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- The employer applies to the cantonal labour market and migration authorities with a signed contract that takes effect only if the permit is granted.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Student visa Student visas →
Residence permit for education and training
For non-EU/EFTA nationals admitted to a Swiss university or school. The permit is issued by the canton where you will study; visa-required nationals then get a long-stay D visa.
- What you need
- Confirmation from the school that you are admitted, a detailed study plan with its exact length, suitable housing, health and accident insurance and enough money to live without welfare. The canton of Zurich, for example, asks for 21,000 Swiss francs for 12 months, confirmed by a bank licensed in Switzerland. Applicants over 30 must explain why they want this training.
- How long
- For the length of the studies, up to 8 years in total in Zurich. Graduates of a Swiss university can get 6 months to look for a job.
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- In person at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country, which forwards the file to the cantonal migration office. Part-time work of up to 15 hours a week is possible at the earliest six months after studies begin, with an employer's permit.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Retirement visa Retirement visas →
Residence without work for retirees
Non-EU/EFTA nationals aged 55 or over who no longer work can be admitted if they have special personal ties to Switzerland and enough money. There is no right to this permit; the canton decides.
- What you need
- Age 55 or over; special personal ties such as long earlier stays in Switzerland (relatives alone, property or business links are not enough); enough money not to need supplementary benefits; no paid work in Switzerland or abroad other than managing your own assets.
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Apply to the cantonal migration office before moving (in Zurich, online); visa-required nationals then get a D visa at the Swiss embassy.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| One-bedroom flat | $1,660 |
|---|---|
| Two-bedroom flat | $2,980 |
| Bills | $170 |
| Typical local salary | $8,930 |
Cities to consider
- ZurichLake swims and precision
- GenevaLake, mountains and diplomacy
- BaselArt and the Rhine
- LausanneSteep streets above the lake
- BernArcades and a green river
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Switzerland offers clean lakes for summer swims, world-class hiking and skiing, and tidy, safe towns. Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lausanne are international hubs, and the rest of Europe is a train ride away.
Day to day
The rail network is famously punctual and reaches almost every village. Healthcare is excellent but runs on mandatory private insurance. Cards are standard, internet is fast, and German, French or Italian is used depending on the region.
Trade-offs
It is one of the most expensive places to live, from rent to groceries. Social circles can be hard to break into, and strict rules cover everything from recycling to noise on Sundays.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States90 days
United Kingdom90 days
Australia90 days
Canada90 days
New Zealand90 days
NorwayVisa-free
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong90 days
South AfricaVisa
Mexico90 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Switzerland have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Switzerland?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Retirement visa.
Can I retire in Switzerland?
Yes, through: Residence without work for retirees.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
