Living in Lausanne: the ultimate expat guide

Lausanne offers a dynamic job market characterized by low unemployment and competitive salaries. The city has developed into a hub for international sports organizations, technology, life sciences, and higher education. With the presence of the IOC and numerous international federations, the sports industry alone employs over 3,300 people across Switzerland, generating more than CHF 1.68 billion annually in economic impact.

Key Employment Sectors

The main industries driving employment in Lausanne include international sports organizations, technology and innovation (particularly around EPFL's startup ecosystem), healthcare and biotechnology, hospitality management, and financial services. Major employers include the IOC, Nestlé (headquartered nearby in Vevey), Philip Morris International, and numerous tech startups. The presence of IMD Business School and EHL Hospitality Business School also creates opportunities in business education.

Work Permits and Employment Data

The table below provides key employment indicators for the Lausanne region.

Sources: Numbeo 2025, Trading Economics

EU/EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on Free Movement of Persons and can seek employment freely. The B Permit is issued for contracts exceeding one year, while the L Permit covers short-term employment up to 12 months. Non-EU nationals face stricter quotas, with 4,500 B permits and 4,000 L permits available annually for third-country nationals.

Lausanne is one of Switzerland's premier academic destinations, home to institutions consistently ranked among the world's best. The city hosts the largest university campus in Switzerland, attracting students and researchers from over 140 countries. Higher education here combines academic excellence with remarkably affordable tuition fees compared to other top-tier institutions globally.

Major Universities

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a leading research university specializing in science, engineering, and technology. Established in 1969, EPFL welcomes students from over 130 nationalities and consistently ranks among Europe's top technical universities. Annual tuition is approximately CHF 1,460 per year for all students. Note that from fall 2025, tuition will increase to CHF 2,190 for foreign students taking up residence in Switzerland for study purposes.

The University of Lausanne (UNIL), founded over 480 years ago, offers programs in business, law, medicine, geosciences, and political sciences. The HEC Lausanne business school holds AMBA and EQUIS accreditations. Annual tuition at UNIL is approximately CHF 1,160. The acceptance rate is around 31%.

Specialized Institutions

Other notable institutions include IMD Business School, one of the world's most prestigious business schools offering executive education and MBA programs, and EHL Hospitality Business School, the global leader in hospitality management education. The International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS) offers specialized sports management programs, leveraging Lausanne's unique position as the Olympic Capital.

Student living costs average approximately CHF 1,950 per month, covering accommodation (CHF 600-800), health insurance (CHF 150-300), and daily expenses. Housing through Fondation Maisons pour Etudiants Lausanne (FMEL) is a popular option, offering over 2,500 student places.

Sources: EPFL Official Website, UNIL Admissions

Lausanne offers excellent educational options for expat families, with numerous international schools providing English-language instruction and globally recognized curricula. The region is home to approximately 22 international schools, offering programs from early childhood through secondary education. While public schools teach in French, international schools provide continuity for mobile families and prepare students for universities worldwide.

Leading International Schools

The International School of Lausanne (ISL) is the only IB World School in the Lausanne area offering all three International Baccalaureate programs: Primary Years (PYP), Middle Years (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Founded in 1962, ISL welcomes approximately 865 students from 75 nationalities. Annual tuition ranges from CHF 21,000 to CHF 38,600 depending on grade level. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Brillantmont International School, founded in 1882, offers British IGCSE, AS and A Level examinations, as well as a US High School Graduation Diploma with SAT preparation. Tuition ranges from CHF 31,500 to CHF 103,500 (including boarding). ENSR International School provides both the IB and Swiss Maturity programs, with fees from CHF 12,200 to CHF 25,400. Haut-Lac International Bilingual School offers French-English bilingual education with fees from CHF 21,800 to CHF 40,600.

Enrollment Considerations

International schools in Lausanne often have 1-2 year waiting lists, particularly for popular grade levels. Early application is strongly recommended—ideally as soon as relocation is confirmed. Most schools require academic transcripts, English proficiency assessments, and entrance evaluations. The academic year typically runs from September to June.

Sources: International School of Lausanne, World Schools

Finding accommodation in Lausanne requires patience and preparation, as the rental market is competitive with demand consistently exceeding supply. The city offers diverse neighborhoods, from lakeside areas with stunning views to trendy urban districts and quiet residential communes. Currently, median monthly rent for an apartment is approximately CHF 3,555, with prices varying significantly by location and size.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Ouchy, the lakeside district, offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, with the Olympic Museum and waterfront promenades. It attracts families and professionals seeking a prestigious address. Flon, a former industrial area, has transformed into Lausanne's trendiest quarter with galleries, boutiques, bars, and restaurants—ideal for young professionals. Pully, just four minutes by metro from the city center, is popular with expat families thanks to its international schools, quieter atmosphere, and lake access. Chailly-Rovéréaz, in the northeast, offers a preserved village atmosphere with single-family homes—favored by established professionals.

Rental Prices

The table below shows typical monthly rents in Lausanne.

Sources: Numbeo 2025

When renting, expect to provide references, proof of income (typically three times the monthly rent), and pay a security deposit of up to three months' rent. Furnished apartments are available but command higher premiums. Property websites like Homegate, ImmoScout24, and RealAdvisor list available rentals.

Lausanne offers a rich cultural scene and outstanding access to outdoor activities. From world-class museums to lakeside promenades and nearby Alpine adventures, the city provides year-round entertainment for all ages and interests.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Olympic Museum, founded by the IOC in 1993, is Lausanne's premier attraction, welcoming over 250,000 visitors annually. Its 3,000 square meters of exhibition space features interactive displays, Olympic memorabilia, and stunning lake views. Entry is CHF 20 for adults; children under 15 accompanied by an adult enter free. The Collection de l'Art Brut showcases outsider art in a unique setting. The Palais de Rumine houses several museums including fine arts, geology, and archaeology. Photo Elysée and mudac (Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts) share a striking new building in Plateforme 10 near the train station.

Outdoor Activities

Lake Geneva provides opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, and boat cruises. The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just east of Lausanne, offer spectacular hiking through terraced vineyards with wine tastings along the way. In winter, ski resorts are easily accessible—Villars and Leysin are about an hour away, while major resorts like Verbier and Zermatt are within day-trip distance.

Nightlife and Dining

The Flon district is Lausanne's nightlife hub, featuring bars, clubs, and restaurants in converted warehouses. For traditional Swiss cuisine, try fondue and raclette at local restaurants like Café de Grancy or Le Vaudois. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Festival de la Cité (July), Lausanne Lumières (winter light festival), and the Montreux Jazz Festival (nearby in July).

Sources: Olympic Museum, Lausanne Tourism

Daily life in Lausanne combines Swiss efficiency with French-speaking charm. The city's hilly terrain—built on three levels rising from the lake—gives it a unique character, with spectacular views from many vantage points. While the cost of living is high by international standards, the quality of life, safety, and access to nature make it an attractive place to call home.

Getting Around

Lausanne's public transport system, operated by Transports publics de la région lausannoise (TL), is excellent. The M2 metro line, opened in 2008, is an engineering feat capable of climbing gradients up to 12%, connecting the lakeside Ouchy district to the city center and beyond. The M1 line connects the city center to EPFL and UNIL. An extensive bus and trolleybus network fills the gaps. A single ticket costs approximately CHF 3.90, while a monthly pass for the central zones is around CHF 76-79. Night bus services (Noctambus) operate on weekends. Hotel guests receive the free Lausanne Transport Card for unlimited travel during their stay.

Practical Considerations

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents and must be obtained within 90 days of arrival. Basic insurance premiums average CHF 320-400 per month for adults, varying by provider and deductible. Insurers cannot refuse coverage based on pre-existing conditions for basic insurance.

Shopping options range from major supermarkets (Migros, Coop) to local markets. The Place de la Riponne hosts a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Shops typically close by 7 PM on weekdays and 5-6 PM on Saturdays, with most closed on Sundays. Banks, post offices, and government offices keep standard business hours (8:30 AM - 5 PM).

Sources: TL Public Transport, Lausanne Tourism

Lausanne ranks among the more expensive cities globally, though costs are somewhat lower than Geneva or Zurich. The high salaries in Switzerland generally offset living expenses, but careful budgeting is essential for newcomers. Housing represents the largest expense, followed by health insurance and childcare.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The following table outlines typical monthly expenses for a single person living in Lausanne.

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo 2025, World Schools