How to Find a Job in Switzerland

Switzerland is a famously wealthy nation, with a per-person GDP that places it sixth in the world for income. Major industries include making and exporting watches, knives, cheese and chocolate, plus banking and tourism. IT, biotechnology and trading are also important parts of the Swiss economy. Many people move to Switzerland in the hopes of finding a good-paying job to support their families. It is very important to follow all of the rules and regulations when you try to find a job in or move an entire business to Switzerland.

Instructions

1. Work fast. If you travel to Switzerland to start your job search, you only have 3 months to get an employment contract. However, you may be able to extend your stay if you have proof of your job search and realistic employment prospects.

2. Use professional headhunters, such as those at Executives Online, Atlantic Research Technologies or SAM Headhunting, to connect you with companies looking for employees (see Resources below).

3. Enjoy the benefits of the EU if you are a European: Use the Free Movement of Persons agreement in the European Community to freely move into Switzerland to find a job. European Community nationals have to prove their financial viability and ability to cover health insurance after 2 years of residing in Switzerland.

4. Apply for the proper EC residence permit. The short-term permit lasts for the duration of an employment contract, lasting up to 12 months. You must be gainfully employed under the contract for the entire time. If you lose the contract, the short-term permit will not be valid. Residence permits last up to 5 years for salaried employees with a valid contract. A 6-month trial period is required for self-employed individuals. Use the Cross-border commuter permit to drive into the country for business under the same rules as Residence permits.

5. Ask your employer to submit the proper work permit applications if you are not a member of the European Community. The employer must demonstrate an inability to fill the position with a member of the EC. Exceptions include: intra-company transfers of executives, highly qualified specialists involved in research and other "extraordinary assignments." Third-country nationals generally receive a 1-year permit, renewable on a yearly basis. A permanent residence permit, known as a "C" permit, lasts for 10 years of uninterrupted stay and work.

Tips & Warnings

• Each state, or "canton," receives a set number of residence permits each year. If you fail to obtain the proper permit one year, try again early in the next year or at the end of the same year to take advantage of the next year's allotment.

• Don't sell your home to move to a new one in Switzerland when you are offered a job. It may take several months for the government to process your applications (submitted by the future employer) and approve your move.

• Always keep your ID papers with you if you aren't a Swiss citizen, especially if you don't look particularly Swiss. The police are known to detain non-Swiss people without their papers who are suspected of being illegal immigrants.

• Self-employed individuals rarely receive long-term work permits and must be able to show proof of financial independence, health insurance and auto insurance on a yearly basis.

Resources

• Executives Online headhunters information.
• Headhunters at the Atlantic Research Technologies website.
• SAM Headhunting informational website.