Work in Switzerland

Switzerland offers a high standard of living, although everyday costs are among the highest in Europe.

The country has four national languages, and the language used at work depends largely on the region. Although English is widely used in multinational organisations, knowledge of the relevant local language can improve your employment prospects.

Outside work, you can explore Alpine landscapes, lakes and historic cities. Popular activities include exploring the old towns of Bern and Zürich, hiking or skiing in the Alps, and visiting lakeside cities such as Lucerne and Geneva.

Switzerland's central European location also makes it easy to travel to neighbouring countries, including:

• France
• Germany
• Italy.

Jobs in Switzerland

Competition for jobs can be strong, particularly for UK nationals, as work permits are generally restricted to highly qualified applicants.

Most opportunities are concentrated in the following cities, with the service sector accounting for the majority of jobs:

• Basel
• Bern
• Geneva
• Lausanne
• Zürich.

Nearly all Swiss businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The country is also home to a number of multinational employers, including:

• Adecco
• Glencore
• Holcim
• Nestlé
• Novartis
• Roche
• Zurich Insurance.

Major international organisations based in Switzerland include the:

• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• United Nations (UN)
• World Economic Forum (WEF)
• World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Search for jobs in Switzerland at:

• English Jobs In Switzerland
• Job Scout 24
• Jobs.ch - available in English, German and French.
• JobsinGeneva.com
• JobsinZurich.com
• Xpat Jobs Switzerland

Shortage occupations

Research by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) into labour shortages indicates that recruitment difficulties are particularly evident in highly skilled and technical occupations. Opportunities may therefore be available in areas such as:

• construction and skilled trades
• engineering and technical professions
• healthcare
• IT and digital technology.

Demand varies by occupation and region, so check current vacancies and SECO's labour market analysis for the latest information.

Be aware that having in-demand skills doesn't guarantee that overseas applicants will qualify for a work permit. UK nationals are generally expected to be highly qualified, while regulated professions such as healthcare may require formal recognition of overseas qualifications.

How to get a job in Switzerland

Swiss applications typically include:

• a tailored CV
• a cover letter
• copies of relevant employment references and qualification certificates.

Write your application in the language used in the job advert or by the company - usually German, French or Italian - unless you're asked to apply in English. Tailor both documents to the role and explain how your skills and experience meet the employer's requirements.

Keep your CV clear, well-structured and concise, with a maximum length of two A4 pages. Your cover letter should usually be no longer than one page. Some applicants include a professional photograph, but check the job advert or employer's guidance before adding one.

Alongside advertised vacancies, targeted speculative applications can be worthwhile. Research the organisation, address your application to the appropriate person and explain why you want to work for that employer. Recruitment agencies and company careers pages can also help you find opportunities.

If your application is successful, prepare for the interview by researching the organisation, role and typical salaries, and be ready to provide examples of your professional and interpersonal skills. Larger employers may also use psychometric tests or assessment centres.

Networking can be useful, as some vacancies are filled through personal contacts. Build connections through LinkedIn, professional associations, alumni networks and contacts in your sector.

As Switzerland is home to many multinational companies, another route may be to join an organisation in the UK and later apply for an internal transfer to its Swiss operations.

Summer jobs

Seasonal work is available in Switzerland's tourism and hospitality industries, particularly in:

• Alpine resorts
• bars
• hotels
• restaurants.

Competition can be strong, and knowledge of the local language is often required for customer-facing roles. Ski and snowboard instructor positions also typically require relevant training or qualifications.

Volunteering may provide another way to gain experience, practise your language skills and learn more about Swiss culture. Opportunities can include community, environmental and conservation projects. Make sure the organisation is reputable and check whether your placement requires a visa or permit, as unpaid work may still be treated as work for immigration purposes.

You can search for summer jobs, gap-year programmes and volunteering placements through:

• International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE)
• Jooble
• Saisonjob.ch
• SCI Switzerland
• Voluntouring.org

Teaching jobs

Permanent English language teaching positions are relatively limited because English proficiency is generally high.

Qualified teachers may find opportunities in international, private and boarding schools, while English-language teaching roles are also available in:

• adult education
• hospitality schools
• private language schools.

Requirements vary, but employers commonly look for a degree, a recognised Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification, and previous classroom experience.

Teaching is a regulated profession in Swiss state schools, so UK-qualified teachers will usually need to have their qualifications formally recognised by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). Knowledge of the relevant regional language is also likely to be required.

Search for English language teaching vacancies through:

• English Teachers Association Switzerland (ETAS)
• The TEFL Academy
• The TEFL Org

The British Council's Teach English as a Language Assistant in Switzerland programme offers paid placements in Swiss primary and secondary schools. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, including the relevant passport, age and language requirements. Language assistants earn around CHF 2,600 (£2,354) per month after deductions.

Internships

Switzerland's multinational employers offer internships across a range of sectors, including:

• aviation
• engineering
• finance
• pharmaceuticals
• technology.

Search individual careers pages for current opportunities and check the eligibility criteria carefully, as some programmes are restricted to current students or recent graduates.

Examples include:

• Roche - internships and structured programmes for Bachelors, Masters and PhD students in business, digital technology, engineering, life sciences and medicine.
• SWISS - internships in Zürich and Basel across communications, HR, IT, operations, sales and supply chain management.
• UBS - paid three-to-six-month internships in areas including asset management, banking, investment banking, technology and wealth management.

Programme lengths and entry requirements vary by employer and role.

The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) also arranges paid, course-related internships abroad, primarily for students in:

• engineering
• IT
• maths
• science.

Many placements last eight to 12 weeks over the summer, although longer opportunities are also available.

Internships generally count as employment, so UK nationals will usually need a work permit. Eligibility may be restricted further where a placement isn't a compulsory part of a degree.

Swiss visas

UK citizens can visit Switzerland and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This may cover activities such as:

• attending business meetings
• tourism
• visiting family.

However, it doesn't give you the right to take up employment.

Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals who move to Switzerland for work have been treated as third-country nationals. You'll usually need to secure a job before travelling, as your prospective employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf. They'll need to show that they couldn't find a suitable candidate from Switzerland or a European Union (EU)/European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country.

Work permits are limited and are generally issued to managers, specialists and other highly qualified applicants. Your qualifications, professional experience and the needs of the Swiss labour market will be considered.

Depending on the length and type of employment, you may be issued a short-term L permit or a B residence permit. You may also need an entry visa.

Don't travel to Switzerland to begin work until the relevant authorities have approved your permit. Once you arrive, you must register with the local authorities before starting employment and no later than 14 days after entering the country. You'll also need to arrange compulsory Swiss health insurance within three months of taking up residence.

For current requirements and application procedures, see GOV.UK - Travel to Switzerland for work. You can also read the Swiss authorities' guidance on working in Switzerland.

Language requirements

Switzerland has four national languages, with the language used varying by region:

• French is mainly spoken in western Switzerland.
• German is predominant in central, northern and eastern Switzerland.
• Italian is used in Ticino and parts of Graubünden.
• Romansh is spoken in parts of Graubünden.

In German-speaking regions, Swiss German dialects are widely used in conversation, while standard German is generally used for written communication.

English is common in multinational organisations and some internationally focused sectors. However, many employers require knowledge of the relevant regional language, particularly for customer-facing roles. Check each job advert carefully, as the level required will depend on the position and employer.

You can improve your language skills before moving through courses offered by organisations such as the Goethe-Institut for German or the Institut français du Royaume-Uni for French. Online platforms, including Babbel and Duolingo, provide German, French and Italian courses.

Once in the country, language schools such as Migros Club School offer classroom and online courses, including Swiss German.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

UK higher education qualifications are generally understood in Switzerland, although employers may not be familiar with the exact content or level of your course. Include the full title of your qualification on your CV and provide details of relevant modules, professional experience and skills where useful.

You may also be asked for copies of your degree certificate, academic transcript or Diploma Supplement, which provides further information about the level, content and results of your qualification.

For non-regulated professions, individual employers decide whether your qualifications are suitable for the role. If you want to work in a regulated profession, you'll need to have your qualifications formally recognised by the relevant Swiss authority.

To check whether your profession is regulated and find the organisation responsible for assessing your qualification, see recognition.swiss.

If an employer needs further information about your UK qualification, you can also apply for a paid UK Qualification Reference Statement from UK ENIC.

What it's like to work in Switzerland

Working conditions are generally good, although expectations and workplace culture vary by employer, region and sector. Swiss workplace culture often places a strong emphasis on:

• high-quality work
• professionalism
• punctuality
• reliability
• structured working practices.

Switzerland doesn't have a national minimum wage. However, minimum rates apply in some cantons (regions) and may also be set through collective agreements for particular sectors or employers.

To discover what applies in your location and industry, check the Swiss authorities' guidance on minimum wages and average salaries.

Switzerland has a high cost of living, particularly in major cities such as Geneva and Zürich.

When comparing salaries, consider:

• everyday essentials
• housing
• compulsory health insurance
• transport.

Costs and taxes vary by canton, so research the area where you plan to live before accepting an offer.

Your normal working hours will be set out in your employment contract. The statutory maximum is usually:

• 45 hours per week for office, technical, industrial and large retail employees
• 50 hours per week for most other workers.

Any additional hours may be compensated through pay or time off, depending on your contract and the type of overtime worked.

Employees are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave. Those aged under 20 receive at least five weeks.

Swiss National Day on 1 August is the country's only federal public holiday. Cantons can designate up to eight additional public holidays, so your entitlement will depend on where you live and work.

Business culture varies between Switzerland's regions, so adapting to local language and workplace conventions can help you settle into working life.

Find out more

• For official guidance on working in Switzerland, visit ch.ch.
• Discover what it's like to study in Switzerland.