From the first idea to everyday life: deadlines, authorities, costs. No sugar-coating, no jargon.
Switzerland keeps its third-country work permit quotas unchanged for 2026 - and last year's were barely half used. What that means if you are weighing up a move.
SwissExpat · 3 August 2026 · 4 min
Switzerland boasts the world’s best public transport system – if you know the right travel passes.
Holders of a B permit who pay withholding tax often overpay. By submitting the correct application by the end of March, you can secure a substantial refund.
Registration, health insurance, bank account, mobile phone – in the first few weeks, many things need to be sorted simultaneously. This order brings structure to the chaos.
The same performance everywhere, yet premiums can vary by hundreds of francs. Here’s how to make the Swiss system work for you.
12 July 2026 · 7 min
Should I include a photo? How long should the cover letter be? And what’s the deal with the employment reference code?
11 July 2026 · 5 min
At just 0.5% vacancy, every application counts. With these documents, you’ll stand out from hundreds of other candidates.
10 July 2026 · 6 min
State schools charge no tuition and generally excellent. So when does an international school make sense?
9 July 2026 · 8 min
In the fields of health, construction and education, recognition of qualifications is key to securing employment. Start the process early.
8 July 2026 · 5 min
Deposit funds, reduce your tax bill and build up long-term equity for your own home – that’s how pillar three works.
7 July 2026 · 6 min
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When you are signed in, you see your own list instead of general guidance: what is due, by when, and where your canton differs. Plus documents, template letters, and the vouchers in your wallet.
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AVS, ALV, LPP, NBU, withholding tax – the Swiss payslip is packed with abbreviations. We break down each line to show where your money goes.
What is typically included in a Swiss employment contract – and what you should definitely check before signing.
Why your washing machine stays silent on Sundays and a greeting in the lift opens doors – a little etiquette guide for newcomers.