The future belongs to those who understand technology and move these same technologies into a bright and unpredictable future. And although it is believed that the United States “sucks” the bulk of IT specialists, there are other countries where IT specialists are sent.
In this material you will learn:
- Why is Switzerland an attractive jurisdiction for IT professionals?
- How to get a work and residence permit, transport your family with you?
- In which canton should you look for a job or start your own business?
- Are there good schools to educate children, and how good is the local education?
- What is the standard of living and the cost of maintaining it?
It turned out to be a kind of basic manual for the country for those who are looking for a new place to live and grow professionally.
Why do IT professionals choose Switzerland?
Let's first take a look at the IT companies that are already working here. Many of them are familiar to you:
- Logitech (computer peripherals and more);
- SITA (responsible for 90% of communications in air traffic);
- U-blox (created technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi);
- Swisscom (telecommunications provider);
- Branches 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 many smaller companies that work not only with software and hardware, but also with biotechnology, social accounting 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 jointly raise the level of development of all mankind.
They also provide high salaries, social guarantees and other benefits for employees.
Entrepreneurs are also free to create their own projects, use infrastructure, incubators, investments and tax breaks to develop a startup.
Switzerland has its own analogue of Silicon Valley - Crypto Valley, where conditions are created for the development of projects based on the blockchain. And we are talking not only about cryptocurrencies, but also about the more practical application of technology.
Secondly, it is an exceptionally comfortable country to live in: Switzerland ranks highest in terms of living standards in the world; it has a wonderful climate and clean air, it is safe. Even the sensational story of immigrants who flooded into Europe got its fulfillment here: the inhabitants 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 greedily absorbs foreign specialists.
A special moment is the tax system. It has three levels: the level of the federation (8,5%), the level of the canton (range from 12 to 24%) and municipal (depending on the city and community).
At the same time, 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 the amount of earnings from 21% (Zug) to 37% (Geneva).
Which canton of Switzerland to choose for work and life?
Switzerland has 26 cantons. How to choose from them? If we take into account two main parameters - the development of technology and a comfortable life with the family - then we suggest that you stop at 2 cantons: Zug and Zurich.
Zug
It is Zug that is the heart of the so-called Crypto Valley - a place where business in the field of blockchain and cryptocurrencies operates on favorable terms.
Zug began accepting bitcoins to pay for public services.
Companies such as Monetas, Bitcoin Suisse, Etherium from Vitalik Buterin are based here.
In addition to them, large companies in Zug (not all IT): 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. Let's talk about education below.
Zurich
The most populous canton in Switzerland (as of 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, it took the second place in terms of quality of life in the world, as well as the 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 are established.
Companies and divisions of companies: 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 2015 statistics, government spending on education per person was $4324, second only to the United States. Russia is in the 49th place in this rating.
The quality of education, measured as meeting the needs of the economy, is 8,94 out of 10, or first in the rankings. 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), first stage secondary education, second stage secondary education (gymnasiums, matriculation, primary vocational education, primary vocational education), third stage (universities, pedagogical schools, specialized universities, higher professional education, bachelors, masters, doctoral degrees).
There are 260 private schools where they teach in German, French, Italian, English and other languages.
Switzerland invests in people as the most valuable asset. The country is poor in natural resources, so technologies, services, professionalism and experience decide.
Zug is famous for its international boarding school. Located in the building of the former Grand Hotel Schönfels. It is considered a school for the elite. Alumni are John Kerry (US Secretary of State), Mark Foster (writer and director), Pierre Mirabeau (founder of Mirabo Bank, and chairman of the Association of Swiss Bankers).
In addition to schools, there are public and private universities and schools.
There are 12 universities in Zurich, the Federal Higher Technical School (ETH) - Albert Einstein and Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen graduated from it - public and private schools.
An interesting point: in these cantons there are educational institutions where they teach not only in German and English, but also in Russian.
The cost of education can be cheaper than in your home country. In particular, a year of a bachelor's degree in Zurich at the Higher Technical School for a foreign student costs 1700 francs per year - the same as for local students. A year at the University of Zurich - 2538 francs (1000 francs more 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 care, safety and comfort. Income is also expected to be high.
Specifically, Zurich ranks second in terms of quality of life in the world (2017). Geneva is eighth, Basel is 10th and Bern is 14th.
In terms of personal safety, Switzerland ranks 3rd after Finland and Denmark.
Attracting and retaining foreign specialists - 100 points out of 100 possible.
There are more than 10 companies operating in the country 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, no matter where they come from. The state itself takes a neutral position on most issues, therefore it actively cooperates with everyone.
About moving
When you transport personal belongings, they are not subject to customs duty at the border. It is only necessary that the property was in personal possession for at least 6 months and used by you upon arrival.
Within 14 days of arrival, you must register at your new place of residence. Foreign passports, health insurance, passport photo, marriage and birth certificates, employment contract will be required.
If you are traveling with a family - everyone has a similar set.
You can bring the car in and register and insure it in Switzerland within 12 months.
It is recommended to learn at least one local official language: German, French, Italian. There are a large number of courses.
Rental housing
It is customary to contact those who exhibit real estate, inspect the apartment and then make a decision.
At the conclusion of the contract, a deposit or a deposit in the amount of payment for 3 months of rent is made to a special account. It serves as a guarantee for the landlord. Upon arrival, the tenant, together with the owner, check the apartment and draw up an act of shortcomings in writing. If this is not done, upon departure you may be charged for all "breakdowns" and shortages.
If the landlord wants to increase the rent, then he needs to fill out a special form. If you think the increase is unreasonable, you have 30 days to appeal the decision in writing.
Telephone, Internet, TV
There are a large number of companies offering such services on the Swiss market. Important suppliers: Swisscom, Salt and Sunrise. Registration of the consumer in the system is obligatory, even if we are talking about prepaid services.
The country has analogue and digital television. There is a subscription fee 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, buses and even water routes. The traffic is intense - even a boat comes to the villages on the rivers at least once every two hours.
One-time tickets, travel cards for the day, month, year are offered. There is a universal travel card that will allow you to travel on almost all railways, use intercity bus service, water and urban transport.
Travel for children under 6 years is free; children under 16 can travel free of charge with the Junior-Karte if they are accompanied by their parents, as well as with the Grandson Card if accompanied by their grandparents. Young people aged 16-25 travel free of charge in second class after 19:7 with a Gleis XNUMX 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 taxes is about 70%. However, there are regional differences, so you need to look depending on the canton.
Switzerland ranks 2nd in terms of the purchasing power of the population. Zurich is the second largest city in the world.
Prices in Zurich
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Zurich - from 1400 euros.
It is always possible 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 is about 2 euros, Bread (0,5 kg) is about 3 euros, half a liter of water is more than a euro, a dozen eggs are 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 in a cafe - about 20 euros. A cup of coffee is about 4 euros.
A kilogram of potatoes is about 2 euros, a loaf of bread is about 1,5 euros, 1,5 liters of water is 0,70 euros, a dozen eggs are about 5 euros. Gasoline 95 - about 1,5 euros.
How to get a work and residence permit?
In order to live and work in Switzerland, you will need a work permit and a residence permit (visa). You need a visa to visit Switzerland.
Visas are tourist, labor, family reunification and study. They can be short or long term.
Citizens of countries outside the EU and EEA need to contact the Swiss representation in their country of residence to start the visa process. You will need a valid foreign passport, a 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 get a residence permit and subsequently a residence permit.
In some permits there is no right to work. Check with the immigration authorities. If you are in the country for more than 3 months, you will receive an alien identity card.
You can get:
- Residence permit B (residence permit with the right to work for a period of 1 year, 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 work has a clearly marked period), you can not change the place of work;
- Residence permit F (temporary stay of foreign citizens).
Also, some visas allow you to invite relatives: a spouse with children under 19 and dependent parents; only spouse and children; only the spouse.
To start working, foreigners living 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 indefinite. These and other questions concerning the residence of foreigners are decided at the cantonal level.
When you move to work, you will need to ensure that your degree is recognized. If you received it within the EU, then 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 may be done by the local education regulatory authority.
If you are interested in obtaining Swiss citizenship, you must fulfill the following conditions:
- Have lived in the country for at least 12 years (for those who live in Switzerland from 12 to 20, each year counts as 2);
- Integrate into local life;
- Know the lifestyle and customs of the Swiss;
- Obey the law;
- Do not pose a security risk.
Previously, the required time of residence in the country was more - 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 here is higher than in other countries, but at the same time you get a high standard of living, excellent education for children, comfort and security.
Moreover, the income of workers, especially in technology areas, 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.
Whatever area of IT you work in, you will find a place to your liking. Including with your family.
Source: habr.com