Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and its economic engine — a global hub for finance, banking, technology and professional services that consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities. For UK professionals in banking, fintech, asset management, consulting and pharma, moving to Zurich from the UK represents one of the most attractive career and lifestyle moves available in Europe.
This guide covers the practical realities of moving to Zurich: where to live, what it costs, how Swiss residency works for UK nationals, and how to get your belongings there efficiently.
Why UK Professionals Choose Zurich
- Global financial centre — Zurich is home to UBS, Credit Suisse (now UBS-owned), Julius Baer, Swiss Re, Zurich Insurance and hundreds of private banks, asset managers and financial services firms
- Tech and fintech — Zurich has a growing tech sector, with Google’s largest engineering office outside the US based here, alongside a strong university-linked startup ecosystem (ETH Zurich is one of the world’s top technical universities)
- Exceptional salaries — Zurich salaries are among the highest in the world, and while the cost of living is high, the net financial position for senior professionals is typically very favourable
- Quality of life — clean, safe, beautifully situated on Lake Zurich with the Alps visible on clear days. Excellent public transport, outstanding restaurants and cultural institutions
- English widely used — Zurich’s international business community operates largely in English, though German is the official language of the canton
Zurich Districts: Where to Live
Kreis 1 (Altstadt) — The historic Old Town. Beautiful but very expensive and somewhat touristy. More suited to short stays; most long-term residents prefer surrounding districts.
Kreis 2 (Enge / Wollishofen) — Upmarket residential district on the west side of the lake. Popular with senior finance professionals and families. Excellent lake access.
Kreis 3 (Wiedikon) — Increasingly popular, diverse, good value relative to central Zurich. Good transport links. Popular with younger professionals and families.
Kreis 6 (Oberstrass / Unterstrass) — Close to the university, lively café culture. Popular with academics and younger professionals.
Kreis 7 (Fluntern / Witikon) — Quieter, residential, elevated views over the city. Popular with families. Higher rents.
Kreis 8 (Riesbach / Seefeld) — The expat heartland. Beautiful lakeside area, international schools, excellent restaurants. Popular with finance professionals and families. High rents.
Suburbs (Küsnacht, Zollikon, Herrliberg) — Exclusive lakeside suburbs along the “Gold Coast” (right bank of the lake). Very high rents, large houses, popular with very senior finance professionals.
Cost of Living in Zurich
Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Budget accordingly:
| Category | Monthly cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (central/Seefeld) | CHF 2,800 – 4,500 (£2,400 – £3,800) |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outer districts) | CHF 1,800 – 2,800 (£1,500 – £2,400) |
| Monthly public transport (ZVV) | CHF 86 (£73) |
| Groceries (one person) | CHF 500 – 800 (£425 – £680) |
| Eating out (mid-range) | CHF 30 – 50 (£25 – £43) per meal |
| Health insurance (compulsory) | CHF 350 – 550/month (£300 – £470) |
Zurich salaries are commensurate with these costs — senior roles in finance and tech typically pay CHF 120,000–250,000+ per year. For the right professional profile, the financial equation works very favourably.
Switzerland Is Not in the EU: What This Means
This is the most important thing to remember. Switzerland is not an EU member. This has two key implications:
For your belongings: All UK-to-Switzerland shipments require a Swiss customs declaration (Zollanmeldung) — different from EU customs procedures. Easy Move handles Swiss customs as standard in our removals to Switzerland service.
For your residency: Switzerland has its own immigration rules independent of the EU. UK nationals need a Swiss residence permit. The main permit for employed professionals is the B permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung), tied to your employer and renewable annually.
Residency Process in Zurich
1. Arrive with your employment contract — your employer typically facilitates your permit application 2. Register at the Einwohnerkontrolle (residents’ registration office for your district) within 14 days of arrival 3. Your B permit application is submitted by your employer to the cantonal migration office 4. Arrange compulsory health insurance — you must enrol within 3 months of arrival. Costs are significant: CHF 350–550/month per adult 5. Obtain your AHV number (Swiss social security number) — issued when you register
Shipping Your Belongings to Zurich
Easy Move operates regular UK departures to Zurich, with full Swiss customs handling included as standard. Transit time from the UK to Zurich is typically 3–4 working days.
Remember: Switzerland is non-EU, so customs documentation is different from EU moves. Easy Move’s team prepares the Zollanmeldung and all supporting documentation on your behalf. For the full country guide, see moving from London to Switzerland.
👉 Get a free removal quote for your move to Zurich
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Zurich from the UK
Is Zurich worth the high cost of living?
For professionals in finance, tech and related sectors, typically yes. Zurich salaries are among the world’s highest, and the combination of low crime, outstanding public services, Alpine access and a genuinely beautiful city makes Zurich one of the best quality-of-life cities in the world for those who can afford it.
Do I need to speak German to live in Zurich?
For work in international finance and tech, English is often sufficient. However, Swiss German (Züritüütsch) is the everyday spoken language, and High German is used for official communications. Learning German significantly improves daily life, social integration and dealings with authorities.
How does compulsory Swiss health insurance work?
All Swiss residents must take out a basic health insurance policy (Grundversicherung) within 3 months of registration. You choose from a range of approved insurers (Krankenkasse); premiums for adults in Zurich canton are among the highest in Switzerland, typically CHF 350–550/month. Employers do not pay this — it is a personal cost.
What is the B permit in Switzerland?
The B permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung) is the standard residence permit for foreign nationals employed in Switzerland. It is tied to your employer, valid for 1 year (renewable) and gives you the right to live and work in the canton. After 5 years, eligible residents can apply for a C permit (permanent residence).
How long does it take to ship belongings from the UK to Zurich?
Easy Move’s typical transit time is 3–4 working days, with Swiss customs handling included. Switzerland’s non-EU customs process is handled by our team — you provide the supporting documents and we take care of the rest.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.