Best places to live in Switzerland 2027: UK movers guide
For a relatively small country, Switzerland has a lot to offer. It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and is famous for its Alps, lakes and valleys. If you are moving to Switzerland from the UK in 2027, the short answer is that you will usually need a job offer and a residence permit before you go, and the city you choose will shape your costs as much as your lifestyle.
Getting the right place for you is important. To give you some inspiration, here are eight of our favourite Swiss cities for British movers, followed by how to move to Switzerland from the UK step by step.
Why choose Switzerland
- High salaries and quality of life: Swiss cities regularly rank among the best places to live in the world for safety, cleanliness and services.
- Outdoor life: mountains, lakes and ski resorts are rarely more than an hour away.
- Excellent public transport: the Swiss Federal Railways network links cities, towns and mountain villages with frequent, punctual trains.
- Four languages, one country: German, French, Italian and Romansh give each region its own character.
- Central location: France, Germany, Italy and Austria are on your doorstep, and flights to the UK are short.
Best places to live in Switzerland
1. Geneva
This cosmopolitan city is Switzerland's second largest and one of the most popular with Brits. Here's why:
- Scenery: Geneva lies at the south western tip of Switzerland, beside Lake Geneva, with the Alps and Jura mountains around it and views of Mont Blanc.
- Culture: it is the largest city in French-speaking Switzerland, with museums such as the Museum of Art and History, the History of Science Museum and the Natural History Museum.
- International hub: Geneva is home to the United Nations office, the Red Cross and the World Health Organization, so many residents work for international organisations.
2. Winterthur
Winterthur is often overlooked, but do not rule it out. It is Switzerland's sixth largest city and only around 20 minutes by train from Zurich.
- Nature: the Wildpark Bruderhaus is home to native animals and lovely picnic spots, and the Rosengarten has hundreds of rose varieties and a panoramic view over the city.
- Easy to get around: Winterthur is compact and walkable, with direct trains to Zurich airport.
- Culture: this German-speaking city has a wealth of museums, galleries and events through the year.
3. Bern
You may be surprised to learn that Bern is the Swiss capital. It sits in west central Switzerland and is home to the Swiss parliament.
- Small town feel: Bern has kept a relaxed, small town atmosphere, and you can explore most of its UNESCO listed old town on foot.
- Scenery: the River Aare loops around the old town and is a favourite for swimming in summer. Climb the steps of the Bern Minster tower for a view over your new home.
- Well connected: frequent trains run to Basel, Geneva and Zurich, and bikes are easy to rent.
4. Lugano
Lugano is the largest city in Italian-speaking Switzerland and, culturally, is often compared with Milan.
- Mildest climate: Lugano sits in Ticino, the sunniest and mildest part of Switzerland, with palm trees along the lake, though the mountains still bring snow in winter.
- Culture: Piazza della Riforma is the main square, Saint Lawrence Cathedral looks out over the city and the historic centre is full of old churches and arcaded streets.
- Scenery: Lake Lugano is framed by Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, and Parco Civico offers lake views that are especially good at sunset.
5. Zug
Located between Zurich and Lucerne, Zug is popular with British movers, especially those working in finance.
- Quieter lifestyle: Zug is small enough to get around on foot, with plenty of hiking, cycling, boating and swimming for all the family.
- Well connected: Zurich is a short train ride away, with easy links to other cities by train, bus and boat.
- Scenery: the town sits on Lake Zug, surrounded by mountains and green countryside.
6. Basel
Basel sits where Switzerland meets France and Germany and is the country's third largest city, with residents from all over the world.
- Nightlife: a large student population keeps the bars and music venues busy.
- Outdoors: you can reach the Black Forest in Germany, the Jura mountains or swim in the Rhine in summer.
- Culture: the historic old town has many museums and Basel Minster, which overlooks the Rhine and is known for its stained glass and arched ceilings.
7. Lucerne
Lucerne could be Switzerland's most picturesque city.
- Scenery: it sits on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
- History: Lucerne is best known for its medieval architecture and the Chapel Bridge across the River Reuss, dating from the 14th century and often described as Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge, with 17th century paintings in its roof.
- Quieter lifestyle: Lucerne keeps a cosy atmosphere, although it gets livelier in the busy tourist seasons.
8. Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland's economic powerhouse and its largest city. No list would be complete without it.
- Well connected: trains, trams, buses and boats link Zurich with other Swiss cities, and Zurich airport has direct flights to many UK airports.
- Outdoors: swim or sail on Lake Zurich in summer and ski in nearby Alpine resorts in winter.
- International hub: Zurich is a global financial centre, close to Germany and Austria for day trips.
Cost of living across Swiss cities
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but costs vary by city. According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO), rents are highest in the cantons of Zurich, Zug and Geneva and lower in many parts of Ticino, Jura and central Switzerland.
| Monthly cost | Zurich | Geneva | London |
|---|
| 1-bed flat, central (rent) | £2,239 | £2,106 | £2,150 |
| 1-bed flat, outside the centre (rent) | £1,766 | £1,590 | £1,693 |
| Monthly public transport pass | £80 | £68 | £186 |
| Milk (1 litre) | £1.63 | £1.73 | £1.40 |
| Loaf of white bread (500g) | £2.66 | £2.26 | £1.40 |
| 12 eggs | £6.39 | £5.99 | £3.79 |
| Cappuccino | £5.29 | £4.73 | £4.25 |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | £26.32 | £22.69 | £20.00 |
| Basic utilities (85m² flat) | £209 | £214 | £281 |
| Mobile plan (10GB+ data) | £27.34 | £27.50 | £13.72 |
| Gym membership | £68.09 | £56.63 | £45.82 |
| Average net monthly salary | £6,102 | £5,420 | £3,871 |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison, checked October 2026. Swiss prices converted to GBP at around 1.10 CHF to £1.
Rents in Zurich and Geneva are similar to London, but groceries, eating out and phone bills cost more, while public transport is much cheaper and average salaries are far higher. Rents are generally lower in Ticino (including Lugano), the Jura and many parts of central Switzerland.
Remember to budget for compulsory health insurance, which you pay yourself, and for income tax, which varies by canton and municipality.
Best fit for
| If you are | Consider |
|---|
| Working in finance or tech | Zurich, Zug |
| Working for an international organisation | Geneva |
| A family wanting a calmer pace | Bern, Lucerne, Winterthur |
| Looking for sunshine and an Italian feel | Lugano |
| A student or young professional | Basel |
| Commuting to Zurich on a smaller budget | Winterthur |
Moving to Switzerland from the UK
Switzerland is outside the EU, and since the end of the Brexit transition period UK nationals arriving to live there are treated as third country nationals. The rules below come from GOV.UK Living in Switzerland and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
- Visits: UK nationals can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa, as Switzerland is part of the Schengen area.
- Working and living: to stay longer you normally need a job offer, and your employer applies for your permit. Switzerland sets a separate annual quota of permits for UK nationals.
- Permits: an L permit is for short stays of up to a year and a B permit is for longer residence. A C permit (settlement) can follow after several years.
- People who are not working: retirees and people with their own means may qualify if they can show sufficient funds and health insurance. Rules are set by each canton.
- Existing residents: UK nationals living in Switzerland before 1 January 2021 keep their rights under the UK and Swiss citizens' rights agreement.
How to move to Switzerland from the UK: step by step
- Secure a job offer or check your route. Your Swiss employer usually applies for your work permit with the cantonal authorities.
- Apply for an entry visa if required. Once your permit is approved, the Swiss embassy will tell you if you need a visa to enter as a resident.
- Find a home. Flats are competitive in Zurich, Geneva and Zug, so many people use temporary furnished accommodation first.
- Plan your shipment. Book your mover early and make an inventory for customs.
- Register with your commune. Register with the residents' office in your new municipality within 14 days of arrival and before you start work.
- Take out health insurance. Swiss basic health insurance is compulsory and must be taken out within three months of arrival, according to the Federal Office of Public Health.
- Sort banking, driving and tax. Open a Swiss bank account, exchange your UK driving licence within the first year and let HMRC know you are leaving the UK.
Our moving abroad checklist covers the UK side, including who to inform when you move.
Removal companies Switzerland: shipping your belongings
When comparing removal companies for Switzerland, look for an international mover who manages packing, transport and Swiss customs clearance. Most UK to Switzerland moves travel by road, either as a dedicated load or a shared groupage service for smaller moves.
According to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG), household goods can be imported duty free when you move your residence, as long as you have owned and used them for at least six months and continue to use them. You complete customs form 18.44 with an inventory. Your mover can help with this.
Pickfords international removals cover Switzerland, and our packing services protect furniture and fragile items in transit through Europe. The cost depends on volume, distance and service, so request a free quote. Moving with a dog or cat? Our pet shipping service can help.
Flats in Swiss cities are often smaller than UK homes. If you want to keep some furniture in the UK, self storage from £18 is a simple option, with drive-up self storage for long term needs. Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I move to Switzerland from the UK without a job?
It is harder. Most UK nationals move with a job offer, but retirees and people with sufficient funds may be able to get a residence permit if they show they can support themselves and have Swiss health insurance. Requirements are set by the canton you plan to live in.
- How long does a Swiss work permit take?
It depends on the canton and the type of permit, and it is your employer who usually applies. Allow several weeks to a few months, and do not book your move until your permit is approved.
- Is health insurance compulsory in Switzerland?
Yes. Everyone living in Switzerland must take out basic health insurance within three months of arriving, and premiums are paid by you, not your employer.
- Which is the cheapest city in Switzerland to live in?
Rents are generally lower in Ticino, including Lugano, and in smaller cities such as Winterthur and Bern compared with Zurich, Geneva and Zug. Everyday costs remain high across the country.
- Can I bring my furniture to Switzerland duty free?
Yes, if the items have been owned and used for at least six months and you continue to use them in Switzerland. You declare them on customs form 18.44 with an inventory.
- Do I need to speak German or French?
English is widely used in international companies in Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Learning the local language helps with everyday life and may be required later if you apply for a C permit.
Ready to start your move? Request a free quote for your move to Switzerland or get in touch with our expert team for personalised advice.