Living in Switzerland
Articles about life in Switzerland.
How foreign citizens in Switzerland can get involved in local life
Like most countries, Switzerland doesn’t grant non-citizens a right to vote and, therefore, have a direct say in how their host country is being run. But there are ways foreign residents can get involved.
How you can save money by changing your Swiss health policy
In 2027, Swiss health insurance rates will increase by 5 percent on average. But you can find cheaper policies and switching to a new provider.
When should you get an English-language interpreter in Switzerland?
With four official languages, everyday transactions in Switzerland may seem intimidating to new arrivals. For some, the answer might be to hire a service or individual to help with interpretation.
Why is Switzerland no longer 'the best country in the world' to retire to?
Though it took the top spot in 2024, this year Switzerland made it only to fourth place in terms of appeal for international pensioners, a new global survey had revealed.
'It's exhausting': British student says foreigners need help learning Swiss-German
Most foreigners are happy to master enough German to be able to get along in German-speaking parts of Switzerland. But one British student insists to really feel at home you need to learn Swiss German - but foreigners needs help.
Is the internet and mobile phone coverage good enough in rural Switzerland?
If you are planning to move to, or visit, the more rural areas of Switzerland, you may want to know whether you’ll be able to use your smartphone and computer without a hitch.
EXPLAINED: Why you need to tell Swiss authorities where you live
When you rent an apartment or buy a property in Switzerland, you will have to announce your arrival at your local municipality or commune. Here’s how to do this.
Housing to jobs: How you can lodge official complaints in Switzerland
Most people don’t encounter any major problems in the way they are treated in Switzerland. But if that is not your case, you have a right to seek recourse.
REVEALED: Where in Switzerland do top earners live?
The wealthy in Switzerland can pretty much choose where they settle - these are the places top earners in the country tend to live.
What do foreigners like and dislike about living in Switzerland in 2026?
Switzerland offers numerous benefits to international residents, but a new survey reveals that there are a few downsides as well.
How to avoid your Swiss citizenship application being rejected
The strict criteria for obtaining a Swiss passport means that as many as one fifth of applications to become Swiss are rejected. Here’s what you should know about increasing your chances of being naturalised.
How the disposal of plastic packaging is set to change in Switzerland
The Swiss are huge supporters of segregating and recycling their waste. Soon the government will tighten rules on the disposal of plastic packaging.
Quality of life: What are the best Swiss towns for families in 2026?
Generally speaking, the quality of life is good all over Switzerland, but as a new analysis reveals, some municipalities offer more than others.
Golden visas: How wealthy foreigners can 'buy' Swiss residency
Swiss residency permits are notoriously hard to obtain for people from some countries. But there is a way to do this — here’s how.
Checklist: Everything you need to do if you leave Switzerland for good
Whether you’re returning to your home country, seeking new adventures elsewhere or retiring abroad, leaving Switzerland means more Swiss bureaucracy and there are lots of things you’ll need to arrange before you leave.
What summons can you legitimately get at your Swiss home - and need to sign?
Sometimes you find an official-looking piece of paper affixed to your mailbox or front door, or a mail delivery person bringing you something to sign. But should you?
Solar eclipse in Switzerland: will the Swiss be able to view it?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere (or, if you are really lucky, in an ice igloo), then you know that a rare solar eclipse will happen tonight. But will everyone be able to enjoy it - safely?
Where can you watch the solar eclipse in Switzerland tonight?
A rare astronomical phenomenon, not seen in Switzerland for 27 years, will happen tonight: The Moon will obscure a large part of the Sun.
12,260 francs less: How the Swiss population's longevity affects pensions
Swiss residents are living longer than ever before, impacting the amount of pension money they will receive in old age.
EXPLAINED: How to drink wine like a Swiss
When foreigners think of ‘typically’ Swiss foods, cheese and chocolate naturally come to mind. Not many people know, however, that Switzerland is also a wine producing (and drinking) nation.
Reader question: Can you haggle in Switzerland?
In many countries, the practice of haggling – that is, negotiating a price – is common. What are the rules in Switzerland?
Why are Swiss wages so high?
Employees in Switzerland have higher net salaries than their counterparts elsewhere in Europe. But why exactly do they earn more?
Nudity? BBQs? What you can and can’t do on your balcony in Switzerland
In warm (and not so warm) weather, getting outside on the balcony in Switzerland can offer some valuable respite. But what are you actually allowed to do?