Work
Switzerland has two regulation systems for foreigners wishing to work here: rules for migrants from the European Union and rules for migrants from third countries.
EU nationals
Citizens of EU or EFTA are subject to the Free Movement Agreement between Switzerland and the EU. This agreement also indicates transition periods and conditions. The agreement also regulates the recognition of foreign diplomas. See the Training section for more information.
For the citizens of Germany, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom and Sweden the job market is fully open. They have the right to work in all professions, skilled or unskilled. They no longer need particular work permits.
For citizens of Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia, there are transitional dispositions limiting their early access to Swiss job market. Citizens of these countries cannot work in Switzerland unless an employer can show he is unable to find any Swiss national to fill the position. It is up to the employer to obtain a work permit.
Third country nationals
Citizens of third countries can work in Switzerland in highly skilled professions. Prospective employers must show he is unable to find any Swiss or EU national to fill the position. It is up to the employer to obtain a work permit. See the Training section for information on recognition of foreign diplomas.
Romanian and Bulgarian citizens are currently regarded as third countries in Switzerland.
Self-employed people
Under bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the European Union, citizens of the EU and EFTA in principle can be gainfully self-employed in Switzerland.
Citizens of third countries have the right to be self-employed only if they hold a C permit (settlement permit).
Multinational employees
In order to prevent wage dumping and undeclared work, employees of multinational companies in Switzerland are subject to a series of conditions.
If you are sent to Switzerland by a company resident in EU / EFTA, make sure that your employer respects the regulations. In case of violation of Swiss law, you will also be held responsible.
In this section: Labour Law, Unemployment, Job-seeking, Workers Unions, Equal rights, Foreign workers