The future belongs to those who understand technology and drive these very technologies into a bright and unpredictable future. While it is believed that the majority of IT specialists are ‘sucked’ into the USA, there are other countries where IT professionals are headed.
In this material, you will learn:
- Why Switzerland is an attractive jurisdiction for IT specialists?
- How to obtain a work and residence permit, and bring your family?
- In which canton should you search for a job or start your business?
- Are there good schools for educating children, and how is the local education system?
- What is the standard of living and the costs to maintain it?
This has become a sort of basic manual for those looking for a new place to live and professional growth.
Why do IT specialists choose Switzerland?
First, let's take a look at the IT companies that are already operating here. Many of them will be familiar to you:
- Logitech (computer peripherals and more);
- SITA (responsible for 90% of communications in air traffic);
- U-blox (created technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi);
- Swisscom (telecommunications provider);
- Branches of Microsoft, Google, HP, CISCO, DELL, IBM;
- Ethereum Alliance (the company that supports the development of the token and the Ether system);
- Many others.
There are also plenty of smaller companies that deal not only with software and hardware but also with biotechnology, social calculations, and much more.
Therefore, the first reason for choosing Switzerland is the presence of companies engaged in IT technologies across various fields, collaboratively elevating the overall development level of humanity.
They also provide high salaries, social guarantees, and various benefits for employees.
Entrepreneurs can freely create their own projects, utilize the infrastructure, incubators, investments, and tax incentives to develop startups.
Switzerland has its own equivalent of Silicon Valley – Crypto Valley, where conditions are created for developing projects based on blockchain. And this refers not only to cryptocurrencies but also to more practical applications of the technology.
Secondly, it is an exceptionally comfortable country to live in: Switzerland ranks very high in quality of life globally; it boasts a great climate and clean air, and it is safe. Even the highly publicized story of immigrants flooding into Europe played out here: residents of some towns and villages refused to accept outsiders despite all EU demands. They stood firm on their level of life and safety.
The unemployment rate in Switzerland is just 3%, while the country's economy eagerly absorbs foreign specialists.
A significant aspect is the tax system. It is three-tiered: federal level (8.5%), cantonal level (ranging from 12 to 24%), and municipal (depending on the city and community).
It is important to understand that all stated taxes are what is written in laws, but in reality, any rate can be officially lowered using specific methods. This is especially true for corporate taxes, although there are nuances for individuals as well.
Individuals pay between 21% (Zug) and 37% (Geneva) depending on the canton and income level.
Which canton of Switzerland should you choose for work and living?
Switzerland has 26 cantons. How to choose among them? If we consider two main parameters – technological development and comfortable living with family – we suggest focusing on two cantons: Zug and Zurich.
Zug
Zug is the heart of what is known as the Crypto Valley – a place where businesses in blockchain and cryptocurrencies operate under favorable conditions.
In Zug, they have started accepting Bitcoin for the payment of government services.
Companies such as Monetas, Bitcoin Suisse, and Ethereum founded by Vitalik Buterin are based here.
In addition, major companies in Zug (not all tech-related) include Johnson & Johnson, Siemens, Interactive Brokers, Luxoft, Glencore, UBS, and dozens of others.
The quality of life in Zug is high, with both private and public schools, vocational schools, universities, and colleges. We will discuss education a bit further on.
Zurich
The most densely populated canton in Switzerland (as of 2017). About one-third of the population lives in the city of Zurich.
This is the largest financial center in Switzerland and a scientific hub. In 2019, it ranked second in the world in terms of quality of life and fourth among the most expensive cities. It is also recognized as one of the safest cities.
This is a German-speaking canton.
Zurich has its own airport, with established transport connections to other cantons and countries.
Companies and business units: numerous 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 2015 statistics, public spending on education per person was $4,324, ranking second after the USA. Russia is ranked 49th in this list.
The quality of education, measured by its relevance to economic needs, is rated at 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 given not only to young people but also to professionals – continuous professional development is ensured.
The education system consists of several levels: preparatory (kindergarten), primary education, secondary education (gymnasiums, maturity certificate, initial vocational education, primary vocational education), third level (universities, pedagogical schools, specialized institutions, higher vocational education, bachelor's, master's, doctoral degrees).
There are 260 private schools, offering instruction in German, French, Italian, English, and other languages.
Switzerland invests in people as the most valuable asset. The country is poor in natural resources, hence technology, services, professionalism, and experience are key.
Zug is renowned for its international boarding school located in the former Grand Hotel Schönfels. It is considered an elite school, with alumni such as John Kerry (U.S. Secretary of State), Mark Foster (writer and director), and Pierre Mirabeau (founder of Mirabo Bank and chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association).
In addition to the school, there are public and private universities and colleges.
Zurich is home to 12 universities, including the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), from which renowned figures like Albert Einstein and Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen graduated, as well as various public and private schools.
Interestingly, in these cantons, there are educational institutions that teach not only in German and English but also in Russian.
Education costs may be lower than in your home country. Specifically, the annual tuition for a Bachelor's degree at the Technical University of Zurich for foreign students is 1,700 francs per year—equivalent to the fee for local students. A year at the University of Zurich costs 2,538 francs (1,000 francs more than for local students).
You can obtain an Executive MBA in Zurich.
Everyday life in Switzerland: rent, internet, transportation, cost of living.
Switzerland offers its residents high standards of living, healthcare, safety, and comfort. Incomes here are also expected to be high.
Specifically, Zurich ranks second in the world for quality of life (2017). Geneva is in eighth place, Basel is tenth, and Bern is fourteenth.
In terms of personal safety, Switzerland ranks third after Finland and Denmark.
Attracting and retaining foreign specialists scores a perfect 100 out of 100.
There are more than 10,000 companies in the country that attract foreign specialists. There are special agencies that assist with settling into life after moving to Switzerland.
The country's population is quite tolerant of reasonable people regardless of where they come from. The state itself maintains a neutral stance on most issues and actively cooperates with everyone.
About moving
When you transport personal belongings, there are no customs duties at the border. It is only required that the property has been privately owned for at least 6 months and was used by you upon arrival.
You must register at your new place of residence within 14 days after arrival. You'll need foreign passports, health insurance, a passport photo, marriage certificates, and birth certificates for children, as well as an employment contract.
If you travel with your family, each person needs a similar set of documents.
You can import your car and register and insure it in Switzerland within 12 months.
It is recommended to learn at least one local official language: German, French, or Italian. There are many courses available.
Housing rental
It is customary to contact those listing properties, view the apartment, and then make a decision.
When signing the contract, a deposit or security equivalent to three months' rent is required. This serves as a guarantee for the landlord. Upon moving in, the tenant and landlord inspect the apartment together and prepare a written document detailing any deficiencies. If this is not done, you may be charged for any 'damages' and losses upon departure.
If the landlord wishes to increase the rent, they must fill out a special form. If you find the rent increase unjustified, you can contest the decision in writing within 30 days.
Phone, Internet, Television
The Swiss market has many companies offering such services. Major providers include Swisscom, Salt, and Sunrise. Consumer registration in the system is mandatory, even for prepaid services.
The country has both analog and digital television. An subscription fee is charged for receiving radio and television broadcasts, regardless of what you watch and listen to.
Transport
Transport logistics in Switzerland is fantastic. There is a dense network of railways, motorways, bus services, and even waterways. The traffic is intense – even small villages on rivers have a boat arriving at least every two hours.
Single tickets, day, month, and annual passes are available. There is a universal pass that allows travel on almost all railways, as well as using intercity buses, water, and urban transport.
Travel is free for children under 6; children up to 16 can travel for free with a 'Junior-Karte' if accompanied by parents, and also with a 'Grandchild Card' when accompanied by grandparents. Youth aged 16-25 can travel in second class for free after 7 PM with a 'Gleis 7' travel pass.
Income and cost of living in Switzerland
The average monthly income of a Swiss family is 7,556 francs. Adding social benefits and other sources gives an average of 9,946 francs.
Net income after taxes is about 70%. However, there are regional differences, so it's important to consider the canton.
Switzerland ranks 2nd in terms of the purchasing power of its population. Zurich is the second-ranked city in the world.
Prices in Zurich
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Zurich starts from 1,400 euros.
There is always the option to look for alternatives by consulting local experts.
The average bill in a simple café is around 20 euros. A cup of cappuccino starts at 5 euros.
A kilogram of potatoes costs about 2 euros, a loaf of bread (0.5 kg) is around 3 euros, half a liter of water costs over 1 euro, and a dozen eggs is about 3 euros. 95 octane gasoline starts at 1.55 euros per liter.
Prices in Zug
In Zug, rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts from 1,500 EUR.
Lunch in a café costs about 20 euros. A cup of coffee is around 4 euros.
A kilogram of potatoes costs about 2 euros, a loaf of bread is around 1.5 euros, 1.5 liters of water is 0.70 euros, and a dozen eggs costs about 5 euros. 95 octane gasoline is about 1.5 euros.
How to obtain a work and residence permit?
To live and work in Switzerland, you need a work permit and a residence permit (visa). To visit Switzerland, you must obtain a visa.
Visas can be tourist, work-related, for family reunification, or for study. They can be short-term or long-term.
To start the visa application process, citizens from non-EU and EEA countries must contact the Swiss representation in their country of residence. You will need a valid passport, health insurance policy, and documents proving the purpose of your trip: employment contract, company charter documents, etc.
The visa fee depends on the purpose of the visit.
All documents not drafted in English, French, or Italian will need to be translated.
After that, you can obtain a residence permit and subsequently a residence visa.
Some permits do not grant the right to work. Check with migration authorities. If you stay in the country for more than 3 months, you receive a foreigner's identity card.
You can obtain:
- Residence permit B (a one-year residence permit with the right to work, with the possibility of extending for 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 job has clearly defined terms), cannot change place of work;
- Residence permit F (temporary stay for foreign nationals).
Also, some visas allow inviting relatives: spouse with children under 19 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 can be short-term (less than one year), temporary (for a specific duration), and permanent. These and other residency issues for foreigners are resolved at the cantonal level.
When moving for work, you will need to ensure recognition of your diploma. If obtained within the EU, it will be accepted automatically or almost automatically under the Bologna process. If we talk about a Russian certificate, confirmation from a competent authority is required. In some cases, this can be done at the local education regulatory body.
If you are interested in obtaining Swiss citizenship, you need to meet the following conditions:
- Reside in the country for at least 12 years (for those living in Switzerland from 12 to 20 years, each year counts as 2);
- Integrate into local life;
- Know the lifestyle and customs of the Swiss;
- Abide by the law;
- Not pose a threat to security.
Previously, the required duration of residence 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 work in a large company or start their own business. Living costs here are higher than in other countries, but in return, you get a high standard of living, excellent education for children, comfort, and security.
Especially since workers' salaries, particularly in technological fields, are higher than in other countries.
Switzerland is a promising location for the development of blockchain projects, although any high-tech production and research is welcomed here: medicine, communication, nanotechnology, etc.
Whatever area of IT you work in, you will find a place that suits your interests. This includes opportunities for your family as well.
Source: habr.com
