Retiring in Switzerland: the dream, the reality, and how to make it work – especially in Ticino

Switzerland has long been considered one of the best places in the world to live. For many international retirees, relocating to Switzerland—especially to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in the south—is a deeply appealing idea. It’s not hard to see why: breathtaking landscapes, world-class infrastructure, safety, and excellent healthcare all combine to create an ideal environment for retirement. Add a Mediterranean climate and a more relaxed lifestyle than Zurich or Geneva, and it’s easy to fall in love with the idea of spending your later years here.

But there’s a big difference between a dream and a plan. Moving to Switzerland as a retiree is possible—but it’s not automatic, and definitely not cheap.

Let’s break it down.

Is it possible to get a residence permit?

Yes—but the process depends heavily on your situation. If you are over 55, have sufficient financial means, and can demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in Switzerland, you may be eligible for a residence permit without gainful employment (commonly referred to as a B permit for retirees). The evaluation is done on a case-by-case basis, especially in Ticino, where local authorities have some discretion. Swiss authorities are not looking for people who want to “try it out”—they want long-term residents who are financially independent and committed.

This is not a country where you can simply move in and figure things out later. Every step—from the Swiss residence permit application to the mandatory health insurance—requires planning, paperwork, and in most cases, local guidance.

Cost of living: high quality, high cost

Switzerland is known for its exceptional quality of life, but that comes at a price. If you haven’t paid into the Swiss pension system, you won’t have access to any of the social benefits provided to Swiss retirees. Everything from health insurance to long-term care must be financed privately. For some, that’s perfectly manageable—but for others, it’s a deal-breaker.

Health insurance in Switzerland alone can cost CHF 300 to CHF 500 per person per month, depending on the provider, deductible, and coverage level. And this is just for the basic mandatory coverage, which often doesn’t include dental care, private hospital rooms, or extended services. If you’re coming from a country with a public healthcare system, the shift to full private insurance can be a shock.

Real estate in Ticino is somewhat more accessible than in Zurich or Geneva, but still expensive by European standards. A modest apartment in Lugano can easily reach CHF 700,000 or more. And if long-term care becomes necessary, private facilities can cost between CHF 6,000 and CHF 10,000 per month.

Retiring in Switzerland works best for those with international pensions, strong savings, or other sources of passive income.

Healthcare in Switzerland: exceptional, but complicated

There’s no doubt that Switzerland offers one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. Doctors are well-trained, medical facilities are top-tier, and waiting times are short. But the system is not state-funded. Every resident must purchase private basic mandatory health insurance (LAMal), and many choose to add supplemental coverage for more flexibility.

Pre-existing conditions are not excluded from basic coverage, but they can make supplementary insurance harder or more expensive to obtain. And everything is individualized: there’s no family policy, which means every member must be insured separately.

If you’re relocating at an older age, careful insurance planning is not optional—it’s essential.

What if you need long-term care or a caregiver?

Switzerland has excellent assisted living and nursing home options, including local care homes (casa anziani) and private geriatric residences. However, the demand for places is high and waiting lists are common. In-home care is available too, but it must be set up formally, with contracts, insurance, and proper employment status. Hiring a caregiver under the table is not an option in Switzerland—non-compliance can lead to serious legal and tax issues.

Can your family join you?

Bringing a spouse is typically straightforward if you apply together. Bringing adult children or siblings is significantly more complex and rarely approved unless there are strong dependency reasons. If you're hoping to bring extended family or arrange for a live-in caregiver, be prepared for a high level of legal and administrative responsibility.

Taxes and planning: no improvisation allowed

Switzerland offers some interesting tax planning opportunities for wealthy retirees. Certain cantons allow lump-sum taxation for foreign nationals, and while Ticino doesn’t formally promote this system, it can still offer moderate and predictable taxation if your affairs are well structured.

If you have foreign assets, complex family structures, or need estate planning, working with a Swiss advisor is strongly recommended. Improvising your financial setup after the move is risky, especially given Switzerland’s strict reporting obligations and international tax transparency rules.

So—is it worth it?

If you’re financially independent and looking for a peaceful, stable, and beautiful place to spend the next chapter of your life, the answer is absolutely yes. Ticino offers a retirement lifestyle that’s almost impossible to match elsewhere. But it’s not a decision to take lightly.

Retiring in Switzerland requires careful preparation. This is not a low-cost destination. It’s a safe haven—for those who are ready for it.

We help you plan your retirement in Switzerland

At Knotted, we guide expats—especially retirees and high-net-worth individuals—through the process of relocating to Ticino. We work alongside trusted local partners to help you navigate the residence permit application, find the right health insurance, manage your tax situation, and secure housing or care solutions.

Our services include:

• Swiss residence permits and immigration assistance

• Healthcare planning and insurance setup

• Real estate advisory and relocation coordination

• Tax structuring and estate planning

• Long-term care solutions and local support

Whether you're relocating alone, with your partner, or for your entire family, we help you make the move the right way—compliant, efficient, and sustainable.

Start the conversation with us via WhatsApp: +41 76 771 30 22or email us: info@knotted.ch