How can an IT professional work and live in Switzerland

The future belongs to those who are tech savvy and move these very technologies into a bright and unpredictable future. And although it is believed that the bulk of IT-specialists are “sucked up” by the USA, there are other countries where IT specialists are sent.



In this article you will learn:

• Why is Switzerland an attractive jurisdiction for IT professionals?
• How to get a work and residence permit, to bring my family with me?
• In which canton is it worth looking for a job or creating your own business?
• Are there any good schools where to educate children, and how high quality is the local education?
• What is the standard of living and the cost of maintaining it?

It turned out a kind of basic manual for the country for those who are looking for a new place for life and professional growth.

Why do IT employees choose Switzerland?

First, let's take a look at the IT companies that are already working here. Many of them are familiar to you:

• Logitech (computer peripherals and not only);
• SITA (responsible for 90% of communications in air traffic);
• U-blox (created technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi);
• Swisscom (telecommunications provider);
• Affiliates of Microsoft, Google, HP, CISCO, DELL, IBM;
• Ethereum Alliance (a company that takes care of the development of the token and the Ether system);
• A lot others.

There are also enough smaller companies that work not only with software and hardware, but also with biotechnology, social calculations and much more.



Therefore, the first point on which Switzerland is chosen is the presence of companies that are engaged in IT-technologies in various fields and together raise the level of development of all mankind.



It also provides high salaries, social guarantees and other buns for workers.



Entrepreneurs are also free to create their own projects, use the infrastructure, incubators, investments and tax breaks to develop a startup.



Switzerland has its own analogue of Silicon Valley - Cryptodolina, where conditions are created for the development of blockchain-based projects. And we are talking not only about cryptocurrencies, but also about a more practical application of technology.



Secondly, it is an extremely comfortable country to live in: Switzerland occupies the highest places in terms of living standards in the world; it has a wonderful climate and clean air, it is safe. Even the sensational story with immigrants who poured into Europe, got its fulfillment here: the residents of some cities and villages independently refused to accept strangers, despite all the requirements of the EU. They defended their standard of living and security.



The unemployment rate in Switzerland is only 3%, while the country's economy is eagerly absorbing foreign specialists.



A special moment is the tax system. It is three-level: the level of federation (8.5%), the level of the canton (range from 12 to 24%) and municipal (depend on the city and community).



It is important to understand that all these taxes are what is written in the laws, but in fact any rate can be officially reduced using certain methods. This is especially true for corporate taxes, although there are features for individuals.



Individuals pay depending on the canton and on the size of their earnings from 21% (Zug) to 37% (Geneva).

Which canton of Switzerland to choose for work and life?

There are 26 cantons in Switzerland. How to choose from them? If you take into account two main parameters - the development of technology and a comfortable life with your family - we suggest you stay at 2 cantons: Zug and Zurich.

Zug

It is Zug that is the heart of the so-called Cryptodolina - a place where business in the field of blockchain and cryptocurrencies operates on favorable terms.



Zug began accepting bitcoins to pay for public services.



Here companies such as Monetas, Bitcoin Suisse, Etherium by Vitalik Buterin are based.

In addition to them, large companies in Zug (not all IT companies): Johnson & Johnson, Siemens, Interactive Brokers, Luxoft, Glencore, UBS and dozens of others.



The standard of living in Zug is high, there are private and public schools, vocational schools, universities and universities. We will talk about education a little lower.

Zurich

The most populous canton of Switzerland (for 2017). About a third of the population lives in the city of Zurich.



This is the largest financial center in Switzerland, a scientific center. In 2019, he took second place in the quality of life in the world, as well as 4th place in the list of the most expensive cities. Also recognized as one of the safest cities.



This is a German-speaking canton.



Zurich has its own airport, transport links with other cantons and countries.



Companies and company divisions: many banks, Amazon, Booking.com, Apple, Swisscom, IBM, Accenture, Sunrise Communications, Microsoft, Siemens and others.



Education: University of Zurich, private and public schools, vocational schools.

Education for you and your children

According to statistics from 2015, government spending on the education of one person amounted to 4,324 dollars - this is the second place after the United States. Russia is in 49th place in this ranking.

The quality of education, which was measured as meeting the needs of the economy, is 8.94 out of 10, or first place in the ranking. Russia is in 43rd place with 4.66 points.

A lot of attention is paid not only to young people, but also to professionals - professional development is constantly provided.



The education system consists of several levels: preparatory (kindergarten), secondary education of the first stage, secondary education of the second level (gymnasium, matriculation, primary vocational education, primary vocational education), third level (universities, teacher training schools, specialized universities, higher vocational schools education, bachelors, masters, doctoral degrees).



There are 260 private schools where they teach in German, French, Italian, English and other languages.



In Switzerland they invest in people as the most valuable asset. The country is poor in natural resources, so technology, services, professionalism and experience decide.



Zug is famous for its international boarding school. Located in the former Grand Hotel Schönfels. It is considered a school for the elite. Graduates are John Kerry (US Secretary of State), Marc Foster (writer and director), Pierre Mirabeau (founder of Mirabo Bank, and chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association).



In addition to schools, there are public and private universities and schools.



There are 12 universities in Zurich, the Federal Higher Technical School (ETH) - from which Albert Einstein and Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen graduated - public and private schools.



An interesting point: in these cantons there are educational institutions where they teach not only in German and in English, but also in Russian.



The cost of education may be cheaper than in your home country. In particular, the year of undergraduate studies in Zurich at the Higher Technical School for a foreign student costs 1,700 francs per year - the same as for locals. A year at the University of Zurich - 2538 francs (1000 francs more expensive than for a local student).



In Zurich, you can get an Executive MBA.



Everyday life in Switzerland: rent, internet, transport, cost of living

Switzerland offers residents high standards of living, health, safety and comfort. Revenues are also assumed to be high.



Specifically, Zurich ranks second in terms of quality of life in the world (2017). Geneva is in eighth place, Basel - at 10, and Berne - at 14.



For personal safety, Switzerland ranks 3rd after Finland and Denmark.



Attracting and retaining foreign specialists - 100 points out of 100 possible.

The country has more than 10,000 companies that attract foreign specialists. There are special agencies that help to improve life after moving to Switzerland.



The country's population is quite tolerant of adequate people, wherever they come from. The state itself takes a neutral position on most issues, therefore, actively cooperates with everyone.

About moving

When you transport personal items, they do not charge a fee at the border. It is only necessary that the property be in personal possession for at least 6 months and be used by you upon arrival.

You must register at your new place of residence within 14 days of arrival. You will need foreign passports, medical insurance, a passport photo, marriage and birth certificates, an employment contract.



If you are traveling with your family, each has a similar kit.



You can enter a car and register and insure it in Switzerland within 12 months.



It is recommended to study at least one local official language: German, French, Italian. There are a large number of courses.

Rental of property

It is customary to contact those who exhibit real estate, inspect the apartment and then make a decision.



When concluding an agreement, a special deposit or deposit is paid in the amount of payment for 3 months of rental. It serves as a guarantee for the landlord. At the entrance, the tenant, together with the landlord, checks the apartment and draws up an act of deficiencies in writing. If this is not done, you may be presented with an invoice for all “breakdowns” and shortages upon departure.



If the landlord wants to increase the fee, then he needs to fill out a special form. If the increase in fees seems unreasonable to you, within 30 days you can appeal the decision in writing.

Phone, Internet, Television

In the Swiss market a large number of companies offering similar services. Important suppliers: Swisscom, Salt and Sunrise. Mandatory customer registration in the system, even if we are talking about prepaid services.



The country has analog and digital television. A subscription fee is paid for the right to receive radio and television broadcasts - regardless of what you watch and listen to.

Transport

Transport logistics in Switzerland is a delight. There is a dense network of railways, highways, bus services and even water routes. The traffic is intense - even a boat comes to villages on the rivers at least once every two hours.



One-time tickets are offered, tickets for the day, month, year. There is a universal travel card that will allow you to travel on almost all railways, use intercity bus service, water and city transport.



Travel for children under 6 years old is free; Children under 16 years old can travel for free with the Junior-Karte card if accompanied by their parents, as well as with the Grandson's Card accompanied by their grandparents. Young people aged 16–25 years old travel second class for free after 19 hours with a Gleis 7 pass.

Income and cost of living in Switzerland

The average monthly income of a Swiss family is 7556 francs. Social payments and other sources are added - we get an average value of 9946 francs.



Net income after tax - about 70%. However, there are regional differences, so you need to look depending on the canton.



Switzerland takes 2nd place in terms of purchasing power of the population. Zurich ranks second among the cities of the world.

Prices in Zurich

Rent a one-bedroom apartment in Zurich - from 1400 euros.

There is always the opportunity to look for an alternative using the services of local experts.



The average bill in a simple cafe is from 20 euros. A cup of cappuccino - from 5 euros.

A kilogram of potatoes - about 2 euros, Bread (0.5 kg) - about 3 euros, half a liter of water - more than a euro, a dozen eggs - about 3 euros. 95 gasoline - from 1.55 euros per liter.

Prices in Zug

In Zug, renting a one-bedroom apartment starts from 1500 EUR.



Lunch at the cafe - about 20 euros. A cup of coffee - about 4 euros.

A kilogram of potatoes - about 2 euros, a loaf of bread - about 1.5 euros, 1.5 liters of water - 0.70 euros, a dozen eggs - about 5 euros. Gasoline 95 - about 1.5 euros.

How to get permission to work and stay?

In order to live and work in Switzerland, you will need a work permit and a residence permit (visa). In order to visit Switzerland you need to get a visa.

Visas are tourist, labor, family reunion and study. They can be short and long term.



To start applying for a visa, citizens of countries outside the EU and EEA need to contact the Swiss mission in their country of residence. You will need a valid passport, medical insurance policy and documents confirming the purpose of the trip: an employment contract, statutory documents for the company, etc.

The visa fee depends on the purpose of the visit.



All documents that are not in English, French or Italian will need to be translated.



After that, you can already obtain a residence permit and subsequently a residence permit.

Some permissions do not have the right to work. Check with the migration services. If you have been in the country for more than 3 months, you will receive an alien ID.



You can get:

• Residence permit B (residence permit with the right to work for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of renewing another year);
• Residence permit C (long-term residence permit with the right to work), equal rights with Swiss citizens;
• Residence permit L (short-term residence permit, if the work has clearly defined deadlines), you can not change the place of work;
• Residence permit F (temporary residence of foreign citizens).

Also, some visas allow you to invite relatives: a spouse with children under 19 years of age and dependent parents; only spouse and children; only spouse.



To start working, foreigners residing in the country for more than 3 months must obtain permission from the cantonal migration office.



Permits are short-term (less than one year), urgent (for a specific period) and unlimited. These and other issues of residence of foreigners are resolved at the canton level.

When you move to work, you will need to ensure the recognition of your diploma. If you received it within the EU, it will be accepted automatically or almost automatically as part of the Bologna process. If we are talking about a Russian certificate, then confirmation from the competent authority is necessary. In some cases, this can be done at the local education authority.



If you are interested in obtaining Swiss citizenship, then the following conditions must be met:

1. Stay in the country for at least 12 years (for those who live in Switzerland from 12 to 20, each year counts as 2);
2. Integrate into local life;
3. Know the lifestyle and customs of the Swiss;
4. Comply with the law;
5. Do not pose a safety hazard.

Previously, the required residence time in the country was longer - from 20 years.

Summary

Moving to Switzerland to live and work is possible. An IT specialist has the opportunity to get a job in a large company or create his own business. The cost of living is higher than in other countries, but at the same time you get a high standard of living, excellent education for children, comfort and safety.



Moreover, the income of workers, especially in the technological fields, is higher than in other countries.



Switzerland is a promising place for the development of blockchain projects, although any high-tech production and research is welcome here: medicine, communications, nano-technologies, etc.

In whatever area of ​​IT you work, you will find a place to your taste. Including, together with his family.