The 5 most frequently asked questions about working as a physiotherapist in Switzerland

When I made the move myself, I was sure of one thing above all: I wanted to live closer to the mountains. What exactly would working as a physiotherapist entail? I still had quite a few questions about that. That's to be expected. A new country, a different language, starting over – it naturally brings uncertainty.

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Over the past five years, I've repeatedly spoken with people who want to move to Switzerland to work as physiotherapists. And strikingly, the same questions often come up. That's why I've listed the five most frequently asked questions for you.

1. How different is the work compared to the Netherlands?

Honestly? That turned out to be better than I expected. The basics remain the same. You treat patients, set goals, and help people progress. But there are a few clear differences.

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The biggest difference for me: you often have more time here to work on a problem with a patient. In the Netherlands, it sometimes felt like you had to switch gears quickly or finish up. In Switzerland, for many complaints, you get multiple treatments reimbursed, often somewhere between 9 and 36, without anyone immediately needing extra insurance for it.

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That gives you space. You don't just have to reduce a complaint in the short term, but can really look at where the problem originates. Working on strength, on movement, on building up. Collaboration with doctors and other disciplines is also often well-organized. And patients here place great value on movement and an active lifestyle. The differences are certainly there, but most Dutch physiotherapists adapt to them surprisingly quickly. Curious what that looks like in practice? Feel free to browse through the open vacancies and see which practice suits you.

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2. Do I need German before I move?

Almost everyone asks this question. And fortunately, the answer is usually reassuring. No, you don't have to speak perfect German before coming to Switzerland.

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Many physiotherapists leave with a basic level and learn most of it on the job. That doesn't mean you can do without it entirely. You work with patients, doctors, and colleagues, so a certain basic level helps immensely. But almost no one speaks fluent German upon arrival.

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My advice: start practicing already, especially with the terms you use in the workplace. But don't wait indefinitely until you think you're good enough. We wrote a separate blog about it: is it difficult to learn German or French if you're going to work in Switzerland?

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3. Do you really earn that much more as a physiotherapist in Switzerland?

This is undoubtedly the most frequently asked question. The short answer: yes.

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A physiotherapist in Switzerland generally earns significantly more than in the Netherlands. Of course, it depends on your experience, employer, and region, but many Dutch physiotherapists end up with a net income of around 4500 to 5500 CHF per month.

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On the other hand, the costs are also higher. Groceries, rent, and health insurance are more expensive than back home. Nevertheless, most people still have more left over at the end of the month. And that often means more than just saving. More freedom to work less, travel more often, or dedicate time to your hobbies.

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Curious about the numbers? We detail exactly what you earn as a physiotherapist in Switzerland. And if you want to know what's left after tax, you can calculate it in from gross to net in Switzerland.

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4. Can I easily find housing?

That largely depends on where you plan to live. In cities like Zurich, Zug, or Geneva, finding accommodation can be quite challenging. In smaller towns and villages, it's often much smoother. Many Dutch physiotherapists therefore start in a 'WG' (Wohngemeinschaft), a shared apartment. It's cheaper, you get to know people faster, and it makes the initial period much easier.

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My tip: start your search early. Finding a job is often quicker than finding good housing. In our checklist for emigrating to Switzerland , you can read about everything else you need to consider.

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5. Is it easy to make friends?

This is perhaps the question people worry about most. And I completely understand. You're leaving behind your friends, family, and familiar surroundings.

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Yet, I find that most people build a social network faster than they initially expected. This is especially true because many Dutch, Belgians, and international individuals live in Switzerland who have done exactly the same. And hobbies help tremendously. Go hiking, skiing, running, or join a club. Precisely because so many people here are active outdoors, you often meet new people faster than you think. We've listed our best tips in making friends in Switzerland.

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My personal experience

Looking back at my own move, many of my worries turned out to be smaller than I had anticipated. Of course, there were challenges: a new country, a different language, starting over.

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But the benefits far outweigh them. For me, these were the mountains, ample space to be active outdoors, meeting new people, and a good work-life balance. And perhaps that's why so many physiotherapists stay longer than they initially planned.

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Do you have questions not listed here? Just ask. Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting, and we'll help you think things through without any commitment. Would you rather chat first? Send us a message. Who knows, this might be the start of your own takeoff to Switzerland.

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