Crypto in Zurich: How a City of Banks Became a Capital of Decentralization

Zurich’s crypto transformation doesn’t resemble a revolt against centralized systems—it feels more like their natural progression. Here, blockchain doesn’t disrupt tradition; it enhances it, adding the logic and trust of decentralized technology. 

Digital life is woven into the city’s fabric with the same care and precision as the inner workings of a fine Swiss watch.

A Traditional Financial Capital with a Web3 Twist

Zurich reflects the foundational traits of Swiss banking culture: 

• trust,
• discretion,
• and expertise in managing global capital. 

Headquarters of giants like UBS and Credit Suisse are located here, and the country's reputation for neutrality has made the city an attractive destination for major investors.

With the emergence of an entirely new kind of finance — cryptocurrency — this old-fashioned calm is undergoing irreversible transformation.

Digital assets and blockchain have become a natural next step in Zurich’s infrastructure evolution. 

A city that has long upheld the ideology of privacy now seamlessly integrates technologies that are redefining the very concept of privacy.

And at the center of this shift is the Ethereum project.

The history of this blockchain is deeply tied to Switzerland: the legal home of the Ethereum Foundation is registered in neighboring Zug, right in the heart of Crypto Valley.

But the intellectual and entrepreneurial energy flows through Zurich. 

Vitalik Buterin’s vision of a decentralized future found the perfect ground here — a combination of regulatory clarity, technological literacy, and a strong academic environment led by ETH Zurich.

Infrastructure and Ecosystem of Crypto Zurich

Cryptocurrency has become part of everyday infrastructure in Zurich. In cafés near the ETH campus, it’s not uncommon to overhear conversations about ZK-rollups or DAOs.

Coworking spaces like Trust Square, located across from the financial district, often bring together former bankers, DeFi architects, and protocol researchers under one roof.

There’s no flashy crypto lifestyle here in the usual sense — everything is minimalist, restrained, and results-driven. That’s why Zurich’s reputation as a financial and tech hub has naturally attracted top players from the blockchain industry.

Trust Square is the city’s leading blockchain hub. It has become a base for dozens of startups, blockchain developers, and digital security experts. Here, it’s easy to meet people working on asset tokenization or the next layer of smart contract infrastructure.

Zurich regularly hosts major events that reflect the city's growing role on the global Web3 stage:

• EthereumZuri.ch (2022, 2023) — a series of events organized by the Ethereum community, featuring key developers and DeFi startups.
• CV Summit Zurich (2023) — the city edition of the well-known Zug-based summit, focused on institutional investment in Web3.
• Swiss Blockchain Hackathon (2022) — a hackathon bringing together students, startups, and representatives from Swiss banks.
• Eurocrypt 2024 (ETH Zurich) — an international cryptography conference hosted by ETH, attracting experts from around the world.

In 2025, Zurich will also host the following key events:

• CV Summit Zurich 2025 (September 23–24) — a flagship event for institutional investors and tech companies, focused on the future of decentralized technologies. It will take place at Kongresshaus Zürich.
• – SNB-CIF Conference on Crypto Assets and Financial Innovation (June 20) — an academic conference organized by the Swiss National Bank and the Center for Innovative Finance at the University of Basel. It will focus on regulation, new financial products, and the role of crypto assets in the global economy.

These events are helping to shape a mature Web3 infrastructure in Zurich and integrate it into Switzerland’s traditional banking sector. 

Cryptocurrency in Everyday Life of Zurich

Zurich may be far from chaotic, but that doesn’t mean crypto is marginalized here. Over 200 businesses across Switzerland accept crypto payments — and an increasing number of them are in Zurich: cafés, co-ops, galleries, and independent shops.

Some places in Zurich where you can pay with cryptocurrency:

• Café Sphères (Hardturmstrasse 66, 8005 Zürich) — a cozy café and coworking space where you can pay in BTC.
• Bogen33 (Hohlstrasse 100, 8004 Zürich) — a boutique for vintage furniture and accessories, accepts BTC, ETH, and USDC.
• Art on the Run (Ankerstrasse 25, 8004 Zürich) — an art gallery and concept space that supports crypto payments.
• The Alehouse – Palmhof (Universitätstrasse 23, 8006 Zürich) — a pub where you can pay for your beer with any crypto card.

The city has 40 crypto ATMs — the highest concentration of ATMs among all European cities. The main operators are Värdex Suisse, TiBC Sàrl, and Bity SA. They are located in transport hubs and retail spots:

• House of Satoshi (Langstrasse 136) — buy BTC via a machine from Bity SA.
• IT SPOT (Güterstrasse 8, Schlieren) — supports BTC, ETH, LTC, and XMR.
• Crypt Point (Badenerstrasse 697) — operates with CHF and EUR.
• Manor Zürich in Letzipark (Baslerstrasse 50) — buy BTC and ETH via Värdex Suisse.

Most popular crypto cards among expats:

• Crypto.com — crypto payments with cashback;
• WhiteBIT Nova — a Visa debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals;
• Bitwala (Nuri) — a German solution popular in Switzerland.

Zurich offers a pragmatic crypto lifestyle where privacy and cross-border efficiency come first.

Regulation: Expensive, But Transparent

Switzerland is one of the most progressive countries when it comes to crypto regulation.

It distinguishes between:

• payment tokens,
• utility tokens,
• investment tokens. 

This classification has been highly praised by the Web3 community for its transparency and clearly defined terminology.

Cryptocurrency is legal in Switzerland for both individuals and companies.

Personal income from crypto is subject to income tax, but long-term holding is tax-exempt.

Asset holders must declare their crypto in their wealth tax declaration, and professional traders pay a capital gains tax ranging from 5% to 50%.

Despite the high rates, the legal framework remains transparent and favorable for long-term investors.

Check this out: From Lambo Dreams to Tax Nightmares: The Hidden Cost of Crypto Wealth

Local regulators work in cooperation with FINMA (the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority) to create conditions under which decentralized digital companies and startups can grow legally.

Web3 Careers in Zurich

Zurich ranks among the top cities in Europe for blockchain job openings per capita.

The city is home to companies like:

• Bitcoin Suisse, 
• SEBA Bank,
• Sygnum. 

These firms are actively hiring specialists in compliance, smart contract development, product management, and blockchain infrastructure.

But perhaps no organization has had as much impact on the region as the Ethereum Foundation. It was here — near ETH Zurich, in cafés and faculty labs — that one of the most influential movements in blockchain history took shape.

Vitalik Buterin not only created Ethereum, but also established a culture of decentralization that was naturally embraced by local university students, engineers, and developers.

ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich offer some of the world’s top educational programs in Web3 and cryptography. Their graduates go on to work in major blockchain companies or launch their own projects.

The academic environment here is tightly connected to the industry: research turns into prototypes, and prototypes evolve into real-world products.

Read more about Web3 education in our article: Best Blockchain Courses to Boost Your Career in Web3

Hybrid and remote work formats have become the norm in Zurich, and career opportunities extend far beyond the city — reaching Lisbon, London, Dubai, and San Francisco.

But for many, it all still begins right here — in the heart of the Alpine Web3 scene.

Read more about how to make the most of remote work opportunities in our article: Crypto Jobs Are Remote-First: Everything You Need to Know

Where to Live: From the Gold Coast to Urban Energy

If you’re planning to stay in Zurich long-term, choosing the right neighborhood can have a major impact on your household budget.

Life in Zurich is, to put it mildly, not cheap.

But here’s a secret: a wealthy man once said, “To earn more — you need to start spending more.”

And it holds true — in a city like Zurich, you’ll find yourself pushed out of your comfort zone and into earning money you’ve never made before.

1. Zürichberg

The most prestigious district in the city. Located on a green hillside with panoramic views of Zurich and Lake Zürichsee, it offers privacy, dominated by villas and low-rise cottages. If you’re lucky enough to find an available apartment, expect to pay €3,300–3,500 per month for a small studio — and nearly double that for a one-bedroom flat.

2. Seefeld

A trendy lakeside district with the highest concentration of art galleries, concept stores, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Creative and financial elites often settle here. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages €2,800–3,200.

3. Enge

A respectable residential area with excellent infrastructure and close proximity to the financial center. Ideal for those seeking a balance between peace and access to business life. One-bedroom apartments start at €2,500.

4. Wiedikon

A lively district with good public transport, cafés, and markets. Especially popular among young professionals. Rent ranges from €1,800 to €2,400.

5. Oerlikon

A business and tech cluster with modern residential complexes, coworking spaces, and offices. Rentals here start from €1,700.

6. Altstetten and Schwamendingen

The most budget-friendly districts in Zurich. These areas are popular among students and digital nomads thanks to their moderate rental prices: from €1,300 for a small studio to €1,900 for a larger apartment.

Zurich’s districts are known for their safety, abundant green spaces, and well-developed infrastructure, so your choice will likely depend more on your lifestyle than on concerns about safety or comfort.

What to See for a Digital Tourist in Zurich

Zurich is a blockchain hub that blends cultural tradition with the natural beauty of the region. It offers digital nomads vivid visual experiences and a high-quality emotional reset.

1. Lake Zurich (Zürichsee) — arguably the most picturesque part of the city. A sunset walk along the shore or a boat ride offers calm and inspiration, especially after intense work sessions.
2. Uetliberg — a mountain and observation point on the city’s western edge, reachable by city train. A perfect spot to take in panoramic views and unplug from digital tasks.
3. Kunsthaus Zürich — the city’s main art museum, featuring works from the Middle Ages to the present day. The ideal space to switch from code and tokens to Rothko and Giacometti.
4. Langstrasse district — the city's street-life hotspot: bars, art spaces, concerts. Popular among digital expats who enjoy big-city energy.
5. Löwenbräukunst — a contemporary art center in a former brewery. It hosts exhibitions of media art and digital installations, often featuring digital artists and Web3 designers.

To make getting around easier, Zurich offers an ideal transportation system — in just one hour, you can reach Lucerne, Interlaken, or Zug.

Zurich is made for you if you:

• value legal clarity, order, and a high standard of living;
• want crypto to be a tool, not a fringe subculture;
• appreciate silence, walkability, and scenic views.

Zurich might not be for you if you:

• love parties, underground scenes, and 24/7 social life;
• are chasing aggressive startup hype;
• are looking for a city with ultra-low living costs.

If you’re seeking a Web3 base where quality, professionalism, and long-term stability matter — Zurich is already waiting for you.