Basel well ahead of Lausanne, Zurich and Geneva
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According to Charlie Hartmann (54), integration expert at the LivingIn association from Lucerne, Switzerland is extremely attractive for expats – but the Swiss should pay more attention to them. zvg
Switzerland, a paradise for expats? This refers to people who live and work abroad voluntarily and do not emigrate because of economic necessity or war. This is how InterNations defines it.
With 4.5 million members, the world’s largest expat network selects the best cities for expats every year. 50 cities are examined. Blick has the latest survey available exclusively: The 2022 podium places go to Valencia (Spain), Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Mexico City.
Swiss cities are represented four times. Basel performs best, coming in 7th. It is followed first by Lausanne VD in 18th place, then by Zurich in 20th place and by Geneva in 34th place. All four cities have improved their overall ranking compared to the previous year.
What makes Basel better?
Basel outperforms other Swiss cities in the categories of working life, personal finance and administrative issues for expats. Basel only ranks 48th in terms of leisure opportunities, one in five expats is not satisfied with the culinary variety or with culture and nightlife. When it comes to the last, Basel even ends up in last place.
The other three cities lose points because of the high cost of living, scarce housing and expats’ 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 friendliness, making friends and welcoming culture, however, Zurich ranks lower in the table. In both Zurich and Geneva, around a third of expats are dissatisfied with their social life.
Are Swiss really that unfriendly?
Charlie Hartmann (54), head of the LivingIn integration aid association founded in 2013 and a native of Lucerne who lives in Lucerne, knows from personal experience that it is not always easy for expats in Switzerland: “Swiss people always have busy schedules and are relatively unspontaneous. They’re not quick to let new people into their lives, which often makes them seem distant. Friendships here are less superficial.”
Hartmann noted during the pandemic that social isolation was the biggest problem for many expats. This wanted to take part in Swiss life much more often, but living in an expat bubble is sometimes – your problems are understood more easily there.
Of course, it’s not up to the Swiss to change: “But a little more understanding for the expats, more patience and help doesn’t hurt.” For many, for example, the rigid Swiss washing plans are completely incomprehensible. This creates micro-frustrations that, taken together, mean that expats don’t feel comfortable here, despite all the amenities.
Hartmann nevertheless believes that Switzerland comes off badly in the study. Switzerland is very attractive for expats. But why is it easier to settle down in Basel? “I often hear that Basel has a better welcoming culture than other Swiss cities,” says Hartmann. You would still have to have another Swiss city at the top of the ranking list: Lucerne.