Swiss insurance & financial advice for expats and international families

Moving to Switzerland, working across borders, or managing a global career? We help expatriates, mobile executives and international families structure their insurance, taxation, pension and permits — independently, in English, and licensed by FINMA.

Who we help

Independent advice tailored to your international situation

Every international journey has its own questions: first months in Switzerland, cross-border tax optimisation, dual-country pension coordination, planning a departure. We adapt the advice to your reality.

What we cover

The topics we handle for international clients

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Swiss health insurance (LAMal & alternatives)

LAMal becomes mandatory within 3 months of moving to Switzerland. We compare providers, advise on the right deductible, and check whether the cross-border right of option (LAMal vs. CMU or private cover) applies to you.

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Swiss taxation for foreigners

Withholding tax (impôt à la source), arrival tax declaration, quasi-resident status, double-taxation treaties. We work with a network of partner tax specialists for complex international situations.

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Pension & 3rd pillar (pillar 3a)

Tax-deductible private pension savings, vested benefits (libre passage) when leaving Switzerland, coordination with your home-country pension scheme.

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Supplementary insurance & legal protection

Hospital cover, dental and orthodontic care, alternative medicine, private legal protection — adapted to an international daily life with frequent travel.

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Residence permits & admin guidance

B, L, C, G (cross-border): we orient you to the useful procedures and the deadlines to meet so you don't lose your rights.

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Leaving Switzerland / departure planning

2nd pillar pension fund withdrawal, vested benefits transfer, pillar 3a closure, departure tax declaration: we secure the transition before you leave.

Why us

Independent, FINMA-licensed, multilingual

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FINMA-licensed

Conseil Helvétique is registered under FINMA number F01283787 as an unaffiliated insurance intermediary. We are bound by Swiss law (LSA / FINIG).

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English, French, German

Our team handles client relationships in three languages. Documents, conversations and follow-up are available in your preferred language.

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No upfront cost for clients

Our service is free for clients. We are paid by insurance partners only if you decide to sign — and we disclose the remuneration model transparently (LSA art. 45).

4.9 / 5 — 63 Google reviews

Independent Google reviews from real clients including international and cross-border profiles. See our reviews.

FAQ

Most asked questions by expats moving to Switzerland

Do I need to take out Swiss health insurance when I move to Switzerland?
Yes. Anyone living in Switzerland must subscribe to LAMal (mandatory basic health insurance) within 3 months of arrival. Coverage is retroactive to your arrival date, so even if you sign up in month 2 you will be charged from day one. Premiums and providers vary widely (often by 30–50% for identical legal coverage), so it is worth comparing before subscribing.
Can I keep my home country's health insurance instead of LAMal?
In most cases no — LAMal is mandatory for residents. There are limited exceptions: cross-border workers from EU/EFTA countries can opt out of LAMal in favour of their home-country social security (the so-called "right of option"), and some diplomats and short-term posted workers are exempt. We can analyse your specific situation.
What is the 3rd pillar in Switzerland and should expats subscribe?
The 3rd pillar is voluntary private pension savings with significant tax deductions. Pillar 3a is restricted (annual cap, locked until retirement) but fully deductible from taxable income. For expats with income subject to Swiss tax (including quasi-residents), pillar 3a is one of the most efficient tax optimisation tools available — typically saving 25–40% of the amount paid in taxes.
What is "quasi-resident" status and do I qualify?
Quasi-resident is a Swiss tax status available to cross-border workers and certain non-residents who earn at least 90% of their worldwide income in Switzerland. It allows them to file a full Swiss tax return and claim deductions normally reserved for residents (3rd pillar, pension contributions, professional expenses, alimony…). We help our clients evaluate the trade-off and file accordingly.
I'm leaving Switzerland — what happens to my 2nd and 3rd pillar?
Your 2nd pillar (pension fund) and pillar 3a can normally be transferred to a vested benefits account (libre passage). If you leave for a non-EU/EFTA country, the cash withdrawal of the 2nd pillar is possible. If you leave for an EU/EFTA country, only the supplementary portion of the 2nd pillar can be withdrawn — the mandatory part stays in vested benefits. We organise the departure carefully to minimise tax leakage.
Are you really independent or tied to one insurer?
Conseil Helvétique is an unaffiliated insurance intermediary, licensed by FINMA under registration number F01283787. We are not owned by any insurance company. We work with a broad panel of partner insurers and disclose our remuneration model under LSA article 45.
Do you speak English and handle international clients?
Yes — our team handles client relationships in English, French and German. We work regularly with expatriates, mobile executives, cross-border workers and international families relocating to or from Switzerland. Conversations, written advice and contracts are available in your preferred language.

Let's talk about your situation

A clear conversation to understand your international setup and identify the right trade-offs. No commitment, in English.

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