Move to Switzerland and Feel at Home with the Swiss System
Our personalized introduction to Switzerland and the Swiss system saves you months of trying to figure things out on your own.
Get It Right, from the Start
Hi, we’re Peter, Jacqueline and Richard, your guides to the Swiss system and way of life. We help expats make the most of the tax, social security, and pension systems – as a native Swiss would. Enjoy a stress-free beginning of your new life in Switzerland, avoiding countless regulatory setbacks.
My girlfriend and I moved to Switzerland a few months ago. It was a big change for both of us, and my company only gave us a little bit of support. I am so glad I worked with these guys. One session and I knew where I stood. When I started work I could even give tax tips to colleagues that have lived here for years. I can totally recommend them – more than worth it!
Christian W, Germany
When a big Pharma company offered me a job in Basel I took it. Little did I know about the administrative complications of an international move, with 2 cats. Richard, Peter and Jacqueline were super helpful. The session with them made me feel like I had everything under control. It has been smooth sailing ever since I got here.
Michelle M, UK
Moving my family here from the US was a daunting thing, but we were all really motivated to make it work. It would have been much harder without “our guys on the inside”, that is a fact. There is too much to figure out on your own. Totally recommend their services.
Will G, United States
It’s Not about the Move, It’s about What Comes Next!
Starting a new life chapter in a new country is one of the biggest changes a person can experience. Leaving your old life behind is not an easy decision – even if you’re moving to Zürich, Zug, Basel, Geneva or some tax-friendly village beneath the majestic Alps.
It’s a huge change and there’s so much work to be done. Think of the innumerable hours you’re likely to spend trying to find all the info you need to complete the transition – and still wonder if you’ve gotten the right answers to your questions! With so many things needed to be taken care of, waste of time, stress, and uncertainty are almost guaranteed.
We are Swiss expats!
Others rely just on Google You can get proven-to-work actionable advice instead
With Swiss Expat Guides, you can have reliable assistance with all the things you need to sort out before and shortly after you arrive. Experience a smooth and (almost) effortless transition, getting comprehensive, no-bullshit advice on all key areas of moving to and living in Switzerland.
Immigration & Moving
Taxes, Pension & Finance
Family & Social Life
Immigration & Moving
- Register with your local authority
- Obtain and maintain your visa and work permit
- Open a Swiss bank account
- Import and register your vehicle
- Transcribe your driving license with or without a driving test
- Learn the main parking, driving, and car maintenance rules
- Understand the Swiss housing market
- Identify the ideal tax-friendly neighborhood (the taxation level depends on your location)
- Find the perfect house or apartment Set up the right Internet and phone plans
- Chose the proper (mandatory) health insurance plan
- Discover the insurance must-haves, nice-to-haves, and don’t-really-needs
Taxes, Pension & Finance
- Understand your salary sheet and deductions
- Set up your tax registration
- Learn about the different ways to save on taxes
- Discover tax-deductible options for an employee
- Understand the Swiss pension system and the tax implications
- Take care of your pension fund
- Comprehend the ins and outs of the social security system
- Learn when it’s efficient to buy a property and obtain a mortgage
- Know your unemployment payment entitlements (just in case)
- Figure out how to claim your pension fund even if you leave the country
Family & Social Life
- Discover the peculiarities of life in Switzerland
- Know the dos and don’ts of your new community
- Get a grasp of the local waste and recycling rules
- Learn how to get along with your neighbors (people actually move because of that!)
- Figure out how to expand your social circle
- Discover how much it actually costs to have children in Switzerland
- Understand the kindergarten (pre-school) system
- Learn how to get children into higher education (it’s not that easy!)
- Select the best international school for your child
- Avoid visa troubles in case of a divorce
- Discover why getting a divorce in Switzerland is a bad idea, if you’re the earner
- Obtain and keep the Swiss C permit
- Become a Swiss citizen after 10 years of residency
Immigration & Moving
Taxes, Pension & Finance
Family & Social Life
Immigration & Moving
We’ll guide you through the immigration procedures and help you decide where to live to optimize taxes and commute time.
- Register with your local authority
- Obtain and maintain your visa and work permit
- Open a Swiss bank account
- Import and register your vehicle
- Transcribe your driving license with or without a driving test
- Learn the main parking, driving, and car maintenance rules
- Understand the Swiss housing market
- Identify the ideal tax-friendly neighborhood (the taxation level depends on your location)
- Find the perfect house or apartment
Set up the right Internet and phone plans - Chose the proper (mandatory) health insurance plan
- Discover the insurance must-haves, nice-to-haves, and don’t-really-needs
Taxes, Pension & Finance
- Understand your salary sheet and deductions
- Set up your tax registration
- Learn about the different ways to save on taxes
- Discover tax-deductible options for an employee
- Understand the Swiss pension system and the tax implications
- Take care of your pension fund
- Comprehend the ins and outs of the social security system
- Learn when it’s efficient to buy a property and obtain a mortgage
- Know your unemployment payment entitlements (just in case)
- Figure out how to claim your pension fund even if you leave the country
Family & Social Life
- Discover the peculiarities of life in Switzerland
- Know the dos and don’ts of your new community
- Get a grasp of the local waste and recycling rules
- Learn how to get along with your neighbors (people actually move because of that!)
- Figure out how to expand your social circle
- Discover how much it actually costs to have children in Switzerland
- Understand the kindergarten (pre-school) system
- Learn how to get children into higher education (it’s not that easy!)
- Select the best international school for your child
- Avoid visa troubles in case of a divorce
- Discover why getting a divorce in Switzerland is a bad idea, if you’re the earner
- Obtain and keep the Swiss C permit
- Become a Swiss citizen after 10 years of residency
Avoid the common mistakes many expats make when moving to Switzerland and spend time doing what you came to do - making this new chapter of your life a success.
Peter
Peter is a Swiss native from the depths of the stunning Alps. As a seasoned expat who spends time between Switzerland and Argentina (and has lived in seven different countries), he has an abundance of insights for other expats. Peter enjoys introducing people to cool places and unique ways to optimize their finances in a new country. He also heads a Swiss company that develops digital products and services.
Jacqueline
Jacqueline was born in the Netherlands and has lived, studied and worked in six countries. She moved to Basel in 2015 and currently spends her time between Switzerland and Thailand. She knows more than most about settling in and getting things working ASAP, also from the perspective of a trailing spouse and family. Jacqueline is also an experienced all-round communications consultant.
Richard
Richard made beautiful Switzerland his home after experiencing work and life in five different countries – all with different cultural and economic backgrounds. He understands what it takes for you to quickly settle in Switzerland, start a new chapter of your career, and maintain a desired work-life balance. Richard can provide you with critical legal and family-related advice, being an experienced divorce lawyer and having raised three amazing kids.
Ready to make Switzerland your new home?
Many studies show that Switzerland is one of the countries where people feel the best as expats. Furthermore, Zürich has repeatedly been declared one of the world’s best cities to live in. Jacqueline is based in Basel, and while both Peter and Richard live and work in Zürich, we also have valuable insights to share about Zug, Winterthur, and Bern, should you be delegated there. And, our advice applies to Geneva and the French-speaking part of the country as well!
To most expats, Switzerland has it all – fantastic salaries, great living conditions, a high level of civilization and culture, and at the same time spectacular nature.
Swiss Expat Guides are here to save you days and days of time and protect you from hidden setbacks during your relocation process. Providing you with a comprehensive introduction to Switzerland, Peter, Jacqueline and Richard will help you solve real problems and dilemmas regarding your move. Let’s help you get it right, from the very start.
Ensure a smooth start
The value of the three-hour cost-saving consultation is set at 900 CHF. During and after the video consultation, you will get all relevant info material, links, and tips to enjoy a head start to settling financially in Switzerland. All information is tailored to your unique personal situation, focusing on your specific needs – whether you are a young professional, moving as a couple, or as a family.
Of course, we can also help you arrange a moving service, help with apartment hunting, and various other tasks. However, our main goal is to educate you on how to start your new life here best.
Send us a message and book your comprehensive introduction to your transition to the Swiss way of life. We’ll respond to your question or inquiry within 24 hours.
Looking forward to meeting you!