From the first idea to everyday life: deadlines, authorities, costs. No sugar-coating, no jargon.
What is SwissExpat? · 30 secondsThe magazine, your checklists and the assistant – a brief introduction.
The Switzerland challenge · 2 minutes
Six questions, two minutes – and perhaps a little aha moment. Ready for a round of Switzerland?
Question 1 / 6
Taxes & MoneyHigh salaries, high costs: what living in Switzerland really means for your monthly budget — with current figures on wages, rent, health insurance and the deadlines that matter.
SwissExpat · 11 August 2026 · 4 min
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Swiss rents are tied to a national reference rate - and it has fallen. If your lease is based on 1.5 or 1.75 percent, you can claim a reduction. Here is how.
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Across most of Switzerland, the 2026/27 school year begins on 10 or 17 August. If you have just arrived — or are about to — here is how getting your child into a Swiss public school actually works, and why it is faster than you might fear.
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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.
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Switzerland boasts the world’s best public transport system – if you know the right travel passes.
3 July 2026 · 4 min
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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.
15 July 2026 · 6 min
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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.
14 July 2026 · 5 min
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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
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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
Listen to this articleAt just 0.5% vacancy, every application counts. With these documents, you’ll stand out from hundreds of other candidates.
10 July 2026 · 6 min
Listen to this articleMember area
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.
More articles
State schools charge no tuition and generally excellent. So when does an international school make sense?
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In the fields of health, construction and education, recognition of qualifications is key to securing employment. Start the process early.
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Deposit funds, reduce your tax bill and build up long-term equity for your own home – that’s how pillar three works.
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Expats often complain about feeling distant. The quickest route to genuine connections is through local clubs and societies.
Listen to this articleWhich ID grants which rights – and how to secure your settlement permit more quickly.
Listen to this articleBig bank or smartphone bank? And how do you send money cheaply back home?
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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.
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What is typically included in a Swiss employment contract – and what you should definitely check before signing.
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Why your washing machine stays silent on Sundays and a greeting in the lift opens doors – a little etiquette guide for newcomers.
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