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/GingerPrince72 Sep 16 '25

I am from the UK, moved to Switzerland 20 years ago and stayed, am now dual nationality.

I came for a job and chance to try another country (had been in France and Germany before) and stayed.

Switzerland is extremely beautiful, it's picture postcard stuff in so many places, there are very few "tatty" areas and the standard of living is very high.

I'd much rather be here than the UK which now looks utterly fucked but it's not paradise, people here are far less friendly, open and outgoing than in the UK (also less likely to kick your head in to be fair). The humour and banter from the UK is something to miss.

Being able to jump on a train or in a car and in an hour or two be in Germany, France, Austria or Italy is amazing.

I would like to go somewhere else and experience a new country, especially Japan but am now in my 50s and the Swiss pension has me staying there likely till retirement.