When we think of Switzerland, we imagine its beautiful scenery, modern cities, and rich chocolate and fondue industries. But Switzerland is a lot more than just a tourist destination, which the reader is searching for job opportunities there, has probably figured out. This guide will help you learn.
Work in Switzerland
But as many would like to note, it’s not all fun and games to get a job in Switzerland. Because there are typically quotas for positions in Switzerland for foreigners, even for highly-skilled, well-qualified professionals, competition for Swiss employment is tough, and prospects are more limited for those outside the EU or EFTA (European Free Trade Association).
Finding a job in Switzerland is conceivable, including a small number of positions in Switzerland for English speakers, particularly in fields where skilled workers are in short supply. However, language is frequently a determining factor in obtaining employment in Switzerland’s heterogeneous society.
We recommend you to explore health insurance options if you plan to shift to Switzerland, considering it is mandatory, if you plan to live in the country.
Where to Work
According to a 2018 Adecco/University of Zurich report, the technical professions (IT, engineering, or medicine, for example) face the most significant shortage of skilled workers in German-speaking Switzerland. While the trust and fiduciary services sector, followed by the technical and engineering sectors, meet the most crucial difficulty in finding qualified staff in French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland.
The average working age of working Swiss is around 40; this alludes that as the baby boomers head for retirement, these and other sectors will find it challenging to find a skilled workforce to fill the gaps.
How to Find Work
There are numerous job scouting websites popularly used in Switzerland like Jobs, Jobscouts, Jobup, Jobwinner, SeasonWorkers, Monsters, etc.
IT Sites like TechnoJobs, Darwin, andSwissdev Jobs are available for IT workers.
English speakers though Switzerland has a multilingual workforce, there is still a demand for English speakers. English-speaking jobs in Switzerland are widely posted, notably on several employment sites listed above and on Glassdoor, The Local, etc.
Registration Agencies
It’s simple to register with one of Switzerland’s many private job agencies. In Switzerland, private recruiting agencies are Arbeitsvermittlung or Agence de placement. Workforce and Adecco are two more well-known agencies, but an internet search will reveal many more. In the Swiss Yellow Pages, you may also discover a list of licensed agencies to work in this industry.
Work Culture in Switzerland
While the Swiss business culture is mainly conservative and formal, differences may arise depending on whether your company is German, French, or Italian.
On the whole, German-centric companies are more traditional and rigid with workplace culture and dress code, whereas Italian and French companies are more laidback.
Important to Note
Despite English being spoken widely in the business culture. It is of importance to learn the language of your canton.
Further, In Switzerland, workers expect respect based on their position and educational accomplishments. Unless otherwise advised, formally address business colleagues.
Further, as recommended above, be sure to make a wise decision and explore health insurance options, while you explore job opportunities in Switzerland.
Work Visa
On January 1, 2021, travel laws for UK nationals changed due to the UK’s exit from the EU. Without a visa, you can visit any country in the Schengen Area (including Switzerland) for up to 90 days.
If you plan to work or remain in Switzerland for more than three months, you must apply for the appropriate visa and work permit. Depending on the type of work you undertake and the length of your employment, numerous types of Swiss passes and tickets are available. However, due to the UK’s exit from the EU, UK job seekers can no longer look for work in Switzerland.
Only a limited number of third-country workers (including the UK) get admitted – primarily those who fulfill management level, specialist, or other qualified work. If you plan to visit for more prolonged than three months, you’ll need a residence permit.
To acquire one, you’ll need to register with the communal authorities where you’re living. You’ll need a valid ID card or passport, a certificate of employment records, and if you intend to become self-employed.
Social Security and Benefits
The AHV number, also known as the AHV card in Switzerland, is the country’s social security number. Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung (AHV) is a German term that means “Old-Age and Survivors’ Insurance. It is a nationwide insurance fund that Swiss workers pay. This money collects overtime and eventually serves as the worker’s retirement fund.
Workers in Switzerland automatically start paying into the social security scheme. Employers pay half of the system, and the other half is deducted automatically from employees’ paychecks. The amount paid depends on the employee’s salary. It is mandatory to have a social security number in Switzerland. A foreigner can get a social security number through the cantonal compensation funds in the canton where they live. Because of social security at both a federal and cantonal level, how to get your social security number in Switzerland varies from canton to canton.
We hope you found this guide on job opportunities in Switzerland for expats helpful. Do you like Switzerland? Check out more of our articles on Switzerland on our website.
