Expat Places: Time to Move to Switzerland?
Posted by David Moore on February 6th, 2019.
More than Just Milk Chocolate and Money
Switzerland is famed for a number of things – and not just its celebrated milk chocolate, yodelling and expensive watches!
It is, in fact, a country of unique experiences.
With its picturesque landscapes, its moderate continental climate, and mountain resorts offering skiing, climbing and hiking – and, of course, the famous Matterhorn – Switzerland can claim to be unmatched for its beauty.
What’s more, for investors, Switzerland – home to Davos and the epicentre for the world’s banking industry – is attractive for its secure safe-haven status. The American comedian Woody Allen once quipped:
“If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss Bank!”
But to get a real taste of Switzerland you’ll need to investigate its cities, lifestyle and culture.
The Swiss famously hate to be late. After all, in a nation known for its fine watchmakers, Switzerland, in its own inimitable way, sets the time – and times – with its cities exhibiting the old and the new side-by-side.
A Peaceful Oasis
So, as a potential expat, what are some of the benefits of moving to Switzerland?
Well, the country is peaceful and clean, and with its cosmopolitan cities such as Zürich, Geneva and Basel, it boasts some of the most uniquely classical – and quaint – European architecture you’re likely to see.
With over 40,000 Britons living in Switzerland, there is bound to be a good reason for moving there. Perhaps it’s the well-paid jobs, with many expats earning salaries over £125,000 a year. Adding to that, Switzerland boasts the second-highest life-expectancy in the world.
It is, indeed, little wonder what makes this country a place of choice for the expat.
One drawback is the fact that Switzerland is also one of the most expensive places to buy property, with 60% of householders renting – which increases to at least 80% as you go into Geneva and Zurich. In cities like Geneva it can cost over £650,000 (811,715 Swiss Francs) to buy a family home, although you’ll get a high-standard of living, with the city being known as the ‘Peace Capital’ of Europe.
The politics in Switzerland is known as a sort or refuge from the rest of the world, so if Brexit and Donald Trump are getting you down, Switzerland is the ultimate getaway. Famously, Switzerland is not part of the EU, although it is surrounded by it. Of course, it still has its tensions and disputes, however, it is a place where one can really see democracy in action.
At the Centre of Europe
Then, of course, there are the sights and travelling opportunities within the country itself. Home to some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes – such as Lake Geneva and Seebergesee – it is easy to get involved in watersports such as boating, water skiing or fishing.
Another added benefit of living Switzerland is that it is uniquely positioned at the centre of Europe, which makes it a well-connected and convenient as a place to travel to and from, with Germany, Italy and France all short distances away by train or car.
While moving to Switzerland can be expensive, you pay for its many advantages, such as a low-crime rate, high-income, clean cities, breath taking nature and world class standard of living.
A country celebrated for its efficiency and fine time-keeping, it is without a doubt the deluxe country of Europe, boasting, as it does, both a rich legacy of culture and a future secured as one of the wealthiest nations in the world.
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