Switzerland, in general opinion, denotes a country of prosperous banking communities, stunning landscapes and astronomical salaries. Switzerland can also, however, be one of the most complicated and expensive countries in the world for those who choose to live there. Nevertheless, those who choose to take a contract in Switzerland could find themselves pleasantly surprised by the experience, especially if they carry out a little research beforehand.

Country Information

Switzerland is located within the heart of central Europe, and shares borders with Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and France. The capital city is Berne and other major cities include Zurich, Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne.

Switzerland is divided into 23 cantons, all of which have their own governing body and varying sets of rules and regulations. The majority of the population speak German, but approximately 19% speak French and 8% speak Italian. English is widely spoken throughout Switzerland.

Approximately 20% of Switzerland’s population are foreign nationals, of which almost 90% are from within Europe.

Cantons in Switzerland

Switzerland is divided into 26 federated states, of which 20 are cantons and 6 are half-cantons. The canton acts as the local administrative office and all registration formalities are carried out here. Procedures and regulations for almost every aspect of local administration vary from canton to canton.

Working in Switzerland

Switzerland is now recognised as having an impressive contract market and, due to the higher salaries that can be earned there, is now attracting more UK contractors than ever before. However, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union; therefore free movement of labour and individuals does not apply as in the EU. Nearly all non-Swiss individuals entering Switzerland with a view to work need to apply for a work permit, although the application process has become easier for EU nationals.

Switzerland does not use the term “work permit” in its traditional sense. The Residence Permit is a combination of both a residence and work permit, entitling the holder to live in a particular Canton and work for a specified employer. As a contractor, you should be able to find a management company who would be willing to apply for a work permit for you, should the client company be unable to do so.

Healthcare in Switzerland

Although Switzerland is not a part of the EU, you are able to access the healthcare system with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you do not have an EHIC, your employer might be able to apply for one for you.

If you are not entitled to a European Health Insurance Card, you will be required to take out private health insurance during your assignment in Switzerland. The minimum mandatory level of private health insurance required to work in Switzerland is basic, and the canton in which you are living will need to approve your choice of health plan.

There are many companies in Switzerland offering the standard basic level of health insurance. The benefits are standardized across providers, but premiums can vary greatly so be sure to shop around for the best deal. There are no restrictions on changing health insurance companies, but the usual cancellation period for basic insurance is 3 months.

As an optional extra, you might wish to take out one or more supplementary ‘top-up’ policies to cover other aspects of healthcare that the basic level does not. These are not mandatory and benefits and costs vary between insurance companies.

It is important to note that you will always be required to contribute a certain amount towards your annual healthcare costs (a ‘franchise’ cost). You will then be required to pay a further 10% of all costs incurred after this initial franchise amount has been exceeded.

For an online overview of different healthcare providers, as well as a wide range of useful information about moving to Switzerland, see www.comparis.ch.

If you operate through a management company during your stay in Switzerland, you might be fortunate enough to be able to remain on the UKNIC social security system. This should help to save costs, whilst still granting you equal access to the Swiss healthcare system.

Living in Switzerland: Renting an Apartment

If you wish to rent an apartment in Switzerland, the quickest way is through a real-estate agent, but this can prove expensive. It is possible to rent a small, one-bedroom flat for CHF 600 in Switzerland, but prices vary according to size and location. In Geneva, you could pay CHF 700 – 800 for a studio, and CHF 1300 – 1600 for a one bedroom flat.

As usual, a deposit is required when renting an apartment. In Switzerland, however, your bank will hold the deposit for you in a ‘blocked account’ in favour of the property owner or estate agency. Once the account has been set up, you will receive a certificate from the bank, which you present to the property owner along with the signed contract.

Travel Possibilities: UK

Travelling home to the UK is easy when working in Switzerland; you can fly to London in approximately 2 hours. Airlines operating between Switzerland and the UK include: