An Expat's Guide to Living in Zurich, Switzerland

Apartment Hunting Tips

Whenever I move to a new city, I suggest starting by living in Airbnbs. This way you can experience different buildings, areas, neighborhoods, and the culture before you start house hunting and commit for a year plus.

It's an expensive city and rent is no exception. Flats here are quite costly, coming in around 1000 CHF ($1078 USD) per room if you are staying alone.

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Finding a Job in Zurich

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If you work in the tech sector, you are in luck, there are plenty of international companies including startups, tech companies, and even Google has a headquarters here. This industry is where many expats work. In most other sectors the job will expect you to speak both Swiss German and English, or learn both.

Zurich isn't the easiest city to network in, as the Swiss culture (and people) are quite reserved, BUT if you are patient, persistent, own your personality, and invest in networking the efforts will pay off.

While Zurich is a German-speaking region, most people speak English quite well, so as an expat or tourist, it is a very friendly place.

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Getting a Long-Term Visa

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Do note, that if you are originally from outside of the EU the Swiss visa process is a bit different than other countries in Europe. Namely, they have an annual quota system, as well they only offer 1-year visas to 3rd country nationals, so your company will need to renew it each year.

This isn't much of a problem for those just wanting to live in Zurich for a year or two but can be stressful if you're trying to permanently move here.

For those moving to Zurich and not working for a company in Switzerland, you'll have a much harder time trying to stay for longer than 90 days at a time. Although Switzerland is not in the EU, the country recently became part of the Schengen Zone. This means that combined with all countries in this zone, tourists or those without long-stay visas can stay in the zone only 90 days every 180 days.

That means if you're dreaming of living in Zurich while working remotely, you'll have to leave every 3 months and wait another 3 before entering Switzerland again. It's not impossible but it will require some forward planning on your part. Switzerland is not one of the many European countries with digital nomad visas.

Cost of Living in Zurich

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe to live in. The average price of coffee is 5 CHF, a burger is 35 CHF, and a cocktail is 17 CHF. Groceries and cooking for yourself are the way to go, however, they are also on the higher end.

Public transportation is fantastic, trains and busses run like clockwork. They are regular and reliable, yet also costly. If you choose to live here, purchase a half-price public transport card for about 200 CHF per year. It will pay dividends, especially if you plan to travel around Switzerland.

While living in Zurich will cost you a pretty penny, if you work for a local company, your salary will reflect the cost of living. Digital nomads might have a harder time affording life in the city unless they also have a high-paying job in their home country or only visit for a shorter period of time.

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A Few Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Zurich

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For me, it was hard to fathom the actual cost of living. People warned me, but living in a place that costs so much is really remarkable. I still get sticker shock most days and have to remind myself that this is just part of life here. It really is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Another useful piece of information that'll help you settle in and make new friends is that the locals take time to warm up. If you have lived in German-speaking countries before, you will feel ok with this, but if you're from more outgoing countries like the USA, Australia, or some of the Mediterranean countries, this characteristic can be challenging at first.

If you want to live here, and if you want to make friends outside of the expat community,  you need to assimilate and be patient as locals warm up to you.

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Fun Things to Do in the City

I really enjoy long walks, architecture, and nature. Zurich offers all three. The architectural sites are many and quite unique. Be sure to check out their one-of-a-kind police station covered in gorgeous frescoes!!!!

This is an extremely walkable city, and one best seen on foot. Zurich is situated around Lake Zurich and the water is so fresh, clean, and clear. Take a stroll around Lake Zurich, starting in Seefeld and heading to the Rote Fabrik red brick factory building for a perfect day spent in the fresh air.

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A Nature Lovers Paradise

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If you like nature, you’ll love Zurich! When preparing to move to Zurich, be sure to pack a pair of hiking boots and a swimsuit. Incredible hiking is only a 1-hr ride away. With such a short commute, you’ll be in the Swiss Alps where there is so much variety of experiences available to you. From leisure activities to extreme sports, you won't be in short supply of ways to enjoy the outdoors any time of the year.

There are also lots of little Swiss towns with rich histories and vibrant frescoes. They're beautifully preserved and worth a day trip to see them for a change of scenery.

Zurich also has an amazing and unique swimming culture. Do yourself a favor and spend some time at one of the pools (Bads) as they are really special. You can go to men only, women only or mixed pools. Some require clothes, some don’t; some serve food, drinks, and some even have dance parties.

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Top Food Recommendations in Zurich

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While most people associate Switzerland with simply incredible nature, which isn't untrue, people forget to talk about the food. Here, you'll find pretty traditional German food but with Swiss chocolate and plenty of cheese fondue for good measure.

There are plenty of great restaurants in Zurich so you won't have trouble finding a yummy meal. If you have any dietary restrictions, you'll be happy to know that you can find vegetarian and vegan options.

Once you've moved here, do yourself a favor and try these foods:

• Laugen Gipfili - aka pretzel croissants. This is a must-try! Luckily, they can be found at most bakeries in the city.
• Reindeer - If you’re visiting in the autumn, grab a dish with deer. It’s widely available and more delicious than you might expect! 
• Traditional meals - These are typically a version of meat and potatoes.
• Brotli - This is a local bread roll. It's really crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

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Moving to Zurich? You'll Love It

Switzerland is a seriously dreamy country to call home. The pristine cities, Swiss Alps, and plenty to do (if you love spending time outside) will make your life here truly something special. Living in Zurich has given me an incredible expat life and I think you'll agree as soon as you give it a try.

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Hero photo by Henrique Ferreira.