Expat apero events bring expats and locals together after work in Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Lausanne and Geneva.
Moving to a new country is exciting — but building a social life can take time. That’s why expat apero events have become one of the most popular ways to connect in Switzerland.
An expat apero is simple: after-work drinks, relaxed conversations, and an international mix of people who are all open to meeting others. No pitching. No pressure. Just real connections.
Whether you’re in Zurich or Lausanne, Basel or Geneva — here’s where to find the best expat events and international meetups across Switzerland.
Zurich has one of the largest international communities in Switzerland. From finance to tech to creative industries, the city attracts professionals from all over the world.
Typical expat apero in Zurich includes:
Popular formats:
💡 Tip: Come early. The first hour is the easiest for natural conversations.
With pharma, biotech, and art at its core, Basel has a highly international workforce.
An expat apero in Basel often feels:
You’ll meet:
The smaller setting makes it easier to have meaningful conversations quickly.
Bern may feel quieter than Zurich — but its expat scene is surprisingly warm.
An expat meetup in Bern typically offers:
Because the city is smaller, consistency pays off. Attend 2–3 times and you’ll already recognize familiar faces.
Lucerne has a strong tourism and hospitality presence, which means a steady stream of internationals.
An apero for internationals in Lucerne is usually:
Perfect if you prefer smaller gatherings over big networking events.
Lausanne combines student life (EPFL/UNIL) with international professionals.
Expat aperos in Lausanne often include:
The expat community in Lausanne is dynamic, open, and academically influenced — ideal for thoughtful discussions beyond small talk.
Geneva is one of Europe’s most international cities — thanks to the UN, NGOs, and multinational companies.
An expat networking event in Geneva typically:
Geneva aperos are often structured but relaxed — making them ideal for both socializing and professional networking.
Unlike traditional startup networking events, an expat apero is about:
✅ Casual conversation
✅ Cross-cultural exchange
✅ Making friends — not collecting business cards
✅ Seeing the same people regularly
✅ Feeling less alone in a new country
It’s networking without the stiffness.
Switzerland can feel reserved at first. People don’t always approach strangers spontaneously.
That’s why structured international meetups are so effective:
Consistency creates community.
An expat apero is ideal if you are:
Even locals who want more international exposure often attend.
You don’t need 50 new friends. You just need one good conversation to start.
Whether it’s an expat event in Zurich, a relaxed expat apero in Basel, or expat networking in Geneva, these Wednesday evenings are designed to make integration easier — and life more social.
👉 Discover upcoming expat apero events in your city and join this week’s gathering.
