Working in Switzerland
Switzerland is a highly desirable destination because it offers excellent working conditions and a good work-life balance. Although the job search can be challenging, people with sought-after skills can usually find a position. If you’re interested in working in Switzerland, keep reading to find out more about Swiss work culture, working conditions, and landing your first job.
Can You Move to Switzerland Without a Job?
This depends on your situation. If you come from an EU or EFTA country, you don’t have to secure a position before you move. However, you have to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself while looking for work.
Individuals with close family in Switzerland can also live in the country and acquire citizenship without being employed first. This applies to those who have married a Swiss citizen and those with Swiss ancestors. According to the Swiss Citizenship Act, you can become a citizen if your mother or father is Swiss, no matter what country you were born in. In certain cases, third-generation foreigners can also get citizenship without employer sponsorship.
Getting a Residence Permit
If you’re an EU or EFTA citizen, you can look for work in Switzerland for up to six months. After the first three months, you have to obtain a short-term residence permit to stay longer, whether you have a job or not. This process is usually quite straightforward, as long as you have all the relevant documents. They might include your passport and proof of employment or funds to support yourself.
People from third countries have to get a work permit before they can become residents of Switzerland. This can be challenging because employers have to prove that no equivalent Swiss, EU, or EFTA worker could be found before hiring someone from a non-EU or EFTA nation. However, there is a shortage of IT and business workers, so those with outstanding qualifications can often find a suitable position and get a work visa.
Further reading: Is It Difficult to Get a Work Visa in Switzerland?
Tips for Landing a Job in Switzerland
Although you can make speculative job applications and check for opportunities on online portals, you’re more likely to be successful if you have help from someone who knows the local job market. They can connect you to suitable employers and provide you with resources that help you understand Swiss business culture.
1. Ask for Help
Because working in Switzerland is highly desirable, there is a lot of competition for English-speaking jobs. The best way to stand out is to work with a staffing agency that already has contacts with key businesses in your industry. Companies are more likely to grant you an interview if you’re recommended by an agency like Rigby AG than if you make a speculative application.
Additionally, if you already have a network in Switzerland, ask your family members or friends for job search tips. They might have relevant contacts and a better understanding of where to find local opportunities.
2. Network Effectively
Don’t worry if you don’t already have a network. Take a trip to Switzerland and meet others in your industry. If you don’t yet speak German or French, you can join expat Meetup groups or organisations such as the American International Club of Zurich. These groups host regular events, so you can get to know English-speaking Swiss residents.
After you meet people, follow up with them within a few days. Add them to your LinkedIn network or send them a friendly email. When interacting with your Swiss contacts, remember that communication is often more formal than in other countries. Use people’s last names and start your email with “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” instead of “Hi.”
3. Make Speculative Job Applications
Although the chances of being hired are lower if the business isn’t actively looking to recruit, there are certain benefits to sending speculative applications. Many companies will value your proactive approach and interest in their business, and they might be more likely to consider you because you’ve sought them out.
In Switzerland, businesses often welcome speculative applications as long as they’re tailored to the company in question. Always research the firm by browsing the website, searching for news articles, asking your contacts who work there, checking the business’s social media profiles, and visiting industry events. The more you know, the better you can target your application and increase your chances of working in Switzerland.
4. Learn about Swiss Business Culture
If you come from a more informal country, you might be surprised by how formal Swiss business culture is. Always arrive on time when meeting a Swiss person. Shake their hand firmly and look into their eyes while greeting them. Avoid sensitive topics like religion when making small talk. Stick to food, travel, the weather, sports, and leisure activities. Politics is sometimes an acceptable topic, but it’s better to wait until the other person brings it up.
Work and private life are strongly separated. Don’t call Swiss co-workers or business partners outside of working hours because this can be considered rude.
5. Adapt to the Culture
When working in Switzerland, following the rules is more important than standing out, so you’ll leave a favourable impression if you stick to the local customs.
A great way to impress your business associates is to learn their language. People appreciate the effort you put into learning German, French, or Italian. Even if you just have a basic command of their language, they might be more likely to give you a chance. If you already speak the relevant language, learning the local dialect might be even more beneficial. Remember, you don’t have to be completely fluent to make a good impression.
What Are the Working Conditions in Switzerland?
Working conditions are excellent in Switzerland. Because there are strict regulations, workers are protected, and everyone can benefit from a fair wage. Before you start applying for jobs, learn about the laws related to work contracts, working hours, salaries, and termination periods. The more information you have, the better you can negotiate with your future employer.
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Labour Laws
The labour laws in Switzerland are meant to protect workers and prevent mistakes. When you start a new job, you’re typically on probation for one to three months. During the probation period, your contract can be terminated within seven days. Once this period is over, your employer has to give you one month’s notice. After a year, you’ll receive two months’ notice, and after ten years, you’ll receive three months’ notice.
There are also laws that protect you if you get ill or injured. Your employer can’t dismiss you for a certain period while you’re unwell. Additionally, you will get a minimum of 20 days off per year in addition to public holidays. If you’re under 20 or over 50, you get 25 days off.
Working Hours
When working in Switzerland, your weekly hours are restricted, so you can enjoy a good work-life balance. Typically, people working in offices, large retail businesses, and the industrial sector can’t work more than 45 hours a week. Those in other industries can work up to 50 hours a week. You’ll find the details in your employment contract.
If you want to work overtime, the maximum hours and daily rest times still have to be respected. Unless you’re a manager, your employer has to pay you 25% more when you work overtime. Sometimes, you can exchange the extra pay for extra time off.
Wage Requirements
Virtually everyone receives a fair wage in Switzerland, which is why tipping isn’t as essential as it is in other countries. Although there is no federal minimum wage, many cantons have their own laws. In Zurich, a new minimum hourly wage of CHF 23.90 has recently been passed. Several other cantons also have minimum wages ranging between CHF 19.75 and CHF 24.32.
What Languages Do I Need to Know to Get a Swiss Job?
Switzerland has four national languages, three of which are often used in business: German, French, and Italian. If you settle in the west, you’ll most likely need to learn French. If you settle in the south, your business associates might speak Italian. Most of the eastern part of Switzerland is German-speaking. It’s important to note that locals speak a dialect known as Swiss German, but written business communication is conducted in standard German.
Although there are English-speaking jobs available in IT and business, working in Switzerland is easier when you know the local language. You can learn German, French, or Italian online, join a group language class, or hire a private tutor.
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Further reading: Can You Get a Job in Switzerland If You Only Speak English?
Working in Switzerland as an Expat: Types of Jobs
Various types of jobs are available in Switzerland. While many companies are looking for permanent employees, some are seeking contract staff or people to work on a specific project.
Think about the kind of position that would suit you. Do you want to test the waters with a short-term contract first? Or are you ready to find a permanent position and relocate to Switzerland for many years?
Contract Staffing
Companies often need workers for a specific duration, such as a year or two, due to a temporary staff shortage or higher demand than usual. In this case, they might hire workers from other countries. These employees aren’t considered permanent staff. Once the contract is over, the employment relationship may be terminated. However, contracts can be extended or renewed.
Project Services
Sometimes, companies initiate projects their regular employees don’t have the expertise to complete on their own, so they hire temporary team members with specific knowledge and skills. Typically, a position related to such a project only lasts for a few months or years. When the necessary work is complete, the relationship between the employee and the company ends. Often, there are opportunities for reassignment to other projects or tasks.
Permanent Placement
Permanent contracts are common when working in Switzerland. Many employers are looking for employees who will stay with the company in the long term. This kind of contract is open-ended, which means that there is no fixed end date, and the above-mentioned termination laws apply.
Should I Use a Recruitment Agency?
If you don’t currently live in Switzerland and German, French, or Italian isn’t your first language, finding a suitable job can be hard. The best way to find out about open positions is to use a varied approach. Check out job boards, talk to your network, and contact a recruitment agency. Companies like Rigby can keep your CV on file and match you with suitable opportunities. That way, you’ll never miss out on a potential job, and you may be one of the first to access new requirements.
Further reading: Working as an AI Engineer in Switzerland
Diversity in the Workplace
In the past, the Swiss workforce was very homogenous. Although attitudes are changing and people from varied backgrounds are more likely to find employment nowadays, foreign applicants still have to submit more job applications to be invited for an interview. This is another reason why working with a recruitment agency is important. Companies trust high-quality recruiters and are more likely to give you a chance when you apply through them.
Working in Switzerland can be exciting and lucrative. You can expect great working conditions, a fair salary, and clearly defined working hours. Send us a message at Rigby AG to find out more about open positions. Or if you’re not quite ready to apply for a job, head over to our ‘Newsletter’ page and download our free ‘Living in Switzerland’ guide. It contains an extensive section about work as well as information about permits.