Basel: Europe's Life Sciences Hub
Basel stands as Europe's pharmaceutical and chemical industry centre, hosting global headquarters of pharmaceutical giants Roche and Novartis, along with Syngenta and the Bank for International Settlements.
With over 33,000 highly qualified international professionals, Basel offers exceptional career opportunities and competitive salaries (averaging CHF 114,000 annually).
Housing Search Resources
Finding Your Perfect Home
Begin your housing search on primary platforms like homegate.ch and immobilier.ch. For temporary solutions, furnished options are available (City Pop from CHF 325/week).
Professional relocation services are highly recommended for international families, and early search initiation is essential due to Basel's competitive market.
Free German Language Course
Integration Through Language
B-permit holders who are non-German speakers (below B2 level) and have spent at least one year abroad are eligible for a free 80-lesson German course. This valuable opportunity must be claimed within your first year of residence.
This initiative supports newcomers planning a long-term stay in Basel-Stadt, facilitating smoother integration into Swiss society.
Medical Facilities for Families
World-Class Care
Basel offers exceptional medical facilities, including the University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), a leading pediatric and adolescent medicine competence centre.
English-speaking doctors and specialists are widely available throughout the region, ensuring international families can access comprehensive healthcare without language barriers.
Transportation Excellence
U-Abo (Annual/Monthly Pass)
Basel features an exceptionally efficient public transport network of trams and buses. The U-Abo pass covers the entire TNW network throughout Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Fricktal, Schwarzbubenland, and Ederswiler JU.
This single ticket works for trains, buses, and trams throughout the network, available online or at service points.
Swiss Waste Management
Bebbi-Sagg System
Switzerland employs a strict "pay-per-use" system for household waste disposal. In Basel-Stadt, the Bebbi-Sagg system requires official blue waste bags (costing approximately CHF 2.50 each) available at most grocery stores.
This system directly incentivizes waste reduction and recycling maximization, reflecting Swiss environmental policy and cultural norms.
Cultural Capital of Switzerland
Museum Excellence
Basel stands as Switzerland's cultural capital with over 40 museums, including the Kunstmuseum Basel (world's first public art collection), Fondation Beyeler, Museum Tinguely, and many more.
The city is also adorned with public art by Richard Serra and Jean Tinguely, creating an immersive cultural environment.
Local Culinary Scene
Basel's culinary landscape is a delightful fusion of Swiss tradition, French sophistication, and German heartiness. The city prides itself on fresh, seasonal ingredients, often sourced from local markets.
Beyond renowned fine dining, discover charming 'Beizen' (traditional inns) serving regional specialties like Basler Mehlsuppe or the famous Basler Läckerli. Explore vibrant food markets for local produce and artisanal treats, making every meal an authentic experience.
Basel Nightlife
Basel's nightlife offers a vibrant and diverse scene, catering to all tastes. From trendy bars and sophisticated lounges in Steinenvorstadt to energetic clubs in Kleinbasel, there's always something happening.
Enjoy live music, dance to international DJs, or unwind with a drink at a riverside bar. The city's compact size makes it easy to explore different venues in one evening, promising memorable nights out for all.
Engaging Day Trips from Basel
Black Forest Adventures (Germany)
Just a short drive from Basel, the German Black Forest offers a refreshing escape. Explore dense forests, charming villages with traditional cuckoo clocks, and picturesque hiking trails. Indulge in local specialties like Black Forest cake and enjoy outdoor activities, perfect for families seeking nature and tranquillity.
Charming Alsace Villages (France)
Discover the enchanting Alsace region in France, easily accessible from Basel. Wander through stunningly preserved mediaeval towns like Colmar or Eguisheim, famous for their colourful half-timbered houses and beautiful canals. Enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards and immerse yourselves in the unique Franco-German culture.
Language Environment
Multilingual Community
While German is Basel's official language, English is widely used in international companies. Daily conversations often feature Swiss German (Schweizerdeutsch), while High German (Hochdeutsch) is used for official documents.
ELA Basel's strong German programme enables smooth transition to Swiss secondary schools, while business communication typically involves high English proficiency.
Family Recreation: Zoo Basel
Switzerland's Oldest Zoo
Zoo Basel (affectionately called "Zolli") is Switzerland's oldest and one of Europe's most important zoos, welcoming nearly one million visitors annually. With over 6,600 animals, it's renowned for endangered species conservation and breeding successes.
Easily accessible and popular with international families, Zoo Basel provides an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
Family Support Services
Beyond Parks and Playgrounds
Basel offers numerous specialized family services, including Robi-Spielaktionen (managing multiple playgrounds and holiday camps) and Familienpass Region Basel (CHF 30 annually, providing 150+ free offers and discounts for families with children under 14).
The city also features several Ludotheken (toy libraries) lending toys and games to families.
Rhine Swimming and Water Activities
A Basel Summer Tradition
Swimming in the Rhine is a beloved Basel summer tradition. Locals use the "Wickelfisch" waterproof bag to keep belongings dry while floating downstream with the current.
The river offers a refreshing escape during summer months, with designated entry and exit points ensuring safety. This unique urban swimming experience connects residents with Basel's historic waterway.
Shopping Across Borders
Smart Shopping Strategies
Basel's unique tri-border location offers exceptional shopping opportunities. The traditional Basel Market at Rathaus provides fresh produce, while Confiserie Schiesser (Switzerland's oldest coffee house) offers famous chocolates and pastries.
For significant savings, cross the border to Dreiländergalerie in Germany (15 minutes by public transport) or French supermarkets like Carrefour and E. Leclerc in Saint-Louis.
Swiss Tax System
Three-Level Structure
The Swiss tax system operates on federal, cantonal, and municipal levels. Residents are taxed on worldwide income and wealth, with progressive rates for federal and most cantonal income taxes.
The tax calculation method combines all income sources, applies deductions, and uses the resulting rate on the entire taxable income. Married couples benefit from a splitting system where the tax rate is applied to 50% of combined income.
Medical Emergency Protocols
Prepared for Any Situation
Basel offers excellent emergency medical care through mandatory health insurance coverage. The University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB) provides specialized pediatric emergency services with English-speaking medical staff available at major facilities.
Always carry your health insurance card and be aware that Switzerland has very low crime rates with excellent public safety throughout the city.
Success Story: The Thompson Family
A Basel Integration Journey
The Thompsons, a British family with two children (Emma, 6 and Oliver, 4), moved to Basel three years ago when Sarah accepted a Marketing Director position at Novartis while Michael continued his IT consulting career at Roche.
Initially concerned about their children's happiness and cultural identity, they found that ELA Basel provided both educational excellence and community connection.
Early Years Education (3 months - 4 years)
Bilingual Immersion from Day One
ELA Basel's early years programme follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework whilst providing true bilingual immersion with native-speaking educators in every room.
With exceptional staff-to-child ratios (1:3 for babies, 1:5 for toddlers and preschoolers), children receive personalised attention in a nurturing environment designed for exploration and growth.
ELA Friends of ELA Basel (FELA)
Building a Supportive Community
FELA is a parent volunteer organisation fostering community spirit among families. Their mission is to support and encourage a sense of belonging through events like Family Game Night, Movie Night, Winter Fayre Market, and Pre-Stadtlauf Reception.
Contact: FELA@ela-basel.ch (Anna Mackay, FELA Chair)
ELA Basel: The Swiss British School
Growing Global Citizens Since 1993
ELA Basel is more than an educational institution—it's an international family nurturing global citizens. As the only English-speaking school with a Basel-Stadt transition agreement, ELA offers a direct pathway to Swiss secondary schools without entrance exams.
With 35 nationalities among 360 children and 90 dedicated staff, this non-profit school combines Swiss precision with British educational excellence.
ELA Swiss Secondary School Transition
Unique Transition Guarantee
ELA Basel is the only English-speaking international school with a Basel-Stadt transition agreement, providing a direct pathway to Swiss secondary schools without entrance exams.
This exceptional advantage offers families the flexibility to continue their educational journey within the Swiss public system, creating long-term options for permanent residents.
