Living in CH - eMagazine by the Expat Community

Life and Work in Switzerland
Will House Prices in Switzerland Crash

Published on 01-12-2010 10:10 AM

Categories:

House Prices,

Investing in Real Estate,

Property Market,

Buying a House in Switzerland

Comparing the House Price Index of US, UK, Japan and Switzerland for a ten year periond (1999-2009), atleast one thing is clear: the house prices are linked closely to local economic environment and can follow either trend. Lets look at the comparison in more detail and over a longer period of time to make judgement what may be a likely scenario.

...

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Self-employment for Foreigners

Categories:

Working in Switzerland,

Tax Comparison of Cantons,

Residence Permits (L, B, C..)

Nationals from EU/EFTA countries
You are entitled to take up a self-employed occupation in Switzerland. In order for your permit to be extended for a period of five years, you should subsequently provide ...

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Non-EU B/L Permit Quotas 2010 Drastically Reduced

Published on 02-25-2010 08:51 PM
Categories:

Working in Switzerland,

Comparison of Cantons for Permits,

Residence Permits (L, B, C..)
2000 NEW B-Permits and 3500 NEW L-Permits for Non-EU people for next year, which is equal to 50% of contingent of this year. But in June 2010, it will be decided whether to increase the contingent or not depending on the economic outlook.

...

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Shopping Smartly in Switzerland

Published on 02-23-2010 07:25 PM
Categories:

Grocery,

Electronics,

Home and Kitchen
According to an AC Nielsen Euro-Barometer study, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. The Swiss pay particularly high prices for meat, cooking oil, fish and vegetables. With the advent of discount stores like Aldi and Lidl competition has intensified but the total monthly ...

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Customs Regulations
Categories:

Working in Switzerland,

Custom Regulations,

Importing Vehicles,

Importing Plants and Vegetables
Financial assets
There are no special restrictions on the importation into Switzerland of currency that is admitted as legal tender. Measures related to the combat of international crime, however, remain reserved.
NB: Cash controls at the external borders of the European Union (EU) have been tight-ened. Cash amounts in excess of EUR 10,000 must be declared to the customs authorities on both entering and leaving the country. ...

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Residence Permits Regulations for EU/EFTA and Others
Categories:

Working in Switzerland,

Residence Permits (L, B, C..)
With regard to residence permits, a distinction is made between nationals from Third States and nationals from EU/EFTA countries. Depending on the nationality the type and duration of the permit issued is different. There are some variation of regulations ...

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Students, Trainees, Jobseekers and Cross-border Commuters
Categories:

Moving House,

Working in Switzerland,

Residence Permits (L, B, C..)
Students

Nationals from EU/EFTA countries
In order to obtain a residence permit as a student, you will have to prove that you have health insurance cover and sufficient financial resources to cover your living costs. You should, furthermore, prove that you have come to Switzerland in order to study full-time and that you are properly enrolled at a university or a duly ...

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Filing Taxes 2009 - Deductions - Comparison of Quellensteuer vs Filing

Published on 02-23-2010 08:25 PM
Categories:

Working in Switzerland,

AHV,

Pension,

3a,

Unemployment Insurance,

Cost of Living in Switzerland,

Types of Taxes,

Taxes in Cantons,

Tax Deductions
It is about time to file taxes for 2009 if you are one of those who have to file taxes. For those who are sourced at tax (Quellensteuer) there is much less paperwork. You would need to fill a simple form to get the taxes back if you invested in 3a, work related education which you paid yourself etc..

...

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Education System and Schools
Categories:

Higher Studies,

ETH, EPFL,

Education in Switzerland,

Comparison of Schools,

International Schools
Primary and secondary level
The duration of compulsory education, which includes primary level and secondary level I, varies from 8 to 9 years, depending on the canton. State schools are free of charge. The aim of secondary level I is to impart ...

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Validity and Recognition of Degree
Categories:

University Education,

Higher Studies,

ETH, EPFL,

Education in Switzerland
EU/EFTA nationals
In Switzerland employers attach great importance to diplomas. In order to help you in your first steps, the Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology ...

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Health Insurance and General Information
Categories:

Dentists
In Switzerland, there are almost as many health systems as there are cantons. As a rule, the Federal Government issues outline laws and entrusts their execution to the cantons and communes.

Outpatient medical care is ...

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Marriage Registration

The right to marriage and to a family is guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. It is there-fore clear that if your marriage has been validly performed in your country of origin, it will also be recognised in Switzerland. If you are ...

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Renting Apartments - General Information
Categories:

Property Market,

Cost of Living in Switzerland
The current tight market for vacant apartments means that it can be relatively difficult to find the perfect match, above all if you plan to settle in Zurich or Geneva. Consult the Internet websites specialised in the provision of accommodation ...

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Maternity Insurance
Categories:

Pregnancy
With regard to maternity, the compulsory insurance for medical care grants benefits in kind specific to maternity: check-ups during and after ...

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Unemployment Insurance
Categories:

Working in Switzerland,

Unemployment Insurance
All workers exercising salaried employment in Switzerland and who have not yet reached the statutory retirement age are compulsorily insured against the risk of unemployment. The contributions ...

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Working Hours, Holidays and Leaves
Categories:

Working in Switzerland
Working hours
• Duration: The maximum legal working time amounts to 45 hours a week for employees in industrial enterprises, for office staff, technical personnel and other employees including sales assistants ...

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The Three Pillar System - General Information
Categories:

Three Pillars,

AHV,

Pension,

3a
Social security system
The Swiss system of social security is split up into various branches: each branch has its own special characteristics. This is a result of federalism (where the Federal Government does not have the power to legislate, social security lies within the competence of the can-tons). ...

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Employment Contract - General Information
Categories:

Working in Switzerland,

Residence Permits (L, B, C..)
The individual employment contract stipulates that the employee undertakes to work for the employer, for a definite or indefinite period, and that the latter will pay a fixed salary, according to time worked or work ...

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Driving License
Categories:

Driving License
During the first twelve months of your stay in Switzerland you can, without further formalities, drive vehicles corresponding to the categories listed in your national driving licence, provided you have reached ...

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Different Type of Permits and Criterion
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Published on 01-10-2010 12:23 AM
Categories:

Working in Switzerland,

Residence Permits (L, B, C..)
Summary
B Permit : a residence permit usually valid for one year and renewable periodically.

B permit holders are eligible for a C permit (see below).

C Permit : a permanent residence permit issued after 10 years of residence (5 years for Canadian, US, EU nationals) . A C permit may be issued following a 5-year uninterrupted stay when the foreigner has shown his or her capacity to integrate into the population .

Ci Permit: a work permit issued to the spouse of an employee of an international organisation as well as to their unmarried children under the age of 21 on the grounds of family reunification. The validity of the Ci permit is subject to the duration of the post of the member of the international organisation.

G Permit : a work permit giving a person living in a neighbouring country the right to work - but not to reside - in Switzerland (cross-border worker).

S Permit: a residence permit for persons requiring ...

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