cozycozy: Living and working in Switzerland as a digital nomad

Embarking on a digital nomad journey in Switzerland promises a unique blend of work and adventure. While transitioning to work abroad can be challenging, Switzerland's allure for remote workers and entrepreneurs is undeniable.

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Legal documents needed for working in Switzerland 

Just a touch of resilience, flexibility, and planning is all it takes to transform your digital nomad experience. Let cozycozy, the ultimate accommodation search engine, guide you to the perfect lodgings for your Swiss journey! Here are the conditions for working in Switzerland:

EU, EEA and EFTA citizens working / living in Switzerland

Citizens from the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are able to come to the country visa-free and stay for up to 90 days in every 180-day period. For longer stays, they are also able to freely apply for a Swiss residence permit whether they have a job in the country or not, so long as they can prove that they have the financial means to live in Switzerland.

Nationals from outside these three blocs, officially called "third-country nationals", must fulfil strict criteria - such as having a job secured and proof of expertise among other things - before they are able to apply for residence, and may have to apply for a specific visa in order to enter the country. Some of the visa programmes offered include: 

Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa allows stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period across the 26 passport-free countries of the Schengen Zone. It also allows third-country nationals to enter Switzerland and apply for a residence permit, so long as they fulfil the criteria for residency.

Entrepreneur Visa

The Entrepreneur Visa is available for self-employed non-EU / EFTA citizens, requiring a business plan and proof of business formation, prospective office premises and bank balance. If granted, it will allow the holder to apply for residence.

Golden Visa Program

The Golden Visa Program is designed for wealthy third-country nationals seeking residency and, eventually, citizenship in Switzerland. To get a Golden Visa, entrepreneurs have to commit to a significant investment in Switzerland in the form of property, business or other venture. The amount needed to invest varies by canton, but usually ranges from 1 to 2 million Swiss francs.

For citizenship, a 10-year residency is required, with strict criteria including age, a clean criminal record, legitimate income and property ownership or rental in Switzerland.

Citizen-specific visa information

US and Canadian citizens don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days, but a residence permit is required for longer stays. EU and EFTA citizens don’t need a visa. Australian and New Zealand citizens can enter Switzerland visa-free for various purposes, including work and long-term stays.

Where should you stay while travelling in Switzerland?

Switzerland is a beautiful and historic country known for its natural beauty, efficient transport links and thriving international community.

Take a look at a few of the recommendations from cozycozy and discover where you should head to first!

Bern

Bern is Switzerland’s de facto capital city and the heart of the country’s administration. Around 30 percent of the population is made up of expats, making it evident that it is a great place for digital nomads to temporarily set up shop.

The German-speaking city also boasts spectacular nature, with the River Aare winding through its centre and the Bernese Alps very close by. It is also conveniently located in the middle of the country, with easy access to other Swiss cities.

Zurich

The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich is an eco-friendly hub for international banking and culture. It is located on the northern tip of Lake Zurich and has a large metropolitan area.

Zurich is also a transportation hub, with numerous roads and railways. As a digital nomad, this makes it extremely convenient for you to get around the country to explore. You can also easily travel to other countries through Zurich Airport.

Lausanne

Lausanne is the capital of Vaud, a French-speaking canton. Located on Lake Geneva’s northern bank, Lausanne has a historical city centre steeped in culture. Lausanne is also known as the “Olympic Capital” of the world as it plays host to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Additionally, many international companies are based in and around Lausanne - making it an attractive option for expats who wish to work in Switzerland.

Like many other Swiss cities, Lausanne has great public transport connections both within and outside of the country. The city also has their own metro, making it easy for you to get around quickly.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a town located in the Canton of Bern. It is a popular tourist destination located close to the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps.

This famous Swiss town boasts an unspoiled countryside as well as acclaimed restaurants. On top of that, Interlaken has high-speed WiFi and excellent transportation options.

Other notable Swiss spots

Here are some other wonderful spots in Switzerland that you won't regret checking out during your travels:

• Lauterbrunnen: This village sits in a breathtaking alpine valley in the Swiss Alps.
• Grindelwald: A village located 17 kilometres away from Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald is a tourist destination famous for winter sports and other high-altitude activities.
• Lucerne: A medieval town in central Switzerland which overlooks stunning mountains.
• St Moritz: A luxury resort town with lakes, glaciers and breathtaking alpine beauty.
• The Matterhorn: An unmissable mountain peak of the Swiss Alps.
• Rhine Falls: Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfalls.
• Lake Lugano: A glacial lake which provides Mediterranean vibes in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino.

No matter where you plan to stay in Switzerland, you can find accommodation easily with cozycozy, the ultimate accommodation search engine. They help you compare options and prices, all in one place.

Extra tips for balancing work and exploration in Switzerland

cozycozy also has some other useful tips to make the most out of your stay as a digital nomad in Switzerland:

• Alpine co-working retreats: Explore co-working retreats for work with breathtaking mountain views.
• Scenic train work journeys: Maximise efficiency with Switzerland's regular train system or take it slow with services like the Glacier Express, which can combine a productive work session with scenic views.
• Lakeside work breaks: Work by the water's edge at lakeside locations like Lake Lucerne, while taking breaks to explore nearby landmarks.
• Urban exploration weekends: Stay in Zurich and dedicate weekends to cultural exploration, visiting attractions like Kunsthaus Zurich or enjoying Lake Zurich.
• Mountain retreats for creativity: Choose mountain retreats for focused work sessions and recharge with activities like hiking or skiing during breaks.

Discover hotels, lodgings, vacation rentals and benefit from reliable booking services with cozycozy.

cozycozy: Book your ideal Swiss accommodation

cozycozy simplifies the search for nomad-friendly stays, offering Swiss retreats for every budget. Find short-term accommodation easily so you can explore Switzerland while working from wherever you want!