Comunidades de expatriados en Suiza

International associations by city

Each major Swiss city has associations dedicated to welcoming new international residents. These organizations offer networking events, language courses, guided tours and administrative support.

Clubs by nationality

Many clubs bring together expatriates by nationality or linguistic affinity. The Alliance Française is present in all major Swiss cities. The British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce organizes professional and social events. The American Women's Club, present in Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Basel, is one of the oldest and most active clubs.

Other active national communities include: the Club Español de Suiza, the Association of Japanese in Switzerland, the Indian Association of Zurich and the Korean Association in Switzerland. Consult the register of associations in your municipality for a complete inventory.

Networking events

InterNations is the largest networking platform for expats, with active groups in Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, Bern and Basel. Monthly events bring together 50 to 200 participants. Basic registration is free.

Meetup.com offers hundreds of groups in Switzerland: hiking, tastings, coding clubs, expat parent groups, language exchanges. The after-work sessions of the bilateral chambers of commerce are also excellent networking opportunities.

Online platforms

English Forum Switzerland (englishforum.ch) is the most popular online forum for English-speaking expats in Switzerland. Discussions cover jobs, housing, taxes, health and daily life. Expatica Switzerland provides regularly updated practical guides.

On Facebook, the groups “Expats in Geneva”, “Expats in Zurich”, “Lausanne International Community” and “New in Bern” each have between 5,000 and 30,000 members and are a mine of practical information.

Group sport and leisure

Sport is an excellent vector of integration in Switzerland. International hiking clubs organize outings every weekend — an emblematic activity of Swiss life. Running clubs, tennis, paddle and recreational football clubs are particularly popular with expatriates.

Skiing in winter and hiking in summer provide natural opportunities to socialize. Many expatriate associations organize ski weekends and nature outings. The gyms also offer group classes ideal for meetings.

Volunteering and commitment

Volunteering (Freiwilligenarbeit) is highly valued in Switzerland and is an effective way to integrate while contributing to society. Benevol Suisse centralizes volunteering offers throughout Switzerland. The Swiss Red Cross, Caritas and Pro Senectute are regularly looking for volunteers.

Getting involved in parent-teacher associations or the neighborhood council is also an excellent way to build links with the local Swiss community.