Moving to Zurich from the UK
A practical guide for UK citizens relocating to Zurich post-Brexit, covering work permits, health insurance, registration, and settling into Swiss life.
Key Takeaways
- UK citizens are now third-country nationals and need a work permit plus an Aufenthaltsbewilligung B - your employer typically initiates the application.
- Swiss health insurance is mandatory; arrange Grundversicherung within three months of registering and budget CHF 350-450 per month.
- You can drive on your UK licence for 12 months after registration; after that, exchange it at the Strassenverkehrsamt with a vision test (no driving test needed).
Moving from the UK to Zurich is a significant step, and the post-Brexit landscape has added new layers of bureaucracy that did not exist before. Switzerland was never part of the EU, but UK citizens previously benefited from the bilateral agreements with the EU that made movement relatively straightforward. Since Brexit, UK nationals are classified as third-country nationals, which changes the permit process and some administrative requirements.
Work permits and residence
As a UK citizen, you now need a work permit to live and work in Zurich. Your employer typically handles the application through the cantonal migration office (Migrationsamt). The most common permit is the Aufenthaltsbewilligung B, which is tied to your employment and valid for up to five years with renewal.
The permit process can take several weeks, so start early. Your employer submits the application, and once approved, you receive confirmation that allows you to enter Switzerland and register. Without a valid permit, you cannot sign a lease, open a bank account, or access most services.
If you are self-employed or planning to start a business, the process is more complex and requires additional documentation proving economic benefit to Switzerland. Most UK expats in Zurich arrive with an employment contract already in hand.
Health insurance
Switzerland does not have a public health system like the NHS. Instead, every resident must arrange their own Grundversicherung (basic health insurance) under the KVG system. You have three months from your registration date to set up coverage, and it is backdated to your arrival.
Monthly premiums for basic insurance in Zurich run approximately CHF 350 to CHF 450, depending on the provider and your chosen Franchise (deductible). The deductible ranges from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 per year. A higher deductible means lower monthly premiums but more out-of-pocket costs when you need care.
Providers include CSS, Helsana, Swica, Concordia, and others. The basic coverage is standardised by law, so the same treatments are covered regardless of which provider you choose. Supplementary insurance for dental, private hospital rooms, or alternative medicine is optional and costs extra.
Coming from the UK, the biggest adjustment is paying directly for insurance and managing deductibles and co-payments. Budget for this as a fixed monthly cost from day one.
Registration at the Kreisbuero
Once you arrive and have your apartment, you must register at your local Kreisbuero within 14 days. Bring your passport, rental contract, employment contract, and Aufenthaltsbewilligung confirmation. The Kreisbuero registers you in the Einwohnerkontrolle (population registry) and issues your Aufenthaltsbestaetigung (residence confirmation).
This document unlocks everything else: opening a Swiss bank account, receiving your residence permit card, and setting up utilities. Do not delay this step.
Driving licence exchange
You can use your UK driving licence in Switzerland for up to 12 months after your registration date. After that, you must exchange it for a Swiss licence. The process involves a visit to the Strassenverkehrsamt (road traffic office), a vision test, and submitting your UK licence. UK licence holders are not required to take a driving test for the exchange.
Apply for the exchange well before the 12-month deadline. Processing times vary, and driving without a valid licence after the grace period results in fines and potential legal issues.
Banking and finances
Most expats open an account with UBS, Credit Suisse (now part of UBS), ZKB (Zuercher Kantonalbank), or a digital bank like Neon or Yuh. You will need your passport, Aufenthaltsbestaetigung, and proof of employment. Swiss bank accounts operate in CHF, and your salary will be paid in CHF.
If you still have financial ties to the UK, consider a multi-currency account or transfer service like Wise to manage GBP to CHF conversions without excessive bank fees.
Social life and settling in
Zurich has a large international community, but Swiss social culture is different from the UK. Friendships tend to develop more slowly, and Swiss social life revolves around clubs (Vereine), outdoor activities, and smaller gatherings rather than the pub culture you may be used to.
Expat networks like InterNations, Meetup groups, and workplace social events are good starting points. Learning some basic Swiss German (or at least High German) goes a long way in daily interactions, even though most Zurich residents speak English well. The effort signals respect and helps you integrate beyond the expat bubble.
Zurich offers an exceptional quality of life: clean, safe, efficient, and surrounded by mountains and lakes. The adjustment period is real, especially around bureaucracy and cost, but most UK expats find that the lifestyle trade-offs are worth it once the initial setup is behind them.