Living in Graubünden
Discover Switzerland's largest canton, where Alpine landscapes meet trilingual culture and world-class recreation. Your complete guide to relocating to this remarkable region.
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.
Regions and Districts of Graubünden
Graubünden is divided into 11 regions, each with its own character and appeal. At Prime Relocation, we've guided countless international professionals and families through successful relocations to Graubünden.
Chur Region
The cantonal capital and oldest city in Switzerland, offering urban amenities with mountain proximity
Key Communities:
Character: Urban center with suburban options
Prättigau/Davos
World-famous for skiing and the World Economic Forum, with excellent international connections
Key Communities:
Character: International resort atmosphere
Engadin/St. Moritz
Legendary luxury resort with high-end housing and international atmosphere
Key Communities:
Character: Premium Alpine living
Surselva
Historic monastery town with skiing and hiking, predominantly Romansh-speaking
Key Communities:
Character: Traditional culture with modern resorts
Moesa
Italian-speaking valley connecting to Ticino with Mediterranean climate influences
Key Communities:
Character: Mediterranean Alpine blend
Other Regions
Historic and scenic areas throughout the canton
Key Communities:
Character: Diverse landscapes and communities
Housing Market in Graubünden
The Graubünden housing market varies dramatically by region, with significant price differences between tourist hotspots and rural communities.
Seasonal Fluctuations
Rental availability often follows tourism patterns
Premium Prices
St. Moritz, Davos, and other resort areas command high prices
Affordable Options
Chur and smaller communities away from major tourist centers
Limited Inventory
Especially for family-sized properties in many areas
Strong Demand
Quality housing with mountain views highly sought after
Average Rental Prices
| Property Type | Chur | Resort Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Studio apartments | CHF 800-1,200 | CHF 1,200-2,000+ |
| 1-2 bedroom apartments | CHF 1,200-1,800 | CHF 1,800-3,500+ |
| 3+ bedroom apartments/houses | CHF 2,000-3,000 | CHF 3,500-10,000+ |
Popular Expat Areas
Chur
The cantonal capital offers the most diverse housing options and urban amenities
Davos
International atmosphere with excellent facilities and networking opportunities
St. Moritz/Upper Engadin
Exclusive living with premium services and international community
Landquart area
Growing residential zone with good transportation connections
Flims/Laax
Modern resort community popular with younger professionals
Education Options in Graubünden
Public Schools
Multilingual education in German, Italian, or Romansh depending on the region
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)
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
Available in major towns and resort areas
Immigration and Residency
Registration Process
Find Accommodation First
Address required for registration with municipal authorities
Register with Municipal Authorities
Within 14 days of arrival at local Gemeindeverwaltung
Complete Biometric Registration
For non-EU/EFTA nationals through cantonal migration office
Apply for Residence Permit
Through cantonal migration office with required documentation
Required Documents
Basic Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Employment contract or proof of financial means
- Rental contract
- Passport photos
Additional Documents:
- 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.
Emergency Services
- • Emergency number: 144
- • REGA air rescue: Essential service in mountainous regions (membership recommended)
- • Pharmacy emergency services rotate in each region
Healthcare Facilities
Cantonal Hospital Graubünden (Chur)
Main medical center for the region
Davos Hospital
Specialized in respiratory and allergic conditions
Regional hospitals
Located in Ilanz, Schiers, Samedan, and other communities
Specialized clinics
In resort areas, particularly for sports medicine
Finding a Doctor
- • Family doctors (Hausarzt) serve as primary care providers
- • Registration recommended soon after arrival
- • Language considerations: Most doctors speak German, English available in tourist areas
Transportation and Mobility
Rhaetian Railway
UNESCO World Heritage railway network connecting major towns
PostBus Network
Extensive service to smaller communities throughout the canton
Connectivity to Major Cities
Good connections despite mountainous terrain
Driving in Graubünden
Important Considerations:
- Mountain driving skills essential, especially in winter
- Winter tires mandatory during snow season (typically October-April)
- Parking challenges in resort towns during peak seasons
Requirements:
- Vehicle registration required within 12 months for permanent residents
- Regional airports: Small airports in Samedan (St. Moritz) for private flights
Daily Life and Integration
Language Considerations
Northern regions and major towns
German predominant
Most widely spoken, essential for daily life
Southern valleys
Italian common
Especially in Moesa region
Traditional communities
Romansh
Especially in Surselva, cultural significance
Tourist areas and international businesses
English widely spoken
St. Moritz, Davos, major resorts
Integration courses available through cantonal programs combining language learning with cultural orientation.
Recreation and Lifestyle
Winter
Summer
Year-Round
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.
Home Search and Securing
Immigration Support
Settlement Services
Ongoing Support
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.
Make Graubünden Your Alpine Home
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.
