🌍 Overview
Zurich, Switzerland - a digital nomad destination that’s both a haven and a challenge. For remote workers seeking a high quality of life, stunning natural surroundings, and a growing community of like-minded individuals, Zurich is an increasingly attractive option. While not yet a hub like Chiang Mai or Barcelona, Zurich has made significant strides in recent years to cater to the needs of digital nomads.
The city’s unique blend of Swiss efficiency, stunning lakefront scenery, and vibrant cultural attractions draws remote workers from around the world. Zurich’s cost of living, while not the lowest, is still relatively manageable, with a monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $1,541. Average meal prices are around $19.8, and a cup of coffee will set you back around $4.0. While not the cheapest destination, Zurich offers an unbeatable quality of life, with a strong focus on health, wellness, and the environment.
As a digital nomad destination, Zurich has a lot to offer. With a digital nomad infrastructure score of 46/100, you’ll find a range of coworking spaces, cafes, and other resources to support your remote work lifestyle. However, be prepared for a relatively slow pace of life, with a social/nightlife scene score of 21/100. If you’re seeking a place to party every night, Zurich might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a balance of work, play, and stunning scenery, Zurich is definitely worth considering.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
District 5: Kreis 5
Kreis 5 is a vibrant, up-and-coming neighborhood that’s quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads. With a mix of old and new buildings, Kreis 5 offers a unique blend of charm and modern amenities. The neighborhood is relatively affordable, with a monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $1,200. Pros include a lively atmosphere, plenty of coworking spaces, and easy access to public transport. Cons include noise levels from the nearby train tracks and a relatively small nomad community.
Notable streets in Kreis 5 include the bustling Bahnhofstrasse, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants, and the quieter, more residential streets like Zürichstrasse and Schaffhauserstrasse. Nomads choose Kreis 5 for its affordability, accessibility, and vibrant atmosphere.
District 4: Kreis 4
Kreis 4 is a charming, historic neighborhood that’s perfect for remote workers seeking a more laid-back lifestyle. With a mix of old buildings, quaint streets, and picturesque squares, Kreis 4 offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities. The neighborhood is relatively expensive, with a monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $1,800. Pros include a beautiful atmosphere, plenty of coworking spaces, and easy access to public transport. Cons include a relatively small nomad community and a few noisy streets.
Notable streets in Kreis 4 include the picturesque Augustinergasse, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants, and the quieter, more residential streets like the Limmatquai and the Hafengasse. Nomads choose Kreis 4 for its unique atmosphere, beauty, and accessibility.
District 7: Schwamendingen
Schwamendingen is a trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood that’s quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads. With a mix of modern buildings, trendy cafes, and a vibrant arts scene, Schwamendingen offers a unique blend of style and substance. The neighborhood is relatively affordable, with a monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $1,300. Pros include a lively atmosphere, plenty of coworking spaces, and easy access to public transport. Cons include a relatively small nomad community and a few noisy streets.
Notable streets in Schwamendingen include the trendy Hauptstrasse, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants, and the quieter, more residential streets like the Schaffhauserstrasse and the Zürichstrasse. Nomads choose Schwamendingen for its affordability, accessibility, and lively atmosphere.
District 8: Altstetten
Altstetten is a charming, laid-back neighborhood that’s perfect for remote workers seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. With a mix of old buildings, quaint streets, and picturesque squares, Altstetten offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities. The neighborhood is relatively affordable, with a monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $1,200. Pros include a beautiful atmosphere, plenty of coworking spaces, and easy access to public transport. Cons include a relatively small nomad community and a few noisy streets.
Notable streets in Altstetten include the picturesque Bahnhofstrasse, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants, and the quieter, more residential streets like the Limmatquai and the Hafengasse. Nomads choose Altstetten for its unique atmosphere, beauty, and accessibility.
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
Zurich has a range of coworking spaces to suit every budget and style. Some of the top coworking spaces include:
- Impact Hub Zurich: A vibrant, community-driven coworking space with a range of amenities and events. Day rates start at around $30, while monthly rates start at around $400.
- WeWork Zurich: A modern, stylish coworking space with a range of amenities and events. Day rates start at around $40, while monthly rates start at around $600.
- KoWork: A trendy, startup-focused coworking space with a range of amenities and events. Day rates start at around $20, while monthly rates start at around $300.
Internet Quality
Zurich’s internet quality is generally excellent, with average speeds of around 33 Mbps. Fiber availability is widespread, with many coworking spaces and cafes offering high-speed internet.
Nomad Community Scene
Zurich has a growing nomad community, with a range of events, meetups, and Facebook groups to connect with like-minded individuals. Some of the top events and groups include:
- Zurich Digital Nomads: A Facebook group with over 1,000 members, featuring events, meetups, and discussions.
- Zurich Nomad Coffee: A regular coffee meetup for nomads, held every Thursday at 2 pm at the Café des Délices.
- Zurich Coworking Meetup: A regular meetup for coworking spaces and nomads, held every Friday at 3 pm at the Impact Hub Zurich.
Cafes to Work From
Zurich has a range of cafes that are perfect for working from. Some of the top cafes include:
- Café des Délices: A charming, laid-back cafe with a range of coffee options and high-speed internet. Day rates start at around $5.
- Kaffee Hag: A modern, stylish cafe with a range of coffee options and high-speed internet. Day rates start at around $5.
- Bread & Chocolate: A trendy, artisanal cafe with a range of coffee options and high-speed internet. Day rates start at around $5.
Visa Options
Zurich is a relatively easy place to get a visa, with a range of options available for remote workers. Some of the top visa options include:
- L Permit: A short-term visa that allows remote workers to stay in Switzerland for up to 12 months.
- B Permit: A long-term visa that allows remote workers to stay in Switzerland for up to 2 years.
- G Permit: A specialized visa for remote workers who are part of a startup or entrepreneurial project.
Banking and Practical Setup
Zurich has a range of banks and financial institutions that cater to remote workers. Some of the top banks include:
- UBS: A global bank with a range of services and products for remote workers.
- Credit Suisse: A global bank with a range of services and products for remote workers.
- PostFinance: A Swiss bank with a range of services and products for remote workers.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Zurich has a unique culture and vibe that’s shaped by its history, geography, and people. Some of the top cultural attractions and experiences include:
- Swiss Museum of Transport: A museum showcasing the history of transportation in Switzerland, with a range of exhibits and interactive displays.
- Swiss National Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of Switzerland, with a range of exhibits and interactive displays.
- Kunsthalle Zurich: A modern art museum with a range of exhibits and events.
- Zurich Lake: A picturesque lake that’s perfect for walking, jogging, or simply taking in the views.
⭐ Highlights
- Swiss Alps: A range of breathtaking mountain scenery, perfect for hiking, skiing, or simply taking in the views.
- Lake Zurich: A picturesque lake that’s perfect for walking, jogging, or simply taking in the views.
- Old Town: A charming, historic neighborhood with a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
- Bahnhofstrasse: A bustling shopping street lined with high-end boutiques and restaurants.
- Uetliberg: A mountain with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside.
💡 Practical Tips
Visa Requirements
Zurich has a range of visa requirements for different nationalities. Some of the top visa requirements include:
- US Citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
- EU Citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
- UK Citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days (post-Brexit).
- Other Nationalities: Varying visa requirements, including L Permit, B Permit, and G Permit.
Getting Around
Zurich has a range of transportation options, including public transport, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Some of the top transportation options include:
- Swiss Federal Railways: A comprehensive public transport system that covers the city and surrounding region.
- Zurich Airport: A major airport with flights to destinations around the world.
- Uber: A ride-sharing service that operates in Zurich.
- Taxi: A range of taxi services that operate in Zurich.
Safety Considerations
Zurich is generally a safe city, but as with any major city, there are areas to avoid and precautions to take. Some of the top safety considerations include:
- Areas to Avoid: Certain neighborhoods like the Kreis 5 and Kreis 4 can be noisy and crowded, especially at night.
- Common Scams: Be aware of pickpocketing and credit card scams, especially in tourist areas.
- Safety Tips: Take normal precautions to stay safe, including being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure.
Best Time to Visit
Zurich is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Some of the top times to visit include:
- Summer: Warm weather and long days make summer a great time to visit.
- Autumn: Mild weather and stunning foliage make autumn a great time to visit.
- Spring: Mild weather and blooming flowers make spring a great time to visit.
Local Tips and Warnings
Zurich has a range of local tips and warnings to keep in mind. Some of the top tips and warnings include:
- Tipping Culture: Tipping is not expected but appreciated, especially in restaurants and bars.
- Language: Swiss German is the local language, but many Zurichers speak English fluently.
- Currency: The Swiss franc is the local currency, but many places accept credit cards and euros.
Money Matters
Zurich has a range of money matters to consider, including ATMs, currency exchange, and tipping culture. Some of the top money matters include:
- ATMs: Many ATMs are available throughout the city, including those that accept international cards.
- Currency Exchange: Many currency exchange services are available, including those that offer competitive rates.
- Tipping Culture: Tipping is not expected but appreciated, especially in restaurants and bars.
Healthcare and Insurance
Zurich has a range of healthcare and insurance options, including public and private healthcare providers. Some of the top healthcare and insurance options include:
- Public Healthcare: A comprehensive public healthcare system that covers the city and surrounding region.
- Private Healthcare: A range of private healthcare providers that offer additional services and benefits.
- Health Insurance: A range of health insurance options, including those that cover remote workers and digital nomads.
