This is what our customers are saying…
Depends on regions. In general, the Swiss real estate market is very challenging. In big cities, like Zurich, Basel or Geneva usually the property vacancy rate is low and additionally the turnaround between tenants is high. The demand for apartments and houses is massive and vacant properties attract the interests of many applicants. People are really chasing the few available properties.
Yes, they are, especially in big cities. As a golden rule, you may calculate that the renting cost should not exceed the 30% of your income.
You have to apply for the apartment or house you like. The market is extremely fast moving therefore your decision should be made quickly. If you hesitate with your application, you may miss out on your favorite one(s).
You are required to pay security deposit. Usually it is three month’s rent (sometimes two, only) and should be paid in addition to your first month’s rent of your new home. It is a bank guarantee and kept frozen at local Swiss bank account. When you leave your apartment, it is returned.
Normally you may ask your employer for a loan. Other options to avoid the payment of the security deposit is to turn to an insurer.
Primary school begins at age six. It is compulsory and free. At the end of the primary level, a child must continue on to lower secondary schooling. This schooling is compulsory and free and marks the final stages of mandatory education. At the age of around 15, pupils move to higher secondary level, which generally lasts three to four years. Upper secondary education is not mandatory and is divided into two groups: general education and vocational. About 20-30% of students go to senior high school.
They are available also in both, primary and secondary level from the price range of 2000 CHF and more…. The main language of education is mainly English and/or French.
The minimum enrolment age for kindergarten is currently set by the cantons and is usually between the age of four and five. Kindergarten lasts until a child begins primary school in age of six.
Yes, of course…and it is the subject of Swiss custom clearance. However, you might choose another solution. Just simply buy one in Switzerland.
Certainly. You must have your dog vaccinated to cross borders. Microchipping is mandatory as is registration in national database. Only a vet can do this, so please, visit one of them upon your arrival. You must also register your dog with the local government (Gemeinde) and pay annual dog tax, it is around 150 CHF per dog. One more thing! Most cantons require dog-owners liability insurances.
Your employer is obliged to meet your tax liability which means regardless of your nationality, your company has to deduct your taxes at source from your salary and transfer it to the Swiss tax authorities.
If your annual gross salary is less than CHF 120,000 then you are not required to submit a tax return. Your tax liability is settled with the payment of tax at source. Same, when you are married and neither of you has a source of income taxed in excess of that amount.
If your annual gross income exceeds CHF 120,000 you have to submit a tax declaration.
In determining of your tax-rate, the cantonal tax regime applies. Those can be different.
You may optimize your tax return if/when you carefully select your residence. Like in Basel area where three different cantons meet in close distance.
Depends on the coverage. There are many insurers in the market where you can find your range between 250 and 500 CHF per month in average, depending on your age, health status, etc…
Moving, relocating to a new country makes countless challenges:
- In process aspect: immigration, lease contract, registration, schooling… compliance with rigorous Swiss regulations, which are sometimes different on cantonal level and requires hefty administration, process knowledge and language skills.
- In logistic aspect: you may avoid and save yourself from considerable amount of emails, phone calls, administrations, meetings, time and money and risk, if something goes wrong…mistakes and failures.
- In professional aspect: you can fully concentrate on your work from day one in your new assignment. Your new employer may expect this from you…
- In personal aspect: you just stay relaxed and happy.