Moving to Switzerland Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Affordability

Healthcare

Taxes

Safety

Stability

Relative Ratings versus the United States

TL;DR

Switzerland is the gold standard for high-net-worth Americans seeking unparalleled safety and quality of life in 2026. Skilled Worker Visa requires highly qualified status and employer proof of Swiss/EU candidate search. Lump-Sum Taxation available in certain cantons for wealthy individuals based on living expenses. Cost of living is 50-70% higher than U.S., matching Manhattan. Mandatory regulated private healthcare ensures world-class care with significantly shorter wait times than U.S.

Why is Switzerland the gold standard for high-net-worth Americans?

In 2026, Switzerland remains the gold standard for high-net-worth Americans seeking unparalleled safety, economic neutrality, and a high quality of life. While it is the most expensive destination on our list, the value proposition lies in its precision-run infrastructure and social peace. As global volatility persists, Switzerland’s "Safe Haven" status has seen a surge in interest from American tech executives and finance professionals looking for a permanent "Plan A."

The Swiss lifestyle is defined by "discretion." Unlike the conspicuous consumption often found in U.S. luxury hubs, Switzerland offers a quiet, high-functioning environment where the trains run on time and the mountains are never more than a short drive away.

What are the visa options for Americans moving to Switzerland?

Switzerland is notoriously difficult for non-EU citizens to enter, making it a destination for the highly skilled or the independently wealthy.

Skilled Worker (Quota-based): Americans must have a job offer and fall into the "highly qualified" category. Employers must prove they couldn't find a Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate for the role.
Lump-Sum Taxation (Residency by Investment): Available in certain cantons for wealthy individuals who do not work in Switzerland. You pay a pre-negotiated annual tax based on your living expenses rather than global income.

Available Visa Pathways:

Education
Work
Entrepreneurship
Study
Other (Lump-sum Tax Residency)

How much does it cost to live in Switzerland compared to the United States?

Switzerland’s cost of living is approximately 50-70% higher than the U.S. average; a single person in Zurich or Geneva should expect expenses to mirror or exceed those of Manhattan, particularly regarding groceries and dining.

What is the healthcare system like in Switzerland for Americans?

Swiss healthcare is world-class and mandatory for all residents; while there is no "free" public system, the regulated private insurance market ensures top-tier care with significantly shorter wait times and better outcomes than most U.S. states.

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At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.