The Ultimate Guide to Expat Living in Zurich, Switzerland

Are you ready to unlock the unparalleled lifestyle benefits of expat living in Zurich?

This Swiss city is more than just a picturesque destination – it is beautiful, no doubt. However, for the savvy and in-the-know, it’s a haven for high-net-worth individuals seeking tax-efficient living.

Moreover, Zurich consistently ranks high on global livability indexes, and for good reason. From its world-class financial institutions to its immaculate quality of life, Zurich offers a unique blend of luxury and practicality that is hard to find elsewhere.

But what truly sets Zurich apart is its position as a financial powerhouse.

Home to numerous international banks and financial services, Zurich offers a business-friendly environment that attracts the world’s elite.

Add to that the ease of accessing other European capitals, and it’s clear why Zurich is the ultimate choice for high-net-worth individuals looking to go where they’re treated best.

But navigating expat life here requires more than just a love for pretty landscapes and robust banking systems. And that’s what we’re here to help you with. 

We have crafted this guide to provide you with everything you need to know to thrive as an expat in Zurich, starting with figuring out whether it is the right destination for you or not.

Is Expat Living in Zurich Right for You?

Zurich offers a high-quality lifestyle that appeals to high-net-worth individuals seeking to settle down in a European (but not EU) country that offers stability, a robust economy and excellent local and national infrastructure

While living here does come at a high cost, the trade-off is access to exceptional amenities and opportunities for investment.

Yes, the process for obtaining residency can be complex and is limited to just a few options, but once you do establish residency, expats with a taxable income of over CHF1 million are able to benefit from the lump sum taxation scheme. 

Here are a few other pros and cons of expat living in Zurich to help you decide if it is a destination worth exploring:

Pros

• High Quality of Life: Zurich consistently ranks as one of the best cities for quality of life, offering excellent public services, safety and cleanliness.
• Strong Economy: With numerous multinational corporations, Zurich is a financial hub providing ample opportunities to grow your career or business.
• Scenery: Nestled by Lake Zurich and surrounded by the Swiss Alps, the city offers breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Cons 

• High Cost of Living: Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world (although, as mentioned, higher salaries do offset those costs).
• Tough Rental Market: Finding housing can be challenging due to high demand and stringent rental application processes.
• Weather: Winters, while initially snowy and romantic, can be long and grey, which may not be ideal for those accustomed to sunnier climates

Zurich – City Guide

Neutral, developed and respected globally, Switzerland has been a safe haven for centuries.

It once provided refuge to intellectuals such as James Joyce, the Irish novelist and poet, and Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the Russian revolutionary.

Following World War II, Zürich’s airport became Switzerland’s primary international transport hub, bolstering the city’s economy.

As Switzerland’s largest city, it is at the forefront of the finance, banking and insurance industry. It’s home to multinational corporations and financial institutions, such as The Adecco Group and Zurich Insurance Group.

As such, the city offers ample career opportunities in finance, tech and pharmaceuticals.

When you’re not working or networking, though, you can enjoy Zurich’s architectural sites, which extend along both shores of the Limmat River, which flows from the northern side of Lake Zurich through the city centre towards the west.

Zürich’s Old Town (Altstadt, as the locals call it) features the Romanesque Grossmünster and St. Peter’s Church. Some of these buildings are now used as restaurants or for civic functions.

Neutral, developed and respected globally, Switzerland has been a safe haven for centuries.

It once provided refuge to intellectuals such as James Joyce, the Irish novelist and poet, and Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the Russian revolutionary.

Following World War II, Zürich’s airport became Switzerland’s primary international transport hub, bolstering the city’s economy. 

As Switzerland’s largest city, it is at the forefront of the finance, banking and insurance industry. It’s home to multinational corporations and financial institutions, such as The Adecco Group and Zurich Insurance Group.

As such, the city offers ample career opportunities in finance, tech and pharmaceuticals.  

When you’re not working or networking, though, you can enjoy Zurich’s architectural sites, which extend along both shores of the Limmat River, which flows from the northern side of Lake Zurich through the city centre towards the west.

Zürich’s Old Town (Altstadt, as the locals call it) features the Romanesque Grossmünster and St. Peter’s Church. Some of these buildings are now used as restaurants or for civic functions.

As you wander around the city, you will likely hear a lot of people speaking English. While English is widely spoken, learning German will make your life easier and enrich your experience. 

This is key to integrating into local life, as Zurich is increasingly diverse, with a large foreign-national population, including people from Italy, the Balkans, Portugal and Germany. 

Education is another critical factor for many expats, especially those with a young family. Swiss public schools are free and offer high-quality education, although the primary language is Swiss German.

However, several highly regarded international schools, such as Zurich International School, offer studies in English and other languages.

As you would expect from a city that is arguably as much German as it is Swiss, Zurich’s public transport system is incredibly efficient. 

Whether taking trams, trains, buses or even boats around, all public transportation options generally run on time and are well-kept and clean. Cycling is also a popular way to get around, thanks to the city’s bike-friendly ethos.

Expats who enjoy luxury shopping should head towards the Bahnhofstrasse district, home to high-end shops, cafes and the country’s renowned jewellers.

Just across the Limmat River lies Zürich’s must-see Niederdorfstrasse, a pedestrian-only cobblestone street. 

Along this roadway, you will find international and local food spots, busy pubs, clubs, nightlife, and street art.

From world-class museums and theatres to a thriving music scene, Zurich is also a respected cultural centre.

Banking and Gold Storage in Switzerland

For a long time, Swiss banks were the world standard when it came to privacy.

But quite a bit has changed in the world of offshore banking, and the days of anonymous numbered accounts are a thing of the past.

Today, as with everywhere else, Swiss banks must comply with stringent reporting standards to maintain their international reputation.

Switzerland’s currency is backed by 40% gold reserves, and financial regulators require that banks hold high levels of capital for deposit protection, meaning Swiss banks are among the safest in the world.

At Nomad Capitalist, we often speak about not following the herd. Once you realise that you can legally bank anywhere in the world, you’ll find incredible opportunities to bank where you’re treated best.

For more details, check out the Best Offshore Banks for 2025. 

Switzerland has also long been the go-to for offshore gold storage and has the world’s largest reserves of gold per capita and plenty of vaults to choose from.

While modern and innovative jurisdictions such as Singapore and Hong Kong are growing in popularity, Switzerland is still a good, albeit more expensive, gold storage option for the wealthy. 

Switzerland has also become one of the world’s most crypto-friendly countries

Living in Zurich – Affordability 

Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, the high salaries, excellent public services and the overall quality of life can offset these costs. 

Here’s a breakdown of some day-to-day expenses:

• Coffee in cafe – €5.22
• Mobile data (10GB) – €30 per month
• Pint of beer – €8.35
• Taxi price (average trip 3kmi) – €18
• Coworking hot desk – €345 per month.

To live comfortably in Zurich, an expat should budget between €4,000 and €6,500 per month, but this amount can be higher depending on personal preference for lifestyle and accommodation.

Expect to pay a premium for accommodation. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost around CHF2,000-3,500 (around €2,100–3,700) monthly. A monthly grocery bill for a single person is approximately CHF300-400 (€315-€415).

Although healthcare in Switzerland is top-notch, it’s expensive, so expats should have comprehensive health insurance.

Zurich – Where to Live

Zurich has a population of around 450,000 and is divided into 12 districts, each with its own distinct personality.

These districts are often referred to as Kreis and followed by a number, for example, Kreis1 or District 1. Zurich’s more affluent neighbourhoods are situated in the western and northern parts of the city.  

• Zürich Nord, near the airport, is home to a large concentration of international companies. 
• The Glattal, located to the north of Zurichberg, between the airport and the city, is one of the fastest-growing areas in Switzerland. 
• Zurich West has transformed into a vibrant area with modern architecture, theatres, shops, art galleries, residential spaces and lively nightlife.

Here are some popular neighbourhoods for expats in Zurich.

Seefeld

Ideal for expats moving to Zurich who want to live right on the lake, Seefeld is a highly sought-after and highly-priced neighbourhood offering an excellent quality of life. 

It’s a good place for families, close as it is to one of the best schools, with easy access to plenty of outdoor activities, from paddleboarding to cycling.

Enge

For those looking to enjoy some peace away from the busy financial and business districts, Enge is one of the more beautiful areas of the city, with plenty of green spaces. 

It’s easy to see why Enge is popular with swimmers, cyclists and hikers. This is another great spot for expats with young families, with good schools and lots of space to enjoy.

Zurich West

A trendy, up-and-coming area is increasingly popular with young professionals. Zurich West, or District 5, is ideal for expats looking for more affordable living and Bohemian vibes.

Once the city’s industrial centre, Zurich West’s factories and warehouses were replaced by bars, galleries, thrift stores and music venues.

University Quarter

Those looking for more diversity should check out the University Quarter or District 6. 

One of the city’s most popular residential districts, the University Quarter is close to the city centre but still relatively affordable (for Switzerland). 

Getting Residence in Switzerland

Unlike other European countries that offer Golden Visas to lure investors, Switzerland, as an already thriving hub of investment and home of the ultra-wealthy, doesn’t have this same need.

 Unsurprisingly, there are only limited options for getting residence in Switzerland. 

Switzerland is also unique in that it’s not technically a European Union (EU) country, although it is part of the Schengen area.

Starting a Business

Incorporating a business is one of the few options for obtaining residency in Switzerland. 

The investment needs to be around €1 million to obtain residence through company formation. You will also need to be an essential worker for the company (director, CEO, CFO, or similar).

However, this does not come with tax benefits, but it would allow you to work there and benefit from the high wages.

Lump-Sum Taxation

One of Switzerland’s more attractive residence incentives is the lump-sum taxation program. This approach is surprisingly straightforward.

You basically inform the Swiss authorities about your earnings and net worth, which is then evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

They will evaluate your financial records and expenses while living in Switzerland. If you qualify as a tax resident or permanent resident, you must actually live in Switzerland.

Lump sum taxation is an option for both EU and non-EU citizens but not for someone already connected to Switzerland, such as someone married to a Swiss national.

To qualify for the Swiss lump-sum tax program, you must have a minimum taxable income of:

• EU citizen – CHF400,000 
• Non-EU citizen – CHF1 million.

Unfortunately, not all of Switzerland’s 26 cantons (territories) offer the lump-sum taxation incentive, and Zurich is one of them. However, residents of Zurich can still benefit, but only at the federal level.

To benefit from the lump-sum taxation program, applicants must be non-Swiss citizens and not have income derived in Switzerland. Here’s how it works:

• The first step to residence is acquiring a B Permit, a temporary visa that must be renewed yearly.
• After ten years, you can apply for a C Permit for permanent residence. 
• After a further two years, you can apply for naturalisation and citizenship. 

The entire process and pathway to citizenship will take around 12 years. For EU citizens, this timeframe is shorter, reduced to five years. 

If you have the wealth and patience to become a Swiss citizen, you will gain access to the most powerful passport in the world. 

According to the Nomad Passport Index, the Swiss passport allows holders to travel to 176 countries without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).

The Ultimate Guide to Expat Living in Zurich, Switzerland: FAQs

Living the Dream in Zurich

Although Switzerland is one of the most expensive places in the world, if you have a high net worth and want to enjoy all that Zurich has to offer, it is worth considering moving there. 

That said, going offshore, whether to secure a second residence or for offshore banking in a jurisdiction like Switzerland, is a complex undertaking.

It requires planning, something that we are well experienced in at Nomad Capitalist.

We’ve learned from experience that some undertakings are too challenging to navigate without insider knowledge. 

We are experts in this field and deal with it every day. We help seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors create a bespoke strategy using our uniquely successful methods. 

You’ll keep more of your own money, create new wealth faster and be protected from whatever happens in just three steps. Discover how we do things here.