Retire in Switzerland

Your complete guide to financial independence in Switzerland for 2026

Highest salaries and quality of life, but extreme entry costs.
💰
140%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$2,500
Average Rent
per month
📊
0.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
10/10
Safety Score
security rating

How Much Do You Need to Retire in Switzerland?

Lean FIRE
CHF746,667
For CHF2,800/mo lifestyle
Moderate
CHF1,120,000
For CHF4,200/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
CHF1,493,333
For CHF5,600/mo lifestyle
Luxury
CHF1,866,667
For CHF7,000/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 4.5% safe withdrawal rate and include Switzerland's 0.0% capital gains tax.

Visa & Residency Options

Available Visas

L/B Permit (difficult for non-EU)

Cost by Location Type

Urban
CHF3,250
30% more
Suburban
CHF2,500
baseline
Rural
CHF2,000
20% less

Frequently Asked Questions about Switzerland

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.
The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.
Private capital gains on movable assets (like stocks) are generally tax-free for residents, provided you aren't a professional trader.
There is no federal wealth tax, but all cantons levy a wealth tax on worldwide net worth, typically ranging from 0.1% to 1%.
The retirement age for women is 64.5 years in 2026, on its way to equalizing with men at 65 by 2028.
It is difficult; non-EU retirees usually must be 55+, have close ties to Switzerland, and demonstrate significant financial means.
Yes, every resident must purchase private health insurance (LAMal) within 3 months of arrival. It is high-quality but expensive.
Wealthy expats can sometimes negotiate a flat tax based on their living expenses rather than their actual income and wealth.
It is one of the safest and most stable countries in the world, with very low crime and high political neutrality.
Starting in 2026, Swiss retirees receive a 13th monthly pension payment annually, following a successful 2024 referendum.
Cities like Zurich and Geneva are often ranked #1. A single person needs roughly $4,000–$5,000/month for a moderate lifestyle.
Zug, Schwyz, and Nidwalden are famous for having the lowest corporate and personal tax rates in Switzerland.

Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date

Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in Switzerland based on your current savings and income.

Try the Freedom Calculator →

© 2026 Freedom Clock. Data updated regularly for accuracy.