Life in Switzerland through the eyes of Russians

Switzerland is a technologically advanced and financially rich country that is located in the western part of Europe. It has a small area and insignificant volumes of minerals. Most of the country's territory is covered with picturesque mountains. Nevertheless, from the point of view of the economy, the state is among the ten world leaders. The country is also known for its neutral status, reliable banks, delicious chocolate and cheese, universal knives, as well as the world's best watches. Some inhabitants of the post-Soviet space leave for Switzerland forever. Today we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of living in Switzerland.

Something about nature

Of course, the nature of Switzerland is picturesque, because the state is in the heart of the Alps. The territory of the country is divided into three zones: the plateau, the Alps and the Jura Mountains. Landscapes of the Swiss Alps, among which there are limestone peaks, crystal ridges, mirror-clear lakes and much more, attract tourists from all over the world. However, only for the sake of nature in this country do not move to permanent residence. In Switzerland, there is something to see and where to go on vacation, but this is not its main advantage.

Switzerland: standard of living of the population

To date, the country is one of the most expensive in the world. Especially it concerns such cities as Geneva and Zurich, which retain this title in a global international comparison. At the same time, the standard of living in Switzerland has always been and will be high. If we calculate the standard of living based on net income, then Switzerland will be the third in Europe. This is evidenced by fresh statistics. The net income means the amount that remains with residents after the payment of all mandatory payments. Only citizens of Norway and Luxembourg can boast of a greater amount of net income.

The average life expectancy in Switzerland at the latest count is 82.2 years. In Russia it is 11.8 years lower and in Ukraine 11.3 years.

Thus, despite the high level of prices (more about this - a little lower), the situation of the population is much more favorable than in neighboring European countries. Another fact that illustrates the high standard of living in Switzerland is the number of citizens below the poverty line, which is constantly declining.

Migrants

The planned number of foreigners living on the territory of the country is increasing and approaching 25%. In early 2015, the country marked a bright event - an increase in population per 100 thousand people per year. At the same time, the lion's share, namely 60% of the increase, was provided by immigrants. Most people move here from Italy, France, Germany and Portugal. The process of immigration has reached such proportions that the authorities of the country had to toughen the rules of entry into the country. The situation became boring local residents. Therefore, they actively supported the tightening of the rules for admission of immigrants.

Russians in Switzerland

Until 1990, the Russian community practically did not exist in a country like Switzerland. The life of the Russians in Switzerland began to gain popularity rapidly by 1995. According to statistics, at that time for permanent residence in Switzerland, moved 5 thousand Russians. By 2007, this figure has doubled. And in 2016 he, according to official information, increased to 22 thousand people. Meanwhile, according to unofficial data of the newspaper "Russian Switzerland", in 2016 the number of Russian-speaking immigrants in Switzerland was about 40 thousand. This statistics covers representatives of the entire post-Soviet space. If we estimate the number of Russian immigrants relative to the overall migration pattern, then their number is about 1% of the migration flow.

Comparison of Russia with Switzerland

Switzerland refers to countries where every citizen is guaranteed to receive a high standard of living. These guarantees, in terms of reliability, can be compared with Swiss banks. Nevertheless, let's understand, for all whether life is equally good in Switzerland, and compare it with Russia.

Accommodation

Analyzing the cost of living in Switzerland, you can see that the country's civil society has a fairly high level of purchasing power. Even Russian middle-class emigrants, having arrived there, can not deny themselves anything. The main question is what to do when the initial capital, brought with you, is over. To live well, you need to find high-paying jobs, even in such a hospitable country as Switzerland. The Russian life here can be both ideal and unbearable. It all depends on the level of income. Of course, if you are a millionaire, you will be given a residence permit without any problems, provided that you will introduce capital into the country.

Quite frankly, life in Switzerland through the eyes of Russian immigrants does not look as rosy as it might seem at first glance. Russian immigrants are more likely to face poverty than the native population of the country. Every fourth settler has to live in cramped conditions that do not fall under the European standards of comfort.

Wage

The country of blue lakes (so often called Switzerland) is among the most expensive countries in terms of living. At first glance, it seems that an increase in the average wage to 6,000 francs (440,000 rubles), guarantees a quiet life in Switzerland, but not everyone can expect such a salary. Workers in the food industry receive about 5,300 francs a month, retailers in retail outlets - 4,700 francs, clerks and a service worker, and even less - 4,300 francs. The difference between the maximum and the minimum Swiss wage is 7000 francs. For high wages (up to 11,000 francs), only highly qualified specialists can count.

Price list

Switzerland is an expensive country, and you need to get used to it. She is the leader of Europe for high food prices. Pleasant is the fact that the cost of goods here is stable throughout the country. Clothing in Switzerland, as a rule, is cheaper than in Moscow, 20 percent. But there is also more expensive. Here everything depends on the specific brand and model. In early January and July in Switzerland, there are mass sales. In most stores, discounts are up to 50%.

Products in Switzerland are more expensive than in Russia. Especially it concerns meat. The most exquisite shops are considered to be the outlets of the Globus network. Among the middle-class people, the most popular are Coop and Migros. Well, among the cheap grocery stores can be noted Denner and Aldi. The latter is rare. In the main number of stores, daily promotions are carried out for certain groups of goods.

Average prices for common products (in Swiss francs) :

1. Milk - from 1.15.
2. Bread - 2,5-3,5.
3. Apples - from 3,5.
4. Cheese - from 18.
5. Chicken fillet - from 25.
6. Veal - from 60.
7. Fish - from 30.

Swiss restaurants are among the most expensive in Europe. In the cheapest café or student cafeteria, the price for hot meals starts at about 13 francs. In a middle-class restaurant, a hot dish will cost the visitor 30-40 francs, and a light snack - 10-15 francs.

Job

Switzerland differs significantly from the EU countries in terms of employment conditions for immigrants. According to the studies of the Economic Cooperation Organization and the European Commission, Switzerland provides employment for foreigners by 76%. Other European countries rarely reach 60%.

It is noteworthy that Russian immigrants have a real opportunity to get a job in their specialty. As for labor discrimination, Switzerland is also far ahead of other European states. With the fact of labor discrimination, no more than 9% of immigrants who apply for a TMZ or permanent residence are facing. In neighboring countries, this figure is on average 15-17%.

To get a job in Switzerland, the migrant needs a work visa. To receive it you need to provide such a package of documents:

1. Applicant's questionnaire in 3 copies.
2. Passport + 3 copies.
3. 3 color photos.
4. Employment contract (contract) + 3 copies.

It should be noted that obtaining a work visa, despite its prosaic nature, is a relative concept. To immigrate to Switzerland in search of a highly paid job is almost a hopeless business. When a migrant has a unique specialty, a scientific degree, and has extensive experience behind him, his chances of becoming a true Swiss are high. Without a set of the above mentioned regalia, the prospects for moving to Switzerland are sharply reduced. In fairness, it should be noted that the country has a high demand for migrants working in specific areas.

According to one Russian immigrant, native Swiss always begin a conversation with immigrants with the question: "What are you doing?" Usually they are waiting for a response like "I work as a waitress with a striptease bar" or "I work in a cabaret". Hearing that the girl works in the financial sphere and she has not yet married a local, the interlocutors are very surprised.

In general, as evidenced by the reports of the settlers, finding a simple job in Switzerland, with an average salary, is quite possible. It is much more difficult to get a job at a high-paying position, for this you need to be a highly competent specialist.

Education

The system of Swiss education occupies a leading position in the world. The Constitution of the country assumes free secondary education, which is absolutely accessible to all. But to continue to learn, you have to spend. The amount of funding for higher education depends on the level of the institution and its specialization. Students studying at public universities are cheaper than those who enrolled in private higher schools or boarding schools.

Strong students can count on benefits and free training. As in post-Soviet countries, honors pupils can not only study for free, but also receive incentives in the form of scholarships. The Swiss scholarship reaches 1000 francs.

One of the Swiss settlers says: "If I continue to learn good grades, then after each semester my scholarship will grow. I'm studying for a profession that will enable me to find a job in Switzerland without problems ".

Immigrants from Russia can qualify for such types of Swiss education:

1. Schooling.
2. Preparatory courses at universities.
3. Language classes.
4. Education in universities (public and private).
5. Getting a second higher education.

On average, a semester of studies at a Swiss university costs about 12,000 francs.

Pension support

Switzerland has repeatedly headed the rating of the best countries for retirees. But there is one important nuance - such ratings are usually calculated for wealthy retirees. Especially for those in Switzerland, there are investment programs. If an immigrant is willing to pay tax in the amount of 100 thousand francs for a year, then he is guaranteed a residence permit within six months from the time of arrival in the country. He also proposes an additional bonus in the form of entry without a visa to any Schengen country.

The retirement age for Swiss men starts at 65, and for women starts at 64. The amount of the pension depends on the former activities and can range from 8 to 50 thousand francs per year. When prices change and the average level of wages, pensions are quickly indexed. This is another reason why retirees love life in Switzerland.

The responses of pensioners who moved to Switzerland show that the state gives them a minimum that is enough to not be left without means of livelihood. However, to live at a high level, you need or have savings, or use different types of pension insurance.

Medicine in Switzerland is expensive, therefore, average pensioners use health insurance. It gives a guarantee for the help of the state in case of a disease or an accident. The older the Swiss, the more expensive he is to get medical insurance. The reason is that with the age of increasing the number of calls a person to doctors. Insurance payments fully justify themselves. For example, if an elderly person needs to make an expensive operation, the insurance company fully compensates for its costs.

In Switzerland, agriculture is very developed and the lion's share of pensioners is engaged in the management of vegetable gardens. To this end, pensioners lease small plots of land and process them. The average plot, up to 100 square meters in size, costs about 150 francs per year. The state does not permit the planting of high trees on such sites and erecting any structures.

Life in Switzerland: the pros and cons

On the basis of the foregoing, let us consider the main advantages and disadvantages of moving to Switzerland. So, the advantages of living in Switzerland:

1. Beautiful landscapes, cleanliness, care for the environment.
2. Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries.
3. High salaries.
4. Opportunity to work in the specialty.
5. Decent pensions.
6. High-quality and prestigious education.

Cons of life in Switzerland:

1. Difficulties in obtaining visas.
2. High prices for all types of goods and services.
3. Expensive training.
4. Difficulties in finding a decent job.
5. The need for health insurance.

Conclusion

Today we have considered such an interesting question as life in Switzerland. The comments of the emigrants that formed the basis of the article show that this state is a good option for moving to permanent residence. However, to ensure that everything has turned out exactly as promised in the advertising booklets, you need to be a narrowly specialized specialist and be able to provide yourself in the labor market. Life in Switzerland for students is also full of prospects.

Moving to another country is the most important step. Decide on him or not - everyone's choice. But the fact that Switzerland in this regard is far from the worst option - a fact.