Relocating to Graubünden: The Complete Guide for Internationals

Introduction to Graubünden

Graubünden (or Grisons in English) is Switzerland's largest canton by area and offers a unique blend of Alpine landscapes, cultural diversity, and economic opportunities. Known for its spectacular mountain scenery, world-class ski resorts like St. Moritz and Davos, and the pristine Swiss National Park, Graubünden attracts internationals seeking both career advancement and exceptional quality of life.

As Switzerland's only trilingual canton (German, Italian, and Romansh), Graubünden presents a fascinating cultural mosaic that welcomes international residents while maintaining its distinctive Alpine traditions. Whether you're relocating for professional opportunities in tourism, healthcare, or emerging tech sectors, or seeking the perfect work-life balance in a breathtaking natural setting, Graubünden offers compelling advantages for expatriates.

At Prime Relocation, we've guided countless international professionals and families through successful relocations to Graubünden. This comprehensive guide shares our expertise to help you navigate every aspect of moving to this remarkable Alpine region.

Regions and Districts of Graubünden

Graubünden is divided into 11 regions, each with its own character and appeal:

Chur Region

• Chur: The cantonal capital and oldest city in Switzerland, offering urban amenities with mountain proximity
• Surrounding communities: Domat/Ems, Felsberg, Haldenstein, and Trimmis provide suburban living options

Prättigau/Davos

• Davos: World-famous for skiing and the World Economic Forum, with excellent international connections
• Klosters: Upscale resort town popular with royalty and celebrities
• Prättigau Valley: More affordable villages with authentic Swiss character

Engadin/St. Moritz

• St. Moritz: Legendary luxury resort with high-end housing and international atmosphere
• Upper Engadin: Communities like Silvaplana, Samedan, and Pontresina offer premium Alpine living
• Lower Engadin: More traditional villages with thermal spas and preserved architecture

Surselva

• Disentis/Mustér: Historic monastery town with skiing and hiking
• Flims/Laax: Modern resort area popular with younger professionals
• Ilanz: Commercial center of the predominantly Romansh-speaking region

Moesa

• Italian-speaking valley connecting to Ticino with Mediterranean climate influences
• Communities: Mesocco, Roveredo, and San Vittore

Other Regions

• Albula: Historic railway region with UNESCO heritage
• Bernina: High mountain passes and Italian-influenced culture
• Imboden: Convenient communities near Chur
• Landquart: Growing commercial area with good transportation links
• Maloja: Spectacular landscapes and exclusive villages
• Viamala: Historic transit route with dramatic gorges

Housing Market in Graubünden

Market Overview

The Graubünden housing market varies dramatically by region, with significant price differences between tourist hotspots and rural communities. Key characteristics include:

• Seasonal fluctuations: Rental availability often follows tourism patterns
• Premium prices in St. Moritz, Davos, and other resort areas
• More affordable options in Chur and smaller communities away from major tourist centers
• Limited inventory in many areas, especially for family-sized properties
• Strong demand for quality housing with mountain views

Average Rental Prices

• Studio apartments: CHF 800-1,200 in Chur; CHF 1,200-2,000+ in resort areas
• 1-2 bedroom apartments: CHF 1,200-1,800 in Chur; CHF 1,800-3,500+ in resort areas
• 3+ bedroom apartments/houses: CHF 2,000-3,000 in Chur; CHF 3,500-10,000+ in premium locations

Popular Expat Areas

1. Chur: The cantonal capital offers the most diverse housing options and urban amenities
2. Davos: International atmosphere with excellent facilities and networking opportunities
3. St. Moritz/Upper Engadin: Exclusive living with premium services and international community
4. Landquart area: Growing residential zone with good transportation connections
5. Flims/Laax: Modern resort community popular with younger professionals

Rental Process Specifics for Graubünden

• Seasonal timing: Begin your search well before peak tourist seasons (December and July)
• Documentation: Standard Swiss requirements plus potentially higher income requirements in resort areas
• Rental contracts: Watch for seasonal pricing variations in tourist areas
• Deposits: Typically 2-3 months' rent, sometimes higher for premium properties
• Competition: Extremely high for quality properties in desirable locations

Education Options in Graubünden

Public Schools

• Multilingual education: Schools operate in German, Italian, or Romansh depending on the region
• Integration classes for non-native speakers in larger communities
• High quality with strong emphasis on outdoor education and sports
• Registration: Through local municipal offices (Gemeindeverwaltung)

Private and International Schools

• Academia Engiadina (Samedan): Bilingual education with international curriculum elements
• Hochalpines Institut Ftan: Boarding school with academic excellence and sports focus
• Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz: Prestigious international boarding school offering IB program
• Swiss Alpine School Davos: International curriculum with winter sports programs

Higher Education

• University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (Chur): Programs in tourism, business, and technology
• Graduate Institute for Business and Management (Davos): Executive education
• Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (Davos): Research opportunities

Language Schools

• Graubünden Cantonal School of Languages (Chur): German, Italian, and Romansh courses
• Migros Klubschule (Chur): Popular language courses for newcomers
• Private language institutes in major towns and resort areas

Immigration and Residency

Residency Requirements

• EU/EFTA nationals: Standard Swiss registration procedures apply
• Non-EU/EFTA nationals: Work permits typically require employer sponsorship
• Specific quotas may apply for certain permit categories

Registration Process

1. Find accommodation first (address required for registration)
2. Register with municipal authorities within 14 days of arrival
3. Complete biometric registration for non-EU/EFTA nationals
4. Apply for residence permit through cantonal migration office

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Employment contract or proof of financial means
• Rental contract
• Passport photos
• Marriage/birth certificates if applicable
• Health insurance confirmation

Permit Types

• L Permit: Short-term residence (under 1 year)
• B Permit: Initial residence permit (1-5 years)
• C Permit: Settlement permit (permanent residence)
• G Permit: Cross-border commuter permit (for those living in neighboring countries)

Healthcare System

Health Insurance Requirements

All residents must obtain Swiss health insurance within 3 months of arrival. For expert guidance on selecting the right health insurance plan, Prime Relocation recommends our trusted partner expat-savvy.ch, who specializes in helping internationals navigate the Swiss insurance landscape.

Healthcare Facilities

• Cantonal Hospital Graubünden (Chur): Main medical center for the region
• Davos Hospital: Specialized in respiratory and allergic conditions
• Regional hospitals in Ilanz, Schiers, Samedan, and other communities
• Specialized clinics in resort areas, particularly for sports medicine

Finding a Doctor

• Family doctors (Hausarzt/Médecin de famille) serve as primary care providers
• Registration recommended soon after arrival as many practices have waiting lists
• Language considerations: Most doctors speak German, with English widely available in tourist areas

Emergency Services

• Emergency number: 144
• REGA air rescue: Essential service in mountainous regions (membership recommended)
• Pharmacy emergency services rotate in each region

Banking and Finance

Opening a Bank Account

• Major banks: UBS, Credit Suisse, Raiffeisen, and Graubündner Kantonalbank
• Required documents: Passport, residence permit, employment contract
• Process: Typically requires in-person appointment
• Waiting period: 1-2 weeks for full account activation

Banking Services

• Multi-currency accounts available for cross-border needs
• Online banking with English interfaces at major banks
• Investment services widely available, especially in St. Moritz and Davos
• Mortgage options for permanent residents planning to purchase property

Financial Considerations

• Currency exchange: Beneficial rates for larger amounts
• Tax obligations: Cantonal and municipal taxes vary significantly by location
• Cost of living: Higher in resort areas, more moderate in Chur and rural communities

Transportation and Mobility

Public Transportation

• Rhaetian Railway: UNESCO World Heritage railway network connecting major towns
• PostBus network: Extensive service to smaller communities
• Integrated timetables coordinating trains, buses, and cable cars
• GA/Half-Fare cards: Recommended for regular public transport users

Driving in Graubünden

• Mountain driving skills essential, especially in winter
• Winter tires mandatory during snow season (typically October-April)
• Parking challenges in resort towns during peak seasons
• Vehicle registration: Required within 12 months for permanent residents

Connectivity to Major Cities

• Chur to Zurich: 1.5 hours by train
• Davos to Zurich Airport: 2.5 hours by public transport
• St. Moritz to Milan: 3 hours by Bernina Express
• Regional airports: Small airports in Samedan (St. Moritz) for private flights

Daily Life and Integration

Language Considerations

• German predominant in northern regions and major towns
• Italian common in southern valleys
• Romansh in traditional communities, especially Surselva
• English widely spoken in tourist areas and international businesses
• Integration courses available through cantonal programs

Cultural Integration

• Local associations (Vereine) provide excellent integration opportunities
• Seasonal festivals celebrate Alpine traditions and local customs
• Community events particularly active in smaller villages
• Expatriate groups in Davos, St. Moritz, and Chur organize regular gatherings

Shopping and Services

• Retail hours: Typically shorter than in major Swiss cities
• Seasonal availability: Some services limited outside tourist seasons
• Local markets: Regular farmers' markets in most communities
• Online delivery services: More limited than in urban centers

Recreation and Lifestyle

• Outdoor activities: World-class skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing
• Thermal spas: Famous facilities in Vals, Scuol, and Bad Ragaz
• Cultural offerings: Museums, music festivals, and traditional events
• Gastronomy: Excellent regional cuisine with Italian and Alpine influences

Prime Relocation Services in Graubünden

At Prime Relocation, we offer comprehensive relocation support throughout Graubünden, with specialized knowledge of both resort areas and more traditional communities. Our services include:

Home Search and Securing

• Pre-arrival consultation to identify ideal locations based on your needs
• Property viewings coordinated with your schedule
• Negotiation support with landlords and agencies
• Lease review and explanation of Swiss rental terms
• Move-in assistance including utilities setup

Immigration Support

• Permit application preparation and submission
• Registration assistance with local authorities
• Family reunification documentation
• Permit renewals and changes as your situation evolves

Settlement Services

• Bank account setup with preferred financial institutions
• Insurance arrangements through our trusted partner expat-savvy.ch for health insurance and other essential coverage
• School search and enrollment assistance
• Healthcare system navigation and doctor recommendations
• Utility connections and registrations

Ongoing Support

• Language and cultural orientation
• Introduction to expatriate networks
• Problem-solving assistance throughout your stay
• Departure services when your assignment concludes

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Graubünden different from other Swiss cantons?

Graubünden stands out for its trilingual culture, vast protected natural areas, and world-renowned resort destinations. It offers more space and often better value than Geneva or Zurich while providing exceptional quality of life and outdoor recreation opportunities.

How difficult is it to find housing in Graubünden?

Housing availability varies significantly by season and location. Resort areas like St. Moritz and Davos have limited inventory and high prices, while Chur and smaller communities offer more affordable options. Working with Prime Relocation gives you access to properties before they reach public listings.

Is it possible to live in Graubünden without speaking German?

In tourist centers like St. Moritz and Davos, English is widely spoken. However, for deeper integration and daily life in smaller communities, learning German (or Italian/Romansh depending on your region) is highly recommended. We can connect you with appropriate language courses.

How are the international schools in Graubünden?

Graubünden hosts several prestigious international boarding schools, particularly in the Engadin region. Day school options with international curricula are more limited than in larger Swiss cities, but the quality of education is excellent.

What industries offer employment opportunities for internationals?

Key sectors include tourism and hospitality, healthcare, education, specialized manufacturing, and increasingly, technology and remote work. The canton actively encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in sustainable tourism and Alpine technology.

How does the cost of living compare to Zurich or Geneva?

While housing in premium resort areas can match or exceed prices in major Swiss cities, overall living costs in most of Graubünden are typically 10-20% lower than in Zurich or Geneva. Food, services, and recreation tend to be more reasonably priced outside the peak tourist seasons.

What insurance do I need when moving to Graubünden?

Basic health insurance is mandatory for all residents. Additionally, household insurance, liability insurance, and depending on your situation, vehicle insurance may be necessary. Our partner expat-savvy.ch specializes in helping internationals find the right insurance coverage for their specific needs in Switzerland.

Conclusion

Relocating to Graubünden offers a unique opportunity to experience Switzerland's most diverse canton – a place where pristine Alpine landscapes meet multilingual culture and modern amenities. While the relocation process involves numerous steps and considerations, the reward is living in one of the world's most beautiful and well-functioning regions.

At Prime Relocation, we bring years of specialized experience in Graubünden relocations, with deep knowledge of each region's particular characteristics and requirements. Our team is ready to transform your move into a smooth, successful transition to Alpine living.

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your relocation to Graubünden and help you make the most of this exceptional Swiss canton from day one.

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