The Swiss housing market is difficult in certain locations given the limited supply of housing. Prices for the purchase and rental of property remain relatively high, especially in urban areas.

It is possible to arrange for housing on your own through resources available to the public. You are most likely to find listings in the local or regional newspapers, although you should act quickly as properties are usually rented in a short amount of time. Some information can be obtained from various websites, but, unless you are using a subscription service, information may be limited as properties are not always advertised on the internet due to the short vacant period between renters.

You can also use the services of a real estate or a relocation agent to help review your housing alternatives. The biggest benefit of using an agent is the fact that agents often have access to properties before they are listed on the open market. The agent can also assist in prioritizing your rental application above other applications; although the final decision is always made by the landlord (there is no requirement for the landlord to accept the first application for rental property).

When determining the overall cost of the rental property, you should consider whether any charges are included in the monthly rent, such as utilities, cable television, etc. Please note that it is standard for landlords to request a deposit of three months’ rent.

Links related to housing in Switzerland:

Renting a Flat in Switzerland, Homegate,   ImmoScout24, Comparis Immobilien

Three furnished apartments are available through CTC. Please check for details and availability with your CTC contact.

The Swiss education system is mainly in the responsibility of the cantons, so the system may vary from canton to canton. Public schools are funded through tax revenue, so there are no additional fees for schooling at public schools. The public education system in Switzerland has a reputation for high quality.

Children living in Switzerland are required to attend an educational institution either private or public. Upon arrival in Switzerland, individuals wishing to register their children in public schools are required to contact the educational authorities of their canton/their place of residence.

Compulsory schooling lasts nine years and consists of primary school and secondary school (Level I). Theschool year begins in August. Kindergarten (pre-school, 1-2 years) lasts until primary school begins from age 6 (by a certain cut-off day).

After the compulsory education, pupils around 15 begin their upper secondary education (Level II), which is not mandatory. They start with a general education (Senior High school, Middle schools) or vocational education(apprenticeships), depending on their career plans. Switzerland has excellent universities, colleges and institutes.

The culture within a Swiss company can vary according to whether the company is in the French, German or Italian regions of Switzerland. The main sources of employment law in Switzerland, applying in all Cantons, are the Code of Obligations (OR), the Labour Act (ArG) and the agreed contract of employment. Mandatory collective bargaining agreements (Kollektivverträge) apply only in some industries. The Data Protection Act, Gender Equality Act and Participation Act e.g. apply addional. The employment contract details the employment rights, including conditions of termination of contract.

The notice period for either party is mentioned in the contract. Otherwise the Code of Obligations (OR) regulates the minimum period:

• Seven calendar days during any probation/trial period
• One month during the first year of employment
• Two months between years two-nine of employment
• Three months for ten years and above

Anyone who is gainfully employed in Switzerland is subject to the Swiss social security system. The same applies to anyone living in Switzerland and not in gainful employment. As a general rule, each person is insured on an individual basis. Individuals who are subject to the Swiss social security system pay contributions and as such are entitled to benefits (e.g. maternity allowance). Swiss Social Security contributions are mandatory for Swiss residents, unless covered by a valid exemption through continued membership in the home country’s system.

The social security system in Switzerland is essentially a three-pillar system. It aims to safeguard a reasonable quality of life for the elderly and in the event of invalidity. In addition, the social insurance system provides financial support for family members if the insured person dies. Further the insurance system covers risks such as the consequences of illness and accidents and unemployment, ensures income compensation allowances in case of service and maternity as well as family allowances.

Overview of social security in Switzerland

Social Security in Switzerland - AHV

If you live or work in Switzerland, you have to take out health insurance. Health insurance is mandatory for all Swiss residents and is organized privately, although some employers may choose to subsidize a collective private plan. Even if you work in Switzerland for under three months, basic health insurance is compulsory. It is also compulsory if you are from an EU or EFTA state and work in Switzerland but are not resident here. Cross-border commuters can choose whether to take out health insurance in Switzerland or in their home country. Social health insurance gives everyone living in Switzerland access to adequate health care in the event of sickness, and accident if they are not covered by accident insurance (if you work eight hours or more a week, you are covered against accidents by your employer).

After moving to Switzerland, you have three months to take out insurance with an authorised health insurance company of your choice. The responsible authorities ensure that everyone takes out insurance. You will be required to submit a copy of your policy or health insurance card and authorise any exceptions. Health insurance in Switzerland generally covers the cost of outpatient treatment, doctors (general practitioners), hospitals, pharmacy, etc. You are responsible for 100% of your health care expenses up to a certain amount (the amount varies and determines the price of your health insurance, with the lowest deductible plans being the most expensive), plus 10% (in general) of any costs above this amount. You may choose any health insurer and the insurer must accept the insured irrespective of age and state of health, and without any reservations of qualifying period.

Health insurance in Switzerland

The Swiss tax system is characterised by considerable tax autonomy of the cantons, which leads to intense tax competition between the cantons. There are 26 cantons and more than 2000 municipalities that levy their own taxes. Individuals are subject to several taxes on federal as well as on cantonal and communal levels, such as income tax, wealth tax, withholding tax, value added tax, inheritance and gift tax, real estate capital gain tax, real estate transfer taxes, property taxes, etc.

Calculate your taxes