Employment and Work Permits in Switzerland

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Employment and Work Permits in Switzerland

The terms of employment in Switzerland apply to people recruited locally in Switzerland:

• Swiss nationals 
• Permanent residents in Switzerland who hold a temporary or permanent residence permit (B or C work permits)
• Non-permanently resident foreign nationals with an E legitimation card

While a written work contract is not obligatory, it is more common (and advisable) to have one. 

The written contract, which should be signed by both employer and employee before work begins, contains the following:

• Job title: position and description of duties
• Salary: gross monthly wage and number of payments per year
• Leave: entitlement (vacations allowed)
• Working hours and supplementary hours
• Probation (or trial) period
• Duration of the contract (whether it is limited or unlimited)
• Notice period
• Start date of employment 

In addition to duties and responsibilities, the contract should also stipulate any other special work conditions such as supplementary health insurance (mutuelle) and confidentiality clauses. 

With the exception of trial periods, employment contracts can only be terminated at a month end and the notice letter must reach the employer before the beginning of the notice period.

Employee protection

The work contract must comply with the Code des Obligations. 

Employees with a work contract are protected by the law in case of accidents, sickness and harassment at work. 

On a federal level the following organisations monitor the rules of health and safety at work:

• SECO (Secretary of State for the Economy): Click here (in French)
• FCOS (Federal Coordination Commission for Occupational Safety)

Weekly Hours and Salary

On average the Swiss working week is between 40 and 42 hours. Under Swiss law an employee may work a maximum of 45 hours in one week. Swiss employers often allow their staff to work flexible hours. 

Annual leave is a minimum of four weeks or (20 days). For employees under the age of 20, annual leave is 25 days. 

Employees automatically get the nine Swiss national holidays although an employee may request to exchange these on national or religious grounds. The agreement given must be in writing.

An employee can also expect to be given two to three days off for their wedding, and one to three days for a death in the family.

There is no minimum wage in Switzerland. 

Job vacancies advertised rarely mention salary. A salary often relates to an employee's age and experience and the wage may be negotiated between employer and applicant. That said, there should be a balance between the work to be undertaken and the rate of pay.

A "thirteenth cheque" or extra bonus payment can be made at the discretion of the employer although if it has been stated in the contract that there will be a bonus, then the employee has to make this payment.

Foreign nationals with a residence B permit are taxed at the source. 

Work Permits

EU Citizens

Priority is given to EU members for work permits. 

Work permits are linked to residence permits (aufenthaltsbewilligung or autorisation de séjour), therefore it will depend on nationality, type of employment contract, place where the job is on offer and the Swiss labour market demand. 

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Residency in Switzerland

Since the EU bilateral agreement of 2002 it is easier for EU nationals and citizens of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to get residency and work permits. There is greater job and geographic mobility  and they now have the right to move with their family to Switzerland. In addition to this, family members also have the right to work.

Non-EU Citizens

For non EU members it is more difficult to get a work permit. 

An employer has to prove that the job on offer could not be filled by a Swiss worker or an EU national. The employer has to send an offer of employment and then apply for a residence permit in the canton's local police section for foreigners. 

If this is successful, the non-EU national will receive a pre-authorisation of residency (Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung or Autorisation de Séjour). When the employee arrives in Switzerland to begin work, this must be shown at the local Cantonal Population Office (OCP) when application for a residence permit is made. 

The whole process of obtaining a work permit can take many months and there is no guarantee that a work permit will be issued.

Self-Employed

A self-employed or unemployed person must make their own work permit application.

Application forms are available at the  Cantonal Population Office (OCP). 

• To find a local office: Click here
• For information registering as self-employed and/or starting a business see The Swiss Portal 
  (refer to menu on the left hand side for full details on regime, registration, staffing and more)

The residence permit, issued in a folder marked as a foreigners permit (ausländerausweis or livret pour étrangers) is proof of the holder's right to  live and work in Switzerland and must be carried at all times.

International Organisations

Employees of international organisations do not need a work permit and receive a special identity card (Identitätskarte or Carte de Légitimation).

• Note: An employee of an international organisation or foreign permanent mission is subject to the labour law of the country that employs them. Swiss labour law does not apply and the Swiss labour courts have no jurisdiction. 

Necessary Documents When Applying For A Work/Residence Permit

• Proof of identity
• 2 passport photos
• Report from medical insurance company
• Recent bank statement
• Completed application form

There is an administrative fee to be paid.

Working "on the black"

It is illegal to work, or employ a person, in Switzerland without the job being declared and taxes paid.

• Full details on the Federal position see this PDF (in French) 
• See also SECO website (in French)

Further information

• Information from The Swiss Portal 
• Comprehensive information from SECO (in French) and SECO (in German)

Contact information Geneva

Employee rights and protection:

• Office of the Amiable Compositeur 
  P.O. Box 3962, CH - 1211 Geneva 3
  Tel: +41 (0)22 327 37 38
  Fax +41 (0)22 327 37 53
  Website
• Labour Tribunal of Geneva (Tribunal des prud'hommes)
  At: Rue des Chaudronniers 7, P.O. Box 3688, CH - 1211 Geneva 3
  Tel: +41 (0)22 327 32 61
  Website