Post-Brexit, UK citizens face new requirements for relocating to Switzerland. This assessment helps British expats understand the cost of living and immigration landscape. Switzerland was never in the EU, but bilateral agreements affected UK citizens' rights. Now, UK nationals need work permits like other non-EU citizens. Calculate your expected monthly expenses including rent, Swiss taxes, health insurance, and daily costs to plan your Switzerland relocation effectively.
Open CalculatorPost-Brexit, UK citizens are taxed only in Switzerland once resident. Swiss cantonal rates (10–42%) can be lower than UK rates (20–45%) depending on income level and canton chosen.
Unlike the NHS, Switzerland requires all residents to purchase private health insurance within 3 months of arrival. Costs range CHF 350–500/month for individuals.
Swiss salaries are 40–70% higher than the United Kingdom averages, but living costs are 60–100% higher. Net savings potential often exceeds home country levels.
Switzerland's combination of high income, moderate taxes, and mandatory savings (pillar 2 pension) creates a different wealth-building equation than the United Kingdom.
What a single professional from the United Kingdom might expect in Zürich
Based on real Swiss cantonal tax logic, housing indices, and health insurance baselines.
This demonstration uses the same calculation model as our interactive tool. Your actual budget depends on city choice, salary negotiation, and lifestyle preferences.
Key considerations for relocating to Switzerland from the United Kingdom.
Work permits (L, B, C types) depend on employment status and duration. Your employer typically handles initial applications.
Opening Swiss bank accounts may require additional documentation. International transfers are straightforward with competitive exchange rates.
Post-Brexit, UK citizens are taxed only in Switzerland once resident. Swiss cantonal rates (10–42%) can be lower than UK rates (20–45%) depending on income level and canton chosen.
Unlike the NHS, Swiss health insurance is mandatory within 3 months of arrival. Private insurance provides comprehensive coverage at CHF 350–500/month.
Swiss rental markets are competitive, especially in Zürich. Expect to pay 2–3 months deposit. Temporary accommodation while searching is common for new arrivals from the United Kingdom.
German, French, or Italian regions have distinct cultures. English is widely used in business, but learning the local language accelerates integration for UK Citizens.
Swiss professional salaries average CHF 7,800–10,000/month—approximately 40–70% higher than equivalent roles in the United Kingdom.
Despite higher living costs, the income-to-expense ratio in Switzerland often leaves 20–35% more disposable income than the United Kingdom equivalents.
Professionals from the United Kingdom typically save CHF 2,500–5,500 monthly in Switzerland—often 2–3× what they could save at home.
Switzerland's unemployment rate of ~2% and strong industries (banking, insurance, commodities) provide career security rarely found elsewhere.
Consistently ranked in global top 5 for quality of life, Switzerland offers safety, healthcare, nature access, and work-life balance.
Compared to professionals relocating from other countries, UK citizens often experience a larger salary uplift (40–70%) relative to living costs, making Switzerland one of the most attractive post-Brexit relocation destinations in Europe.
See how changing city, salary, and household type impacts your real monthly savings.
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