Moving to Switzerland?

The polite and customary form to greet others would be a firm handshake for men and women. Children are also invited to greet others with a handshake. Close friends and family will commonly embrace. In the German populated areas, women will typically embrace. In the French and Italian areas, both men and women embrace at their greeting. It is common to receive a kiss on both cheeks from acquaintances.

The Swiss do not carry themselves with boisterous or loud behaviors. One should avoid yelling across a room to call attention to someone. Additional negative gestures would be talking with one’s hands in their pockets, resting one’s ankle on their knee, and chewing gum in public.

While addressing others, one should use titles and last names. The younger generation take a more casual approach and refer to each other by only first names. One should follow a more formal traditional approach unless invited to do otherwise.

If you’re moving to Zürich or Geneva, keep in mind that the cost of living is very high.

More than half of the population in Switzerland rent apartments rather than buy housing. Recent reports however have indicated the rental market is changing as wealthier households’ transition to ownership. Because of this, apartment vacancies are on the rise and rental prices are decreasing.

Legal residency is required to rent or own property in Switzerland. Keep in mind when you’re looking for housing to remain flexible regarding the location. If you’re move to Switzerland is permanent, it’s wise to first rent while familiarizing yourself with the area and then purchase a home. A general rule of thumb is to only purchase housing if you’re staying in the country longer than six years.

According to Internations, the most popular catons, or cities, for expats are Zürich, Geneva, Bern, Winterthur, Lausanne, Basel, Ticino, St. Gallen and Lucern.

Pets can be relocated into the country, albeit certain conditions apply. Animals must be imported as a pet (i.e. cannot be brought in to sell), and a maximum of only five animals may be imported. A veterinary certificate must be obtained, unless re-importing a Swiss animal.

Cats, dogs and ferrets imported from the EU must have a PETS Scheme Pet passport, which involves fitting said pet with a microchip and vaccinating against rabies at least 21 days before travel.

If a pet is being imported from a country that is outside the EU but considered a low rabies risk, they can be imported if they have been in the country for at least six months or from birth, and be administered a micro-chip prior to the anti-rabies vaccine, which must take place at least 21 days before travel.

Countries that are considered low risk include: Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand. It is advisable that that all micro-chips in an animal are ‘Euro chips’.

Importing a pet via air requires an animal health permit, which must be obtained at least three weeks before travel. This is obtained from the Federal Veterinary Office (FVO).

All pets must be registered upon arrival in Switzerland – for example, a dog must be registered to the local authorities so that a dog tax can be paid.

Learn more about Sterling Lexicon's safe and secure Pet Relocation Services.

Date Opened: May 20, 2011

Country Director: Dominique Mundia

Location:

Geneva, Switzerland
Route des Jeunes 5A, 1227 Les Acacias
Geneva, Switzerland
+41 22 750 60 60

Service offerings:

• Full-service local, regional and international home moving services
• Employee relocation services
• Assignment management services
• Visa support and immigration services
• Move management services
• Lump sum program management
• Advisory and consulting services