Expat communities and networks
Online portals, clubs and associations where internationals in Switzerland meet, share information and build a social life in their new city.
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Meetup community of 8,900+ members connecting expats and internationally-minded locals in Zurich
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Meetup group in Geneva bringing expats and local residents together for social events and networking
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Meetup community of 2,900+ members for expatriates and diplomats of all nationalities in Geneva
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International social community on Meetup bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in Zurich
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Meetup community for Asian expatriates and individuals of Asian descent providing cultural and social networking
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Network founded 2016 connecting 700+ members in business, policy, and culture with Gen A leadership program
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Switzerland
One of Europe's largest expat information platforms, with Switzerland content covering every stage of the move including housing, schooling, healthcare, dating and integration, plus a directory of expat-friendly service providers and a guide to local clubs and associations.
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Switzerland
A global expat network with active chapters in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne and Bern, running regular social and professional events that bring together internationals living in Switzerland. Membership gives access to events, hobby groups and city guides.
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Networking forum for Americans, Canadians, and internationals in Zurich since 1957; explicitly non-political.
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A longstanding nonprofit with regional chapters supporting British, Commonwealth and Irish expats through social events and integration programs.
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English-speaking women's community for all nationalities since 1958; 300+ members; language classes, hiking, volunteer work.
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Zurich · since 1931
A women's club in Seefeld offering book groups, professional networks, family programs and philanthropic activities for English speakers.
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Long-running social club for English speakers and internationals since 1963; weekly meetups and cultural activities.
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Switzerland
An English-language online media platform for internationals in Switzerland, covering practical guides on permits, housing, healthcare and taxes, alongside a job board, housing listings and a service directory of expat-facing businesses.
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Volunteer-run English-speaking women's community since 1968; social, cultural, sporting, and charitable activities.
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International professional women's network with monthly events, job support groups, and networking across Basel region
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Geneva
Founded in 1996 by the Swiss Confederation and the Canton of Geneva, CAGI provides a welcome service for the international community in Geneva, including a language exchange programme with 800 participants, monthly afterwork events and practical support for NGOs and diplomatic missions.
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National network of 39 professional women's clubs with 2,300 members across all language regions
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Volunteer-run English-speaking community center since mid-1980s with 900+ member families
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Social meeting point for English speakers in Bern since 1978; hosts events and operates a social venue.
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Cultural community for Indians and India enthusiasts in Zurich; organizes major festivals and social gatherings.
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Business and cultural organization connecting Swiss and Latin American communities; youth networking for young professionals
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World's largest startup community chapter connecting entrepreneurs with speaker events and networking since 2013
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Zurich
An international women's association in Zurich with more than 150 activities a year across 55 interest groups, from cultural outings to professional events and sports clubs. Open to women of all nationalities and runs sessions in English.
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First English-speaking BPW professional women's club in Switzerland
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Switzerland
A Switzerland-based social and professional networking platform for internationals, with city groups in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern and Lausanne, regular events, classifieds and a forum covering housing, jobs and everyday life questions.
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Swedish community club in the Lausanne-Geneva area serving Swedish expats and families
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Switzerland's largest startup membership with 1,800+ member startups; advocates for and organizes networking events
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Zurich
A career network for women in Zurich founded in 1983, organising professional development events, mentoring and networking for international and Swiss women in leadership positions. Most members work in finance, consulting, pharma or international organisations.
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Zug
An international women's club in Zug established in 1967, serving the large expat population drawn by the canton's corporate hub with social events, cultural outings and interest groups run in English.
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Basel · since 1947
A regional nonprofit for English-speaking women offering social events and a structured philanthropic giving program in the Basel area.
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Social running and jogging group for internationals meeting Wednesday evenings in Geneva and Vaud
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Alumni network for IMD business school graduates with 145,000+ leaders worldwide
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IMD alumni community in Zurich hosting 10-15 speaker events yearly plus social activities
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International church for English-speaking expats and Christians; 40+ associated churches across 12 countries
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Networking organization hosting 30+ annual business events across Zurich, Geneva, Lugano, and Bern
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Empowers entrepreneurship across Switzerland by connecting, educating, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs
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Social running and walking club for internationals with regular Thursday and weekend runs
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Basel
A grassroots nonprofit in Basel connecting expats with locals through buddy programs, language cafes and regular community events.
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International Christian community in Geneva offering fellowship and spiritual support for expat members
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Protestant community since 1961 for English-speaking Christians and internationals
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International business networking organization headquartered in Zurich with offices in Geneva and Lugano
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Online platform and magazine for expats in Switzerland with guides, cultural insights, and networking
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International church for expatriates and international families from around the world
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English-speaking international Christian church with members from over 30 nations
Frequently asked questions
How can I find a community focused on a specific nationality or cultural background?
You can join specialized groups like the American International Club of Zurich for North Americans or the British Residents' Association of Switzerland for British, Commonwealth, and Irish expats. There are also cultural networks like Asians in Zurich for individuals of Asian descent.
Are there networking options for business professionals and alumni?
Yes, there are several professional-leaning options including the Asia Society Switzerland for business and policy leaders. You can also join specific alumni clubs like the IMD Alumni Clubs in Geneva or Zurich if you are a graduate of that business school.
Can I find social groups that operate in multiple Swiss cities?
InterNations Switzerland is a global network with active chapters in Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, and Bern. Some nationality-based associations also offer regional chapters throughout the country.
What is the difference between a social meetup group and an information platform?
Meetup communities focus on organizing social events and direct person-to-person connections in specific cities. Information platforms like Expatica Switzerland serve a different purpose by providing content on practical topics like housing, healthcare, and schooling.
If I am new to Switzerland, where should I look for general social integration?
You might consider large-scale communities such as InterNations or various Meetup groups that bring together expats and locals for social activities. These groups help you meet people from diverse backgrounds in your specific city.