Relocation to the Swiss Alps
From St. Moritz to Gstaad, the Alps offer luxury living, tax advantages, and discreet privacy for global families and entrepreneurs.
Welcome to the Swiss Alps — the world's most exclusive relocation destination. Whether it's skiing in Zermatt, luxury chalets in Gstaad, or discreet tax arrangements in St. Moritz, the Alps attract global families, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking Swiss quality of life with world-class privacy.
Why Choose the Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps represent the pinnacle of luxury relocation, offering unmatched lifestyle quality, favorable tax arrangements, and absolute discretion.
Iconic Alpine Resorts
St. Moritz, Gstaad, Zermatt, Andermatt, Crans-Montana, Verbier — world-renowned destinations for luxury living.
HNWI Relocation & Lump-Sum Taxation
Pauschalbesteuerung (lump-sum taxation) available for high-net-worth individuals. Negotiate favorable tax deals with cantons.
Year-Round Lifestyle
World-class skiing, hiking, luxury shopping, Michelin dining, cultural events — the Alps offer four-season elegance.
International Schools & Premium Healthcare
Institut Le Rosey, Aiglon College, TASIS. World-class private hospitals and wellness clinics for discreet care.
Privacy & Discretion
Exclusive communities, confidential banking, family offices, and absolute discretion. Swiss privacy laws protect your lifestyle.
Investment Opportunities
Luxury chalets, prime real estate, hotel residences. Property investments in St. Moritz, Gstaad, and Zermatt are global assets.
Key Alpine Destinations
Each Alpine destination offers its own unique lifestyle and advantages. Explore the options below to find your perfect mountain home.
St. Moritz
The ultimate luxury destination:
- Celebrity hotspot: Favored by royalty, billionaires, celebrities (since 1864)
- Lump-sum taxation: Pauschalbesteuerung negotiations available for HNWI without Swiss income
- Luxury chalets & hotels: Badrutt's Palace, Kulm Hotel, prime real estate CHF 20,000–50,000+/m²
- Year-round lifestyle: Winter skiing, summer polo, White Turf horse racing, St. Moritz Gourmet Festival
- International community: Multilingual (German, Italian, English), global elite
Gstaad
Family-friendly luxury hub:
- Traditional Swiss charm: Chalets, car-free village, classic Alpine lifestyle
- Family-oriented: Institut Le Rosey nearby, excellent international schools
- Luxury shopping & dining: Designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants (Chesery, Eagle Ski Club)
- Winter & summer sports: Skiing, hiking, golf, polo, tennis
- Canton Bern location: Attractive cantonal tax rates, privacy, discretion
Zermatt
Car-free Alpine paradise:
- Iconic Matterhorn views: One of the world's most photographed mountains
- Car-free village: Electric vehicles only, clean air, sustainable lifestyle
- Year-round skiing: Highest ski area in Europe (3,883m), 365-day skiing
- Luxury hotels & chalets: Mont Cervin Palace, Riffelalp Resort, prime chalets CHF 15,000–40,000/m²
- Canton Valais: Attractive tax environment, international community
Andermatt
New luxury development hub:
- Recent transformation: Major investment by Samih Sawiris, modern luxury infrastructure
- Luxury residences: The Chedi Andermatt, Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen, new chalet developments
- Golf & skiing: 18-hole golf course (highest in Switzerland), modern ski resort
- Investment opportunities: Growing real estate market, strong appreciation potential
- Central location: Canton Uri, easy access to Zurich, Milan, Lucerne
Crans-Montana
French-speaking luxury lifestyle:
- French-speaking Alps: Canton Valais, French primary language, international community
- Stunning panorama: Views over Rhône Valley, access to ski areas and golf courses
- International schools: Ecole Internationale de Crans-Montana
- Luxury residences: High-end apartments and chalets with lake and mountain views
- Wellness & lifestyle: Medical clinics, wellness centers, gourmet dining
Verbier & Other Destinations
Vibrant expat community:
- Verbier: Younger, vibrant, international ski scene. Freeride capital, nightlife, English-speaking community
- Davos: World Economic Forum host, international conferences, medical expertise
- Engelberg: Central Switzerland, family-friendly, close to Lucerne
- Arosa: Car-free resort, wellness focus, quiet luxury
- Lenzerheide: Modern ski resort, family-oriented, growing international community
Cost of Living in the Alps
Alpine luxury comes at a premium — here's what to expect for monthly living expenses in Switzerland's premier mountain destinations.
| Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Luxury chalet rental | CHF 8,000–20,000+ |
| Apartment (2-3BR) | CHF 3,000–6,000 |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | CHF 350–600 |
| Private school tuition (annual) | CHF 30,000–85,000 |
Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland within 3 months of arrival. For Alpine residents, selecting the right coverage is crucial. Get expert advice tailored to your needs.
Free consultation with insurance specialists
Relocation Essentials
Relocating to the Alps requires specialized knowledge of permits, taxation, and real estate. Here's your checklist.
Residence & Work Permits
For non-EU/EFTA citizens, permits require either employment or lump-sum taxation agreements (Pauschalbesteuerung) negotiated with the canton. EU/EFTA citizens can apply for B permits.
Lump-Sum Taxation Agreements (HNWI)
High-net-worth individuals without Swiss-source income can negotiate lump-sum taxation based on living expenses (not global income). Requires legal/tax advisory. Available in select cantons (Graubünden, Valais, Vaud).
Housing & Real Estate Purchase
Lex Koller restrictions: Non-Swiss residents face limits on purchasing property (touristic zones, secondary residences). Luxury chalets: CHF 15M–50M+. Rental market: CHF 8,000–20,000+/month for chalets.
Banking Setup (Wealth Management)
Open accounts with Swiss private banks (UBS Wealth Management, Credit Suisse, Julius Baer, Pictet). Family offices, investment advisory, estate planning available.
Insurance & Healthcare Registration
Mandatory health insurance within 3 months. Consider premium plans for private hospitals (Hirslanden, Clinique Cecil). Additional insurance: liability, chalet, accident.
Working & Investing in the Alps
The Alps are less about corporate jobs and more about wealth, investment, and lifestyle entrepreneurship.
Investment Opportunities
- Private equity & family offices — wealth management infrastructure
- Real estate investments — luxury chalets, hotel residences, prime land
- Hospitality & lifestyle ventures — boutique hotels, wellness centers
- Art & collectibles — St. Moritz Art Masters, exclusive auctions
Wealth Planning
- Tax deals with cantons: Lump-sum taxation negotiations
- Estate planning: Swiss trust structures, succession planning
- Swiss banking: UBS, Credit Suisse, Julius Baer, Pictet
- Lifestyle entrepreneurship: Luxury services, concierge, real estate
Family Life in the Alps
The Alps offer unparalleled family lifestyle with world-class education, healthcare, and outdoor opportunities.
World-Class Education
Institut Le Rosey (Gstaad), Aiglon College (Chesières), TASIS (Ticino). CHF 30,000–85,000/year tuition.
Premium Healthcare
Discreet private hospitals and wellness clinics. Hirslanden Clinic (Zurich/Bern), Clinique Générale (Graubünden). Concierge medical services.
Outdoor Activities
Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, golf, tennis, sailing (Alpine lakes), cultural festivals, Michelin dining. Year-round lifestyle excellence.
Specialized Alpine Services
Get expert support for your Alpine relocation. Explore services tailored for luxury lifestyle and HNWI clients.
Housing in the Alps
Luxury chalets, premium apartments, hotel residences. Rental and purchase options in St. Moritz, Gstaad, Zermatt.
Immigration in the Alps
Residence permits, lump-sum taxation agreements (Pauschalbesteuerung), work permits for HNWI and families.
Finance & Wealth in the Alps
Private banking, wealth management, tax planning, family offices, estate planning for Alpine residents.
Advisory for HNWI
Strategic advisory for luxury Alpine relocation. Lump-sum taxation, real estate, family offices, lifestyle services.
Trusted Relocation Providers
ReloFinder connects you with relocation agencies specializing in Alpine HNWI relocations. Compare services and get free consultations.
Prime Relocation
Full-service HNWI relocation specialists for Alpine destinations. Tax advisory, real estate, family settling-in.
- ✓ Alps market expert
- ✓ HNWI & luxury specialist
- ✓ Multilingual support
Auris Relocation
Corporate and HNWI mobility specialists. 25+ years experience, Alpine regional expertise, multilingual.
- ✓ Corporate relocation
- ✓ Immigration expertise
- ✓ 25+ years experience
Lifestylemanagers
Premium concierge and relocation services for HNWI and families. Personalized Alpine lifestyle support.
- ✓ Premium concierge services
- ✓ HNWI & family focus
- ✓ Personalized approach
Resources & Guides
Expert guides for your Alpine relocation journey. Tax planning, real estate, lifestyle insights.
Lump-Sum Taxation in Switzerland (Alps Focus)
Complete guide to Pauschalbesteuerung for HNWI. Requirements, negotiations, cantonal differences, legal aspects.
Real EstateGuide to Buying Chalets in Gstaad & St. Moritz
Luxury real estate market insights. Lex Koller restrictions, prices, investment opportunities, legal process.
Case StudiesLuxury Relocation Case Studies (St. Moritz, Zermatt)
Real HNWI relocation stories. Tax planning, real estate, family settling-in, lifestyle transitions.
EducationInternational Schools in the Swiss Alps
Complete guide to Le Rosey, Aiglon College, TASIS. Admissions, fees, curricula, boarding options.
Corporate Relocation to Alpine Regions
For corporate and HNWI moves, ReloFinder enables HR and global mobility teams to compare vetted providers, request up to 5 quotes anonymously, and secure tax-optimized solutions. Ensure smooth relocations to Switzerland's premier Alpine destinations.
Learn More About Corporate Services →Ready to Start Your Alpine Journey?
Discover St. Moritz, Gstaad, Zermatt, Andermatt, Crans-Montana, and more with expert relocation guidance. Let's make your luxury Alpine relocation seamless.