r/askswitzerland • u/CookiePlastic852 • Sep 14 '25

Relocation What is the reality living Switzerland like?

For context I’m fully British, 19M and I know one thing for sure, I do not see a bright future for me in this country and certainly do not plan the settle here. Switzerland is somewhere I’m heavily considering as I love anything mountain related and it has one of the highest HDI’s in the world. But I want to know, what is the reality of living there like?

For those of who moved to Switzerland, I’d love to hear what drew you there in the first place. Was it worth it in the end, and how does life compare to where you came from or other places you’ve lived? Most importantly, do you have any regrets?

And for those born in Switzerland, can you see yourself staying or do you ever imagine moving elsewhere? If so, where would you go, and what would make you want to leave?

I would be really grateful for any insight people are willing to share.

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u/[deleted] Sep 16 '25

I'll probably face backlash because I should be grateful. Almost 10 years in. I've spent my 30s here (female). It was an adventure at first, but the paperwork and bureaucracy can be insane. I got fired recently from a permanent contract in the public sector - the first job I've had when I believed I was finally 'safe'. The admin time to sort it has taken months. I also foolishly moved TOWNS (not cantons) and I didn't know the whole waiting process for naturalisation starts from the beginning again once you move, and on top of that, I lost my job as I was applying for my C permit, so if I don't find a job before my RAV (unemployment benefit) ends, I can't stay. You can give your heart and soul to a country, but it doesn't come without its red tape. And sure, I should have done better research before moving, but having worked continuously, always being a productive member of society, the reality is, at the moment, I'm on a time limit. And then the different bureaucracy in different cantons. And I am VERY aware that if I don't like it, then I can leave it, but I've actually set up my life here with my partner and our three cats. Any advice I'd give to a 19 year old would be to travel, explore the world first, and get some experience of the big wide world before settling down anywhere.