New in Switzerland? Discover the top apps for expats and locals to build real connections — from curated City Mates events to hobby groups and expat networks.
Moving to a new country is exciting — but building a social life from scratch can feel overwhelming. If you’re new in Switzerland, you might be wondering: What are the best apps to meet new people and make real friends?
Here’s our 2025 guide to the top apps for expats, students, and professionals looking to connect in Switzerland.
Unlike swipe-based apps, City Mates is designed for one thing: helping you meet people through curated social events. From brunches in Zurich to hikes in Lausanne, it’s the fastest way to find your circle in Switzerland.
✅ Safe & curated events
✅ Event chats (expire after 24h)
✅ Perfect for expats, newcomers & locals
Meetup is great for joining hobby-based groups — whether hiking, coding, photography, or yoga. It’s widely used in Swiss cities, though the quality of events can vary.
Known as a dating app, Bumble also offers a “BFF” mode. It’s swipe-based and more casual, but many expats use it to find individual connections.
Internations organizes formal networking events and mixers for expats across Switzerland. Membership fees apply, but it can be a useful resource for international professionals.
Making friends in Switzerland doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right app, you can skip the awkward steps and connect with people who are just as eager to meet as you are.
👉 Ready to start? Download City Mates today and discover events near you.