Switzerland: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving There
1. Population and Arab Community in Switzerland
- Switzerland has a population of around 8.8 million people.
- The Arab community is estimated at 50,000 to 60,000 people, mostly from Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine.
2. Job Opportunities in Switzerland
The Swiss job market is very strong but highly competitive, often requiring advanced qualifications and experience:
- Medicine and nursing: High demand for doctors and nurses.
- Engineering (all fields)
- Finance and banking: Zurich and Geneva are global financial hubs.
- Information technology: Increasing demand in major cities.
- Pharmaceuticals and scientific research: Home to global companies like Novartis and Roche.
Unemployment rate: One of the lowest in Europe at around 2.3%.
3. Climate in Switzerland
- Winter: Very cold with heavy snowfall in mountainous areas, temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C.
- Summer: Mild, with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C — ideal for outdoor activities and nature lovers.
4. Healthcare in Switzerland
- Health insurance is mandatory and private (there is no universal state coverage).
- The average monthly cost of health insurance per person is between 250 and 400 Swiss francs (approximately €250-€400).
- Healthcare quality is excellent but expensive without insurance.
5. Housing and Rental Costs
- Zurich and Geneva: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs between 1,600 – 2,300 Swiss francs per month.
- Lausanne and Basel: Between 1,200 – 1,700 francs per month.
- Smaller towns: Between 800 – 1,200 francs per month.
Property prices start from 600,000 Swiss francs in small towns and can reach up to 1.5 million francs in major cities.
6. Transportation
- Trains: An extremely advanced and punctual network connecting cities and even small villages.
- Trams and buses: Well-organized and widespread in all cities.
- Taxis and ride-hailing services: Available but very expensive.
- Bicycles: Widely used, especially in cities like Basel and Bern.
7. Advantages of Living in Switzerland
✔️ One of the highest standards of living in the world.
✔️ Extremely safe, orderly, and peaceful.
✔️ Stunning nature — Swiss Alps, lakes, and beautiful landscapes.
✔️ Excellent healthcare and education systems.
✔️ Lower taxes compared to many European countries.
8. Challenges and Disadvantages
❌ Very high cost of living and housing.
❌ Expensive health insurance.
❌ Language barrier — German, French, or Italian are required depending on the region.
❌ The social life may be quiet and not as vibrant as in other countries.
Conclusion
Switzerland is an ideal country for those seeking a stable, high-quality, and peaceful life — especially for professionals with specialized skills. If you can manage the high costs and are willing to learn one of the local languages, you’ll find Switzerland to be an exceptional place to live and work.
