Zurich: A Place to Live
Zurich is not a large metropolis, but its high quality of life, international flair, and economic importance make it a truly global city with worldwide influence and standing. The entire region is a key motor of the Swiss economy.
Quality of Life
Quality of Life in Zurich? The Bahnhofstrasse with its fashionable shops is the first image that springs to mind. But quality of life is not just a matter of affluence and shopping - it starts with the basics. Safety and security, for instance: Zurich is regarded as a particularly safe city. Medical care in Zurich is first-class. More information
Mercer Study (Quality of Life)
Diverse Range of Cultural Activities
Prestigious, varied and international – very apt words to describe Zurich's cultural life. Its flagship is the splendid Zurich Opera House, which stages outstanding productions featuring the world's leading artistes. Theaters, museums, and prestigious exhibitions enrich the program of cultural activities throughout the year. Events such as the Theater Spectacle and the Street Parade attract devotees from all over Europe.
Nature on the Doorstep
Stretch out on the grass in the city center, or take a dip in the lake or the river? Yes you can - in Zurich. The city's geographical location also contributes to its excellent quality of life. Lake Zurich, several rivers, and the impressive panorama of the Alps provide an attractive natural setting.
Families and those seeking relaxation feel just as comfortable in Canton Zurich as ambitious sports enthusiasts. Numerous parks and extensive woods and forests offer plenty of scope for recreation close to the city. A variety of inviting areas for hiking and skiing can be reached in less than an hour from the city center.
A First-Class Knowledge Center
The state school and education system enjoys an excellent reputation - and rightly so, because Zurich's public schools offer teaching of outstanding quality. A varied range of international and bilingual schools can also be found in and around the city.
Zurich's international standing as a knowledge center is based on several seats of learning including the university, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) (regarded as the best university in the German-speaking region) and several other institutes of higher education. These establishments attract numerous foreign students. However, leading-edge research is not limited to these renowned institutions; the entire economic area resembles a densely-packed science park with countless private and public research centers. More...
Working in Zurich
Switzerland has an attractive labor market, and many highly qualified foreign employees have been drawn to this country, especially in recent years. Nationals of the EU-17/EFTA countries enjoy total and unconditional freedom of movement. For the new EU-8/EU-2 countries, freedom of movement is being introduced gradually on a controlled basis (with transitional periods and quotas). Citizens of non-EU countries may obtain permits depending on the labor situation in their specific sectors.
A Place to Live: Ideally Positioned
Apart from the two cities of Zurich and Winterthur, the most popular residential areas in Canton Zurich are the right and left shores of Lake Zurich and the area surrounding the Greifensee. Public transport provides excellent access to these areas with their very appealing scenery. More information on connectivity
Internationally Minded
Zurich is traditionally a cosmopolitan city and most of its inhabitants speak a foreign language in addition to German. Newcomers moving to the city from abroad quickly feel at home here. (International) clubs and associations offer plenty of opportunities for newcomers to strike up contacts. Children whose mother tongue is not German can integrate with no language problems at all. As well as the excellent public schools, there are numerous international and bilingual schools in and around Zurich. Childcare facilities are well developed. More information: here
First-Class Transport Infrastructure
Zurich is situated in the heart of Europe. However, the city's central location is not the only reason why destinations in Switzerland and abroad can be reached so quickly: The Zurich region has one of the world's most extensive public transport networks, so travel times are short. For example, it takes a mere ten minutes to reach the international airport at Zurich-Kloten from the city's main rail station. The airport and links to the international rail network connect Zurich to the entire world.
Moderate Tax System
Zurich enjoys internationally compared moderate tax for private individuals. The Swiss system is straightforward as compared with those in most OECD countries. The tax authorities are pleased to assist private individuals and companies with any questions they may have. More information of Taxation in the Canton of Zurich.