In #HSBC’s 2020 Expat Explorer survey, #Switzerland scored higher than any other country for political stability, economic stability, and income.
The average ex-pat salary was $111,587 (£92,400), 33% higher than the global average for ex-pats, which stands at $75,966 (£64,700). A massive 71% said they had more disposable income in Switzerland than they did in their home country. It’s even an exceptionally Brit-friendly location. English people are the most common immigrants in Switzerland, and our language is widely spoken across the nation’s 26 cantons, so don’t miss the chance to go Swiss.
Life is calm and the country is often voted one of the safest countries to live and raise a family in Europe. Violent crime is very rare, although there is some petty crime such as pickpockets in the more popular tourist areas. Switzerland is not only a safe country, it also has a history for neutrality and is home to one of the most stable democracies in the world. During the recent economic downturn, Switzerland remained fairly unharmed making it a safe haven for investors and an economy that has fairly low job unemployment. According to the Environmental Performance Index, Switzerland tops the list as the cleanest country in the world. The country has a reputation for its cleanliness and hygiene standards, as well as its care of the environment, which is sure to be attractive for those who care about living in an environmentally conscious country. Many people choose to live in Switzerland to give their families a higher quality of life. Many British people who move here feel their children will be more secure and benefit from the advantages it has to offer in the future.
Even though Switzerland only has a population of eight million and occupies just 41,000 km2, the country is divided into 26 cantons and has four official languages. Switzerland shares borders with five other European countries: Italy, France, Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein. However, before you think about all the places you can go from there, let us introduce you to the top destinations in Switzerland.
#Zurich, this city is Switzerland’s main business destination, a true powerhouse and home to many international companies operating in the banking, art and media sector. Unsurprisingly, the cost of living is rather high and available housing is rare, particularly in the city centre. Families and older ex-pats tend to prefer living a bit outside of the city, though, where it is quieter and you can find more green spaces
#Geneva often referred to as the “world’s smallest metropolis”, is home to the European seat of the UNO and the International Red Cross headquarters, among many other international institutions, and boasts a much more multicultural atmosphere than Zurich. It is located in the French part of the country.
However, it is also one of the most expensive cities in Switzerland, mostly due to the high number of diplomats and politicians working there and the fact that the city is such a popular destination for ex-pats and tourists alike. On the upside, connections to the rest of Europe, and the entire world, in fact, are very good and the best ski resorts are easy to reach.
#Bern, although Bern is rather picturesque compared to Zurich and Geneva, as the country’s de facto capital, it is also an important destination in Switzerland. Located between the French and the German part of the country, it offers both access to the plateaus in the west and the mountains in the east. All important political decisions are made in this city. Beyond that, however, Bern is the perfect place for those looking for a quieter existence, who would prefer a small-town feel to the urban brawl. This also means that a lot is within walking distance and you don’t necessarily need to plan in a long commute every day.
#Lausanne is particularly popular with families with younger children. It is located along Lake Geneva, close to the mountains but smaller and quieter than Geneva, with a more approachable housing market. Another upside is that it is rather safe and has a very low crime rate. Lausanne is also a university town and offers a multicultural, relaxed feel with a high quality of life.
#Basel is a university town and is often considered Switzerland’s cultural capital. Still, Basel is a rather small and cosy town, located in Switzerland’s northwest. Due to its location on the German and French border, there is a lot of industry and trade between these countries. Moreover, the Rhine not only offers great opportunities to relax and take walks along its shores but also plays a big role in import and export which attracts a lot of ex-pats. That being said, the city is also worth a visit for its beautiful old town and its many museums.
Aside from the main cities, there are different regions in Switzerland with smaller towns and good quality of life. Although they may not offer the buzzing nightlife you expected, they are worth checking out.
#Ticino, the #Italian-speaking region of Ticino is popular for its great weather and proximity to Italy. Indeed, Ticino embodies a bit of an Italian flair with piazzas and palm trees, even though the #Alps are not far off. This is also where you’ll find Lago Maggiore and #Lugano, another popular ex-pat destination. Lugano is considered the capital of the Italian-speaking part of the country. Due to the snowy winters and the hot summers, the town is also a favourite tourist destination. If you decide to settle down here, you can enjoy the Ticinese wine and atmosphere or just steal away to Milan which is just an hour away.
The canton of #StGallen is rather small and its main economic sectors are agriculture, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. Its capital by the same name particularly attracts investors and the University of St. Gallen is a reason for many academics and students to move to the canton. Although it only has a population of about 500,000 inhabitants, almost 21% of them are foreigners. This means that ex-pats moving to this north-eastern part of Switzerland will be in good company. In the north, the Canton borders on Lake Constance which it shares with Germany. Thus, it is not surprising that German is the official language in St. Gallen and that a large percentage of the ex-pats you will meet there are, in fact, German.
Switzerland is just absurdly beautiful. The Alps. The lakes. The forests. The improbably neat fields and farms. The Alps. The more sporty and outdoors you are, the more you’ll love this aspect of living here. Just like any country, life in Switzerland has its pros and cons, and it takes some adapting to. Individuals can manage their expectations by researching the country before a move, but some things just have to be experienced first-hand!!!
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