Moving and Removals to Switzerland

Removals to Switzerland has never been easier.

We are a specialist removals company offering fully insured removals services between Ireland and switzerland.

Being based in Galway allows us to effectively serve the whole of the Ireland, providing a cost effective and reliable solution to your needs.

Galway based Removal Company specialized in removals to Switzerland with door to door deliveries to and from the Ireland, moving and storage at very attractive prices.

We offer storage for all our customers (handling and storage fees may apply) either before or after collection, we also sell boxes and packing materials and offering long term storage in Galway at very competitive prices.

Our service includes customs clearance in Switzerland and Ireland

RELOCATING TO SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is located in the centre of Europe, and shares its borders with Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein. The country has a population of 8 million people. The capital city is Bern and the largest city is Zurich. The official languages are German, French, Italian and Romansh. Although Switzerland is a founding member of the European Free Trade Association, it is notably not a member of the European Union or European Economic Area.

Switzerland is a beautiful country with a unique landscape, due to the Alps extending across a lot of the country. Tourism is a huge industry, as people come to see the valleys and mountains and take part in winter sports. The climate is mostly temperate. Switzerland is known for having a high quality of life and one of the highest life expectancies in the world. It is also known for being an expensive country with a very high cost of living.

Finding a Job

When moving to a new country, finding a job is at the top of most people’s priority list. Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU, priority is given to EU citizens when employers are hiring, due to bilateral agreements. Only a limited number of employees are admitted from other countries.

Before You Go

Many people will begin their job search before they leave for a new country, which is always a good idea. To gain an insight into the Swiss job market and what kind of jobs are available, there are lots of outlets available.

The Working Abroad Jobs Board is regularly updated with jobs from employers and recruiters looking for individuals wishing to make the move. There are many other online job boards, such as Jobs.ch and English Forum. Aside from the internet, the best places to look for a job are newspapers, employment agencies and career fairs.

Keep in mind that the vast majority of Swiss companies will expect you to speak German or French. The only exception to this is multinational companies operating in the country who may use English as their business language.

Work Permits

EU Nationals do not need a work permit if they intend to work for less than three months. Otherwise they will need a short term work permit, which is valid for up to a year. Workers from non EU countries will need a work permit to work in Switzerland, and will only be able to do this if they have an offer of employment from a Swiss employer.

Additional Employment Information

Working hours can vary depending on your job and industry, but the Swiss never usually work longer than 45 hours a week. Employees are generally entitled to 4-5 weeks of paid holidays a year.

Getting a Visa

If you want to work in Switzerland, the first things you need to do are research and apply for the right visa. EU/EEA Members can enter Switzerland freely without a visa, along with other countries, due to bilateral agreements. To find out if you need a visa to enter Switzerland, check out the Swiss Migration Board’s website.

Types of Visas

Short Stay Visa (Schengen)

This type of visa will allow you to stay in Switzerland for a period of no longer than 90 days. The Schengen area relates to 25 countries in Europe which you can travel to within on this type of visa. You are not allowed to work on a Schengen visa.  The Swiss visa will require you fill out an application, apply to your local Norwegian embassy and pay a small fee. You must also be prepared to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires.

Residence Permit

This visa is a national visa and must be obtained by foreigners planning to spend more than 3 months in the country. Residence permits are issued by the Cantonal Migration Offices. There are different types of visa depending on your purpose in the country, and you can find out more on thegovernment’s official website.

Wages & Taxes

Wages

Switzerland uses its own currency, the Swiss Franc (CHF). There is no set minimum wage; instead it is decided on a sector by sector basis. The average monthly take home pay is €4098.

Opening a Bank Account

If you plan to live and work in Switzerland, you will need a bank account in order to receive your wages, pay bills and for transferring money from your home bank account if necessary. There are three types of bank accounts in Switzerland; current accounts, salary accounts and savings accounts.

The main banks in Switzerland are UBS and Credit Suisse, but banking is such a huge industry in Switzerland that there are lots of banks to choose from, so make sure to shop around. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm.

Taxes

Switzerland has low taxes, with a maximum income tax rate of 11.5%. It is generally considered to be a tax haven.

Source:

https://www.workingabroad.net/country-profiles/more-countries/switzerland/

Sources: Federal Office for Migration and Swiss Info