Removals to Switzerland from UK

To get permanent residence (PR) in Switzerland, you need to apply for a C permit, which allows you to stay in the country indefinitely and enjoy most of the same rights as Swiss citizens. The main requirement for a C permit is the length of time you have already lived in Switzerland on another residence permit (typically a B or L permit). The standard residency requirement is 10 years, but some groups can apply after five years, such as EU/EFTA citizens, US and Canadian nationals, and relatives of Swiss citizens. You also need to meet other criteria, such as having no criminal record, paying taxes and social security contributions, and integrating into Swiss society. You must apply for a C permit with your local cantonal authority and pay a fee. The Swiss authorities set quotas for C permits for non-EU/EFTA nationals. If you leave Switzerland for more than six months, your C permit may expire unless you inform the authorities of your reasons.

The rent in Switzerland varies widely depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. On average, the rent in Switzerland is expensive, and affordable places can be rented out quickly. Across the country, the minimum rent rarely drops below 1,000 CHF (1,020 USD) per month. However, some cities and regions are more expensive than others. For example, Zurich and Geneva are among the most expensive cities in the world for renting an apartment. According to a report by RealAdvisor, the average rent for a house in Switzerland was 3,180 CHF (3,240 USD) per month in 2023.

The amount of money you need to buy a house in Switzerland depends on several factors, such as the location, size, condition, and type of the property, as well as the availability of financing and the legal restrictions for foreign buyers. On average, the price of a house in Switzerland was 1.57 million CHF (1.6 million USD) in 2023. However, some regions and cities are more expensive than others. For example, Zurich and Geneva are among the most expensive places to buy a house in Switzerland. In addition to the purchase price, you also need to consider other costs, such as taxes, fees, commissions, insurance, and maintenance. Generally, you should budget around 5% of the purchase price for these additional costs. Furthermore, you need to have enough funds for a down payment, which is usually at least 20% of the purchase price. If you are a foreigner who does not live or work in Switzerland, you may face some legal restrictions when buying a house in Switzerland. For example, you may need a special permit from the cantonal authorities and comply with the quota system that limits the number of properties that can be sold to foreigners each year. You may also be subject to certain conditions regarding the size and location of the property you can buy.