Switzerland
What do I need to know before retiring in Switzerland?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Switzerland, they said...
"Put a good dent in learning German before you get here. People are much more easier to deal with if you can speak to them in German," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Basel, Switzerland.
"1. It is important to research both Swiss federal law and local canton laws as these will impact your financial and lifestyle decisions as a retiree in Switzerland. 2. Consider taking language courses or hiring a translator to ensure you can effectively communicate with Swiss authorities and banks. 3. Research banking options to find the best plan for you, including checking cantonal banking services and account providers. 4. Make sure to have comprehensive health insurance in order to receive public health care benefits. 5. Look into tax treatment of your pension income and any other sources when determining how much of your pension income is taxable. 6. Check if residence permits are necessary for yourself or your family members when looking to live in Switzerland for over three months. 7. Examine cost of living before retiring in Switzerland, taking into account accommodation, groceries, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses. 8. Understand the social and cultural norms in Switzerland to ensure a smooth integration process into Swiss society," commented one expat who made the move to Switzerland.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceGet Quote
Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
PassportCard Expat Health InsuranceNever worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Switzerland?
- How do I meet people in Switzerland?
- What is life like in Switzerland?
- Is there a lot of crime in Switzerland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Switzerland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Switzerland like?
- Is the cost of living in Switzerland high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Switzerland?
- What are healthcare services like in Switzerland?
- Is the cost of living in Switzerland high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Switzerland?
- What is the weather like in Switzerland?
- Are there good restaurants in Switzerland?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Switzerland?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Switzerland?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Switzerland?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Switzerland?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Switzerland?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in Switzerland?
If you live in Switzerland, newcomers to Switzerland would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.