Before we dive into the cities, one important 2026 update for UK movers: since Brexit, British nationals are treated as third-country nationals for Swiss immigration. For 2026 the Swiss government has allocated 2,100 B residence permits and 1,400 L short-stay permits specifically for UK citizens, released in quarterly batches. We'll come back to permits later in the guide.
Zurich: Opportunities and Lifestyle
If you're looking for a dynamic city that blends urban sophistication with natural beauty, Zurich should be at the top of your list. As Switzerland's largest city and a global financial hub, Zurich attracts professionals from all over the world, which means a huge English-speaking community in both workplaces and social circles.
The job market is thriving — major banks, insurers, tech companies and startups often run in English as their primary working language. Beyond work, Zurich offers a lifestyle that's hard to beat: world-class museums, an active café scene, swimmable lake water in summer, and the Alps a short train ride away. Zurich Airport is also one of Europe's busiest hubs, making international travel painless.
Living in Zurich does come at a price, though. As of early 2026, a typical two-bedroom (3-room in Swiss terms) apartment in the city centre averages around CHF 3,600 per month, with most listings falling between CHF 3,000 and CHF 4,800 depending on neighbourhood. Outer districts like Schwamendingen and Altstetten offer the most affordable rents, while Seefeld and the Altstadt sit at the top of the market.
Geneva: International and Cosmopolitan
Geneva is where the world comes together. As the European headquarters of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the WTO and dozens of NGOs, English is effectively a working language here. Whether you're attending a conference, enrolling kids in an international school, or going to one of the city's cultural festivals, you'll meet people from every corner of the globe.
The city sits along the shores of Lake Geneva with breathtaking views and easy access to sailing, paddleboarding and swimming in summer. Housing, though, is in the same league as Zurich — expect around CHF 3,000–3,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment in central areas. If you're on a tighter budget, nearby towns like Nyon, Versoix or even cross-border Annemasse (in France) offer quieter, more affordable alternatives while keeping you within easy commuting distance.
If your move involves a French leg of the journey first, our removals to France service often serves expats heading on to Geneva via the French side of the border.
Basel: Multicultural Border City
Basel sits at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany and France, which gives it a genuinely multicultural feel and easy weekend access to all three countries. It's a global hub for the pharmaceutical and life-sciences industries — think Roche, Novartis and a cluster of biotech startups — so English is spoken widely in workplaces and expat circles.
Culturally, Basel punches well above its weight: top-tier art museums, the famous Art Basel fair every June, and a buzzing old town along the Rhine. On the housing front, Basel is meaningfully cheaper than Zurich or Geneva — a two-bedroom apartment typically runs CHF 2,400–2,800 per month, with family-friendly districts offering excellent value.
Zug: Low Taxes, High Quality of Life
Zug may be small, but it more than makes up for it in quality of life. The canton is famous for its low corporate and personal tax rates and has become a magnet for finance, crypto and tech firms — earning its nickname "Crypto Valley".
If you're moving as a family, Zug is genuinely family-friendly: top-notch schools, excellent healthcare, low crime and clean, green surroundings. Lake Zug and the surrounding mountains make it a paradise for hikers, swimmers and weekend cyclists.
All this comes with a price tag — two-bedroom apartments average around CHF 3,200–3,500 per month, putting Zug on par with Zurich. For many residents, though, the tax savings more than offset the higher rent.
Bern: The Charming Capital
If you're after a slower pace and a touch of old-world charm, Switzerland's capital should be high on your list. Bern hosts numerous international organisations and federal government departments, which translates into solid English-speaking opportunities. The UNESCO-listed old town feels like stepping into a fairytale: cobblestone streets, sandstone arcades, medieval clock towers and picturesque fountains everywhere.
Bern is also one of the most centrally located Swiss cities, with fast train connections to Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Two-bedroom apartments average CHF 1,800–2,400 per month, making the capital noticeably more affordable than Zurich or Geneva.
Lucerne: Like a Fairytale
With its iconic Chapel Bridge, pristine lake and snow-capped peaks all around, Lucerne feels like something out of a storybook. It's a popular choice for expats who value natural beauty alongside cultural richness. Tourism, hospitality and a growing service sector provide job opportunities where English is essential.
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll love the endless adventures the surrounding Alps offer: skiing at Engelberg, hiking on Mount Pilatus, paragliding off Rigi. Housing in Lucerne is moderately priced compared to Zurich, with two-bedroom apartments averaging CHF 2,200–2,800 per month.
Lugano: Italian Vibes
If you're craving Mediterranean vibes with Swiss efficiency, Lugano is the place. Located in the Italian-speaking Ticino canton, this sunny city offers a relaxed yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Lugano is a hub for finance, IT and the fashion industry, and attracts a growing number of English-speaking professionals.
The lakeside setting and proximity to Italy mean weekend trips to Milan or Lake Como are an easy hour away by train. On the housing front, two-bedroom apartments average a relatively friendly CHF 2,000–2,400 per month.
Many of our customers heading to Lugano combine their move with our regular removals to Italy route, since the geography works out efficiently.
Lausanne: The Olympic Capital
Set on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne combines natural beauty with urban sophistication. It's the official home of the International Olympic Committee and a magnet for expats in sports administration, education and tech. The surrounding Lavaux vineyards (a UNESCO World Heritage site) add real charm, while EPFL and the University of Lausanne give the city a youthful, international energy.
Two-bedroom apartments average around CHF 2,600–3,000 per month. Nearby commuter towns like Pully, Renens and Morges offer more affordable alternatives without sacrificing convenience.
Interlaken: Outdoor Paradise
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is the gateway to the Swiss Alps. If you're into hiking, skiing, paragliding or canyoning, the adventure opportunities are quite literally on your doorstep.
The town's strong tourism industry creates plenty of seasonal and year-round work for English speakers, particularly in hospitality, instruction and outdoor sports. Interlaken has a peaceful small-town feel, and two-bedroom apartments average around CHF 1,800–2,200 per month — among the most affordable on our list of expat-friendly Swiss locations.
Practical Tips for English-Speaking Expats Moving to Switzerland in 2026
Before you pack the boxes, here are the practicalities that will make your move smoother:
Work Permits (Especially Important for UK Movers)
Since Brexit, UK citizens are treated as third-country nationals. For 2026 the UK has a dedicated quota of 2,100 long-term B permits and 1,400 short-stay L permits, released in four quarterly batches. The application is employer-led: your Swiss employer applies to the cantonal migration office, which then forwards the case to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). Salary thresholds typically start at CHF 85,000 per year. EU/EFTA citizens enjoy free movement and a much simpler registration process.
The 14-Day Registration Rule
Whatever your nationality, you must register with the commune (local town hall) where you'll be living within 14 days of arrival — and before you start work. This is non-negotiable and unlocks everything else: health insurance, bank account, residence permit card.
Languages
English is widely spoken in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Zug and Lausanne, but learning a little of the regional language (German, French or Italian) makes everyday life much easier and is genuinely appreciated by neighbours. Duolingo, Babbel, or in-person classes through local Volkshochschule are great starting points.
Health Insurance Is Mandatory
Switzerland has an excellent healthcare system, but private health insurance is compulsory. You must sign up within three months of arrival, and the policy is backdated to your arrival date. Compare plans on Comparis before choosing.
Cost of Living Reality Check
Switzerland is genuinely expensive. Beyond rent, expect groceries, eating out and basic services to cost noticeably more than in the UK. A single person typically needs around CHF 1,500–1,800 per month on top of rent for living expenses; a family of four closer to CHF 5,000+. Budget generously for the first few months while you find your feet.
Transport
Public transport is famously efficient and reliable. The Half-Fare Card (around CHF 190 per year) halves the cost of most train, bus and boat travel and pays for itself in a couple of trips. For heavier users, the GA Travelcard gives unlimited travel across most of the network.
Banking
Opening a Swiss bank account is straightforward once you have your residence permit and a local address. Common picks for expats include UBS, PostFinance, Raiffeisen and digital banks like Neon or Yuh.
Cultural Norms
The Swiss value punctuality, quietness (especially Sunday silence and after 10pm), recycling discipline and clean stair-cases in apartment buildings. Greet shopkeepers when you walk in. Respect the rules — they're the backbone of how everything runs.
Moving Your Belongings to Switzerland from the UK
Once you've picked your city and sorted your permit, the next question is getting your home there. Because Switzerland sits outside the EU customs union, a move from the UK now involves two customs clearances (UK export, Swiss import) plus a "Certificate of Domicile" or "Übersiedlungsgut" form that confirms your goods are personal effects accompanying a genuine change of residence. Done properly, your used household items can usually enter Switzerland duty-free.
That paperwork is something we handle for our customers every week. We run regular removals to Switzerland covering Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Bern, Lucerne, Lugano, Zug and Winterthur, and we offer:
- Full-load and part-load options — share a transport with others heading the same way and save significantly on cost
- Free UK survey — we'll visit you (or run a quick video survey) to give you an accurate fixed price, not a vague estimate
- Up to 2 months free UK storage on international moves — useful if your Swiss apartment isn't ready on day one
- Professional packing service with proper export-grade materials
- Customs paperwork sorted — we'll guide you through the Swiss import documents so nothing holds up your delivery
- Move Assured and AIM accredited — your belongings are insured and handled by trained crews
Ready to Make the Move?
Get a free quote today or call us on 01295 368198 (office) or 07861 930529 (WhatsApp). Tell us your UK postcode, your Swiss destination and roughly when you'd like to move — we'll come back to you the same working day with a clear plan and price.
If you're still exploring options across the continent, our complete guide to moving to Europe from the UK covers every destination we serve, with country-by-country tips on permits, customs and timing.
