Hello Everyone

Happy to be part of English forum CH. I'm hoping to get some positive replies and feedback from expats & locals already established in Switzerland.
Allow me this opportunity to explain...
I am a South African married to a Swiss National. She moved here at the age of 12 years when her parents relocated to South Africa. She's all grown up, married and we have a beautiful baby girl. She wants to move back to her country of birth, not just for us, but especially for our child. She wants to give her the best of everything, great education, great environment to grow up in and the best opportunities in life.
We decided this is the year to do so. We are willing to put everything on the line to make the change...and by the look of things, a difficult change.
It's not easy to look for work and a flat in Switzerland when we are in Cape Town. My wife has some friends in CH and they are trying to help and I'm sure she can get a job very easy. Me, on the other hand, will struggle. I've only started learning German. I have 12 years experience as a Retail Branch Manager(the equivalent to a Denner) and currently working as a Factory Manager.
As a spouse of a Swiss National, I just need to register in the local canton to get my permits, easy enough...according to my wife. But before we can apply for a flat, we need to provide proof of employment or at least an employment contract.
I think you guys can gather from all this info that jobs are needed first...so if there are any "angels" out there that can assist/help/recommend or even offer us a job...it would be greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Riaan Thiart

Hello Riaan . Welcome to the forum.
Do you have a Swiss passport? If not, it's going to be difficult finding a job here with a SA passport. For your line of work, you're going to have to speak German fluently as well.
What line of work is your wife in?

Welcome - and good luck!

Hi Riaan, welcome to the forum!
I was you exactly a year ago. I was a local married to a Swiss National, and had a very easy life in Cape Town. After 10 year and 2 kids we also decided to take the plunge, pack up and move to Zurich. Not only a better future for the kids but also for our self’s.
If I can give you some advise I would recommend her to come over first to get a job and sort out the accommodation issue. Then when she is settled you can come over. I was lucky to get a job in three months time, but I know some people that are still looking after a year. It’s a big move but definitely worth it.
Personally I have never looked back; life in Switzerland is really good. When you come over please let me know, I miss my KWV and some biltong.

Hello daar Meisie / Stipper

What a surprise that someone replied so quickly!!!
Meisie: My wife went over 2 years ago (looking for work and a flat) and went to the local authorities. They told her that I don't need a Swiss Passport because I'm married to a Swiss National. I just need to get their and register within 2 weeks. Last week she mailed the offices of the Federal Bureau and she got the same answer. My wife has worked at a German kindergarten and Montessori here in Cape Town as a teacher for 1-3 year old kids. Prior to that, she worked for GTS as a ticketing agent for Swiss Air and Lufthansa Airways.
Stipper: Funny you mention that you miss biltong...I manage a factory that produces biltong. For my wife to go over first is not a problem, we realize it will be the best way....but we have a 1 1/2 year old child. Who will look after her? She cant go with initially or stay here. I work from sun up to sun down and my wife will need the time to look for work/flat.
Personally, I don't care what job I do to start off with, as long as I can earn some sort of income and take German lessons.

Regards,
Riaan

Hi Riaan,

I wish you all well in your endeavours.

I'm from East London and will be moving to Swiss with my wife and kids in the next few months. Expat opportunity in the south of Swiss.

Some advice is that you should consider taking some German lessons in SA. I did this before I left for my studies some time back and this really helped me to integrate. And with the Afrikaans you will pick this up very quickly.

I support the idea of your wife going up first to try and sort things out. I will do the same. If it is possible, look at getting the grandparents to help out with the kid.

From one South African to another...Vasbyt!

Dimmy

Hi Dimmy

We decided that she must go ahead. Will be leaving in less than one week. I will be waiting patiently on her first call to say that she got a job then for the second call to say she got a flat. The grandparents will be looking after our child and I would only get to see her on weekends. I have started learning German and I'm sure I'll catch on quickly since I speak Afrikaans. This is going to be the toughest time ahead for all of us...

Riaan

Oh sorry.. I actually forgot at the passport thing (i.e. you being married to a Swiss citizen ). That's good news anyway!

Just hang in there ok?! You can do it! Keep focused on the end goal.
It's a short period in your life that will pass by so quickly and before you know it you will be posting here on the forum giving others advice on moving here while you sit with some Schweizer tv on in the background and drinking your Rivella