Partners
You have moved to Switzerland with your partner and you are ready to make your home here. That's not always easy. Language and culture are foreign. New ties have to be established. Find a few for a good start in the new environment.
Neighbours
Having good neighbours can be blessing. Neighbours help each other. When you're on holiday, they water your plants or empty the mailbox. Neighbours appreciate it if you introduce yourself. Make the first move: either with a letter in their mail boxes or by introducing yourself personally. Go from door to door with a small gift or invite your neighbours to a simple housewarming party.
Welcome reception
Almost every city and municipality in Switzerland invites new residents to a welcome reception. Usually they do this with a personal written invitation.
The city of Zurich offers its new residents specific events in German and English.
external page Useful information for English speaking residents
external page Course for female foreigners - "Living in Zurich"
Language is the bridge to other people. For your social integration we would therefore recommend that you learn German.
Swiss people are keen to put their language skills to the test and will often switch to English once they realise the person they are talking to is not a German native-speaker. If you would like to learn German, insist on Swiss people speaking German to you and explain your reasons. They will certainly be happy to assist in your efforts to learn German.
More information about language and language schools
Would you like to work? Information on job search and application in Switzerland
Work permit
Partners from an EU- or EFTA country are permitted to take up an employment.
A spouse from a Non EU/EFTA country is in principle permitted to take up an employment. This requires a valid residence permit with authorisation to work.
More information about work permit
The following associations and networks may be of interest to you:
- external pagecall_made Zurich Comedy Club
- external pagecall_made Rotary Club Zurich International
- external pagecall_made Indian Association of Greater Zurich
- external pagecall_made English Speaking Club of Zurich
- external pagecall_made British Residents' Association
- external pagecall_made American Club of Zurich
For women
- external pagecall_made ZIWA - Zurich International Women's Association
- external pagecall_made BPW - Business and Professional Women Switzerland
- external pagecall_made AWCZ - American Women’s Club Zurich
- external pagecall_made PWG - Professional Women’s group
- external pagecall_made Wirtschaftsfrauen Schweiz - Swiss Business Women