Practical guides for expats in Switzerland
Clear, time-phased explainers on Swiss taxes, health insurance, pensions and banking - written for the international community.
New arrivalsYour 90-day financial checklist for moving to Switzerland
Registration, bank account, KVG/LAMal, withholding tax, pillar 3a and household insurance - in the right order, in your first 90 days.
8 min read
MoneyCost of living in Switzerland: what expats really pay
Rent, health insurance, food, transport and childcare - with official BFS and BAG figures and realistic monthly budgets.
12 min read
MoneySwiss salaries explained: gross vs net
AHV, ALV, pension and withholding-tax deductions, the 13th salary, and what CHF 100,000 gross really pays out.
12 min read
InsuranceHealth insurance in Switzerland: the complete expat guide
The 3-month deadline, premiums by canton, franchise and care models, switching by 30 November and supplemental cover.
13 min read
TaxHow much tax will I pay in Switzerland?
Federal, cantonal and communal layers, Zug vs Zurich vs Geneva, withholding tax, wealth tax and the deductions that cut your bill.
13 min read
LivingBest cantons for expats: taxes, costs and lifestyle
Zug vs Zurich vs Geneva vs Basel: taxes, health premiums, rents and expat life compared, with profiles for every type of mover.
13 min read
FamilyMoving to Switzerland with family: the money guide
Family allowances, parental leave, Kita costs and subsidies, tax deductions, kids' premiums and schooling.
12 min read
HousingBuying vs renting in Switzerland: what the numbers say
Prices, mortgage rates, the 20% equity rule, the Eigenmietwert abolition and the buy-vs-rent breakeven maths.
12 min read
PensionsThe Swiss pension system explained for expats
AHV, BVG and pillar 3a: contribution years, the 13th AHV pension, conversion rates, buy-ins and what you keep when you leave.
12 min read
LeavingLeaving Switzerland: what happens to your money
Pillar 2 cash-out rules, withholding tax on lump sums, pillar 3a, AHV refunds, deregistration and Swiss bank accounts.
12 min read
US personsUS citizens in Switzerland: the complete money guide
Filing 1040, FBAR and FATCA, FEIE vs foreign tax credit, the PFIC trap, pillar 2 and 3a treatment and banking access.
13 min read