I am researching the prospects of moving (on my own) to Switzerland in the near future, and making some preliminary calculations on how this will all work out money wise. At this point, I am a little bit put back by the Swiss real estate prices, as I am currently not living in a high-rent area. I know this will be less of a hassle for expatriates who move internally within their companies, but how do the Swiss manage this? Do the Swiss themselves negotiate for living allowances when moving to high-rent places like Zurich or Geneva? Or is this only done in certain sectors, like consulting or banking?

in real terms, the rents are acceptible. Do you have a contract or perm position in mind?

On what terms ? With your employer/selfemployed/looking for job/starting business/finding yourself ? Some more information would help us pitch the answers a bit better.
dave

I will be looking for a permanent position. I'm just wondering if potential employers would frown upon me if I were to bring this up in contract negotiations. I gather that the Swiss employees normally do not talk openly about their employment contracts, but maybe some of you have picked up on what side issues they try negotiate at? Thanks.

If you are deciding to move here of your own choice (as opposed to being transferred to Switzerland by your employer) then you'd be way out of line asking for a "living allowance", IMO.

The salaries here reflect the high cost of living, to an extent, and someone in a skilled position should earn enough to pay the rent, health insurance, etc. Earning the market salary and living like the Swiss do is what you'd be looking to achieve.

I'm still not understanding. What is a "living allowance". If you are suggesting that you should get paid more because of the higher cost of living in Zürich, then I would say yes. I would simply ask for a higher salary. In the UK for example there is whats called "London weighting" which is an additional allowance on the standard pay scale, but this kind of arrangements is usually for government organisations that are required to maintain a national pay scale.

Simply work out your expenses , then ask for more money than you need.

dave

I don't think they'll object to you look for a permanent position. They are more likely to frown on you if you brought up your dinner.

dave

@evilshell
I'll try to be conservative Maybe I'll just have to "hint" about it during the negotation phase and see how they react to that, and go from there.

You don't need to hint: just tell them the additional cost of living in Zürich and (maybe) your need to maintain a home in the uk when on posting, and posssible travel expenses, plus additional tax advisor costs to sort out the tax situation, plus one-off relocation etc etc.

If its a big corporate, they should not be surprised by you asking for any of this. The potential may be limited depending on if you are a local hire.

In any case get it in your salary. This is important, as future salary raises are based on what you are currently getting. Go into a job at a low salary (if with temporary expenses) and you will forever regret it, as you will constantly paying catch-up.

dave