Moving to Graubünden: what expats should know
Graubünden is Switzerland's largest canton by area — almost entirely alpine, sparsely populated, and economically driven by tourism, hospitality, and healthcare. It is a strong fit for outdoor-anchored lives and a poor fit for career-velocity moves outside those sectors. Three official languages, with German dominant in Chur and the north.
Quick overview
- Language: German, Romansh, Italian
- Main cities: Chur, Davos, St. Moritz
- Tax level: Medium (lower in some valley communes) (relative to Switzerland)
- Cost of living: Medium (resort towns sharply higher)
- International profile: Medium, concentrated in Davos and St. Moritz
Why expats choose Graubünden
- Direct alpine living year-round — also an isolated job market outside tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and outdoor industries.
- High-end resorts (St. Moritz, Davos) alongside calm valleys — the resort layer creates seasonal price spikes, not year-round opportunity.
- Three language regions — useful for a few specific roles, irrelevant for most careers.
- Strong outdoor identity — at the cost of long travel times to Zurich, Milan, and any major airport.
Housing
Chur is the main accessible market, with reasonable rents. St. Moritz, Davos, and Klosters are clearly more expensive due to seasonal demand. Many smaller valleys remain affordable for permanent residents but sit far from major rail and services.
Cost of living
Outside the resort towns, costs sit in the middle Swiss range. Inside St. Moritz or Davos in season, rent and dining climb sharply. Off-season living is materially cheaper than the headline figures suggest.
Work & economy
Tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and outdoor industries dominate. Davos hosts the WEF and a convention infrastructure. Career growth in finance, tech, or corporate functions effectively requires remote setups or relocation out. German is dominant; Italian and Romansh remain regional.
Lifestyle
Mountain-defined: skiing, hiking, lakes, alpine traditions, long winters. Pace is slower and more local than the Mittelland cantons. Small communities — strong if you fit, isolating if you do not.
Administration basics
Most steps in Graubünden follow the standard Swiss pattern: registration at your commune within 14 days of arrival, a residence permit issued through the canton, mandatory health insurance within three months of arrival, and a Swiss bank account once you have a confirmed address.
Tax situation
Graubünden's cantonal tax sits in the middle Swiss range. Communes vary widely; some valley communes are clearly lower-tax than Chur. The cost-of-living advantage in non-resort areas matters more than the headline tax position for most households.
Who Graubünden is best for
- Remote workers tied to a non-Graubünden employer who want the Alps without changing jobs.
- Hospitality and tourism professionals with a confirmed seasonal or year-round resort role.
- Healthcare workers in the cantonal hospital system or in resort clinics.
- Outdoor-industry professionals (mountain guides, ski school, outdoor brands).
- Retirees prioritising mountain access and willing to accept long travel times to major hubs.
When you may need support
If you are taking a seasonal contract, balancing a remote setup with alpine residency, or navigating the language regions, the practical setup is not the same as in Mittelland cantons. Plan accordingly.