Connect with Swiss Expats Worldwide

What It’s Like to Be a Swiss Expat Abroad

According to recent figures reported by the Federal Statistical Office of Switzerland, around 770,900 Swiss citizens live abroad. Popular destinations for Swiss expats include nearby France and Germany, but also places overseas, like the US and Australia. Regardless of destination, what’s the experience of living abroad as a Swiss person really like?

As an expat, it’s common to feel a mix of emotions: excitement about discovering a new culture and way of life, but also homesickness at the same time. You’ll most likely bond with other Swiss expats over common experiences. You might miss meeting colleagues for an afterwork apéro or occasionally forget that not everyone outside Switzerland greets their friends with a three-cheek kiss.

How to Meet Other Swiss Expats

As you embark on the adventure of living in a new country, it can be very helpful to find others who face similar challenges. That’s why getting to know fellow Swiss expats is so important when you move abroad. Established in 2007, InterNations is the largest expat network with over 4 million members. It’s a trusted community offering a range of experiences that bring global minds together.

Attending InterNations events is a great way to connect with other Swiss expats abroad! You’ll find varied networking opportunities and activities tailored to your hobbies and interests, available both online and in person. The events have a laid-back vibe where you can exchange tips about expat life in your destination and make new friends.

A Few Facts about Swiss Expats

InterNations conducts an annual survey of expats worldwide called Expat Insider, looking at questions like why they moved abroad, how long they plan to stay, and how happy they are.

Here’s what Swiss expats shared about their experiences:

• 17% of Swiss expats moved abroad for work, compared with the global average of 10%.

• 19% of Swiss expats are top managers or executives, compared to the global average of 12%.

• 22% of Swiss expats have lived abroad in at least 5 countries before, compared to the global average of 10%.

• 45% or Swiss expats say they speak the local language(s) in their destination “very well”, compared to the global average of 29%.

• 71% of Swiss expats feel at home in their destination, compared to the global average of 67%.