Is Switzerland a paradise for expats? It refers to people who live and work abroad voluntarily, who do not migrate due to economic necessity or war. This is how InterNations defines it.
With 4.5 million members, the world’s largest immigrant network chooses the best cities for immigrants every year. 50 cities were examined. There is the latest survey made available exclusively to Blick: 2022 podium places go to Valencia (Spain), Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Mexico City.
Swiss cities are represented four times. Basel is in 7th place, followed by Lausanne VD in 18th place, Zurich in 20th place and Geneva in 34th place. All four cities improved their overall rankings over the previous year.
What makes Basel better?
Basel outperforms other Swiss cities in the categories of working life, personal finance and administrative matters for immigrants. On the other hand, Basel ranks only 48th in terms of entertainment opportunities, with one in five immigrants dissatisfied with the variety of food, culture and nightlife. In the latter case, Basel even takes last place.
The other three cities lose points due to high living costs, lack of accommodation and immigrants’ difficulties in making friends. Take Zurich as an example: the city on the Limmat ranks third in the world in terms of quality of life. In terms of friendship, making friends and hospitality culture, Zurich ranks lower in the table. In both Zurich and Geneva, about a third of expats are dissatisfied with their social life.
Is Switzerland really that hostile?
Charlie Hartmann (54) from Lucerne, who lives in Lucerne and head of the LivingIn integration aid association founded in 2013, knows from personal experience that it is not always easy for expats in Switzerland: “Swiss people always have busy schedules and are relatively spontaneous. “They don’t let him in easily, which makes them seem distant most of the time. The friendships here are less superficial.”
During the pandemic, Hartmann discovered that the biggest problem for many expats is social isolation. They wanted to take part in Swiss life much more often, but living in an immigrant bubble is sometimes easier – their problems are understood there.
Of course, it is not in the hands of the Swiss to change: “But for expats, a little more understanding, more patience and help wouldn’t hurt.” For example, strict Swiss washing plans are completely incomprehensible to most. This causes micro disappointments which means that expats do not feel comfortable here despite all the amenities.
Still, Hartmann believes Switzerland came out badly in the study. Switzerland is very attractive to immigrants. But why is it easier for them to settle in Basel? “I often hear that Basel has a better welcoming culture than other Swiss cities,” says Hartmann. According to him, another Swiss city should still be at the top of the ranking list: Lucerne.