Before moving to Switzerland, model your net salary after AHV, pension and withholding tax, budget CHF 300-500 per adult per month for mandatory health insurance, and compare costs by canton - tax burden and rents differ sharply between Zug, Zurich, Geneva and Ticino (figures as of 2025).
Your pre-arrival checklist
- 1
Model your net salary
Run your gross offer through a Swiss salary calculator - include canton, age, church tax and permit type to see realistic take-home pay.
- 2
Compare cost of living by canton
Rents, taxes and childcare differ a lot. A Zug offer at CHF 150k is not the same as a Geneva offer at CHF 150k.
- 3
Understand withholding tax (Quellensteuer)
If you hold a B or L permit you'll usually be taxed at source. Know the rate before you negotiate.
- 4
Budget health insurance
Mandatory KVG/LAMal cover is per person and not tied to your employer. Budget realistically.
- 5
Plan permit and family registration
Confirm the permit your employer will sponsor and what your spouse and children will need.
- 6
Decide what to bring vs sell
Shipping, import duties and Swiss apartment sizes change the maths on furniture and cars.
Topics in this phase
Frequently asked questions
How much of my gross Swiss salary will I keep?
As a rule of thumb, expect to keep roughly 75-85% of gross after AHV, pension and (where applicable) withholding tax - the exact figure depends on canton, municipality, age and family situation. Use our salary calculator for a personalised estimate (as of 2025).
Do I need Swiss health insurance before I arrive?
No. You must take out mandatory basic insurance (KVG/LAMal) within 3 months of registering in Switzerland, with cover backdated to your arrival date. Plan the budget in advance.
Which canton is cheapest for expats?
Zug and Schwyz typically have the lowest income tax, while Geneva and Vaud are among the highest. Rents move the other way in some places, so compare the total package, not just tax.
Can I open a Swiss bank account before arriving?
Some banks let you start the process remotely, but most accounts are activated only after you've registered at your Swiss municipality and have a residence permit.
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