Switzerland is becoming increasingly popular among young people, migrants and tourists. The country is known for its neutrality, beautiful nature and high standard of living. These are good reasons to exchange your Dutch nationality for a Swiss one, right? Of course, you should first look at more advantages and possible disadvantages before you apply for a permanent residence permit in Switzerland, but luckily you can always travel around Switzerland for three months to get a taste of their culture. Are you going emigrate to Switzerland? Have you thought about an affordable moving company? For the best tips and deals, read on.
Why should you move to Switzerland?
Of course, you need more useful information for emigration. You probably won't just decide to live in Switzerland after hearing nice stories. The country is one of the European countries, but it is not a member of the European Union. That is why it is wise to inform yourself well, because the rules regarding emigration to other European countries that are members of the European Union are slightly different. And we say 'slightly different' because the country is a Schengen country within the European Union, while it is not a member. For example, when emigrating in Switzerland, you have to apply for a residence permit, while this is not necessary in EU member states. It is these kinds of small aspects that can make it all a bit confusing.
Moving to Switzerland
It is also nice to look up useful information about daily life in the country before you actually go and live in Switzerland. Of course, you also need to know everything about the necessary paperwork, but other aspects are also important for emigration. Think of what we previously called daily life in the country, the people and the culture. In this article we will therefore discuss a number of pros and cons so that you can see whether the country really meets your wishes. In this way, you can adjust your expectations a little if necessary to avoid the necessary disappointments.
Emigrate to Switzerland
You probably also have your own personal reasons for emigrating. Maybe you have visited a few big cities or the nature in the country and fell in love immediately. Maybe you have decided that you are going to work in Switzerland and have already signed a contract with a Swiss company. Or maybe it is their way of life that attracts you so much? As you can see, there can be many reasons why you have made this decision. Therefore, make a kind of 'moving checklist' for yourself so that you can list all your personal pros and cons and thus form a good picture for yourself. We will of course try to help you as best we can with this article, but our pros and cons do not have to be yours. And vice versa.
Living in Switzerland: advantages
Switzerland is a beautiful country and this has its advantages. Maybe you already know the advantages, because you have visited the country a few times before, but maybe you still know them.. Whatever it is, read on quickly, because you might discover something new!
High standard of living
Living in Switzerland means that you can also enjoy the high standard of living in the country. For many people who move to Switzerland, this is an important factor. The standard of living is not only high if you are a banker, for example, but also if you are a hairdresser. The average net income in Switzerland is €4700. So you can see that Swiss wages are very high compared to the Netherlands. How is it possible that Switzerland does so well on a global level? This is because the country is very well organized. Once you have moved to Switzerland, you will soon notice that everything runs orderly and at a high level. There is a clear structure and this is probably the reason why Switzerland is the way it is. Of course, other aspects also belong to the high standard of living:
- Switzerland's economic development is at a very high level.
- There is a lot of well-paid work and therefore low unemployment.
- The quality of housing is among the best in the world.
- The country has a fantastic public transport network.
These kinds of aspects create a domino effect. As a result, people also adhere better to the laws and the streets always look perfect and neat. There is almost no crime, but there is still a very high level of security. As a result, you feel much safer as a resident. Switzerland also has many laboratories where research is done and medicines are developed.
The beautiful nature
If you have visited Switzerland before, you have probably seen how beautiful the nature is immediately upon arrival in the country. Perhaps you only know it from the stories that people tell about, for example, the beautiful Alps. One thing we can tell you with certainty is that Switzerland is known as the country with the most breathtaking nature of all European countries. This in combination with the diverse nature makes the country even more special than it already is. Many people who have not yet visited Switzerland wonder what nature has to offer. Are you wondering this too? Then you better read on, because we are happy to explain it to you!
- The Swiss parks
Switzerland has a huge number of parks that the Swiss people are happy to support. It is actually a tradition to pass on these nature experiences from generation to generation. Some examples of this are nature parks Gantrisch, Jura Vaudois and Chasserol. - The Swiss mountains
When you think of Switzerland, you immediately think of watches, chocolate and cheese, but don't forget the mountains and glaciers? Everyone knows the Swiss Alps, which are green in the summer, but are covered in thick snow in the winter. Switzerland is therefore extremely popular among skiers and mountain climbers. It might be nice to know that the Dufourspitze is 4643 meters high and is therefore the highest mountain in Switzerland. By the way, if you want to visit a glacier, it is best to drive to Aletsch. This is the largest Alpine glacier in Switzerland. - The Swiss waters
Many people do not know that many of the long rivers in Europe originate in Switzerland. So you can imagine that the country has beautiful lakes, rivers and streams. These are definitely worth a visit. Lake Cauma is beautiful if you want to see one of the lakes in the country. Do you want something a bit more extreme and would you like to see a waterfall? Then you can best visit the Rhine Falls of Schaffhausen. This is the largest waterfall in Europe. You will encounter the rivers when you visit the cities. - The Swiss Valleys
The valleys in Switzerland are wonderful to visit in the summer. You can find wonderful cooling during the warmer summer days. Do you like walks and plants? Then you will be able to walk endlessly here and at the same time you will discover special plants and flowers. The valley of Val de Travers is definitely worth a visit. This is where the green drink Absinthe was discovered. Also called 'the green fairy'. - The Swiss Caves
Switzerland not only has beautiful nature above ground, but the country also has hidden treasures underground. Switzerland has a huge number of caves that you can visit during excursions. In the cave St. Léonard there is even an underground lake where you can sail.
Emigrating to Switzerland after retirement
Because of all the beautiful natural landscapes, peace and space, many Dutch people choose to emigrate to Switzerland after their retirement.
Cleanest air in the world
Switzerland is also the cleanest country in the world. The clean air, mountains and minimal use of pesticides have a great influence on the aforementioned high standard of living.
A safe life
Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. In Switzerland, crime is almost non-existent. Furthermore, Switzerland's security system is also among the best in the world.
Why is the country one of the safest countries in the world? Probably because of the good economic development. The Swiss government does not necessarily apply different rules, but the laws are stricter and the fines are also higher than elsewhere in Europe. Furthermore, there is political stability and an extremely low unemployment level.
Living in Switzerland: disadvantages
Now that you have read all the advantages of moving to Switzerland, you may not believe it, but Switzerland also has its disadvantages. Nobody is perfect and that of course also applies to the countries. After reading the disadvantages, you can make a good assessment for yourself and see if moving to Switzerland is really something you want.
The official languages in Switzerland
The country has 4 official languages. These are German, French, Italian and Romansh. However, Romansh is only spoken in the canton of Graubünden. Which language you should speak or learn before moving to Switzerland will therefore depend on the region in which you are going to live. In the vast majority of Switzerland, German is spoken, followed by French and Italian. Romansh is only spoken by 1% of the Swiss. Furthermore, the Swiss also speak English well.
Where is what being spoken?
In Suisse Romande, which is located in the west of Switzerland, French is spoken. In total, there are 4 cantons that are French-speaking. These are Geneva, Vaud, Neuenburg and Jura. In 3 cantons, French and German are spoken. This is in Bern, Freiburg and Wallis. Furthermore, in Ticino and Graubünden, German, Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic are spoken.
Making new friends
Moving to Switzerland also means that you will have to make new friends. The Swiss value their privacy and are therefore quite reserved people. Because of this, they can come across as rather cold and it is sometimes difficult to make contact with a Swiss. You will notice this especially in the big cities. This is due to the fact that people in cities are more businesslike. This is something that is often the case in the bigger cities in the world. Fortunately, there are many people with different nationalities living in the country. Think of expats and students.
Furthermore, Swiss people like orderliness and respect the community rules. They are a fairly reserved people, which is why they also attach great value to individual freedom. They are also very neat people and you will notice that on the streets in the big cities. The Swiss people can come across as very cold because of this, which may make you feel unwelcome. However, this is not true at all. Yes, they have a wall that you have to break through, but once you break through you will see that they are very warm and hospitable. It is often said that you can make a lot of friends in Switzerland, but that they will not be Swiss. However, it does depend on how much effort you want to put into this, because it will certainly require a lot of energy in the beginning.
The high prices in Switzerland
The income in Switzerland is higher, but so are the prices in the country. The products in the country are among the most expensive in Europe. To give a few examples: chicken costs around €23 per kilo and for 1 kilogram of beef you will quickly pay around €60. It is good to know that the prices in the cities and cantons differ greatly. The most expensive cantons are for example Basel and Geneva, but Uri is the cheapest.
Your personal situation
Emigration is a very big step. Especially if you want to apply for a Swiss passport in the future. Then of course it is all a matter of weighing up the pros and cons. Ultimately, we do not know what your personal situation is, but then no one knows that except you. Think carefully and look at your wishes and expectations. Take your time and then you can make your decision in the right way.
An international moving company
Moving abroad is of course a lot of hassle. You have no idea what to do and where to start. And what about the rules? Can you just import your belongings? Do you need a permit for moving vans? Because it is all quite difficult, many people choose to outsource an international move. Such a moving company has extensive experience with moving abroad. As a result, they know exactly what to do and what is needed to manage your move properly.
How much does an international move cost?
The costs of an international move are difficult to estimate. Of course, there are the basic costs such as fuel costs, movers that need to be paid and which moving vans are needed. But first you need to know how big your belongings are, where you live and whether your home is easily accessible. Without all this information, no estimate can be made. The price of the move also depends on your personal wishes. Do you want to hire extra services? Such as extra movers or a packing/unpacking service? Then this will also increase the costs.
Moving quotes
To get a real price indication, it is best to request moving quotes from different moving companies. This way you can compare the prices and their services. However, make sure that the services are free and that you are not stuck with an agreement.
Free moving quotes at Moova
Emigration costs a lot of time and energy. We know that many people do not have the time to look for international moving companies in their region. Once you have found them, you have to call them one by one. The thought alone! And you also have to be careful that you are not stuck with something or incur extra costs!
Moova has come up with a solution for this. With us, you can request moving quotes online within 2 minutes from various international moving companies. After your request, you will receive the free quotes as soon as possible. This service is completely free and without obligation! This means that you are not committed to anything. This gives you the time to make your choice calmly and you will eventually find a moving company that appeals to you? Then you can contact them. Great service, right?
Best books about emigrating to Switzerland
Many people are thinking about making their dreams come true in Switzerland. These books give you super good insight into everything that comes around the corner when emigrating to Switzerland.
Enjoy reading!
Finally
As previously stated, our pros and cons are of course not necessarily your pros and cons. Therefore, take a good look at what you want and expect and then form the best possible picture for yourself. In the end, everything should turn out fine, because the idea of emigrating to Switzerland probably did not just fall out of the sky and you have been preparing for it for years.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have any other questions or are there things that we have not discussed in this article? Then you can always consult our other articles on the website. We are almost certain that you will find your answers there.
