Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest quality of life, offering clean environments, beautiful landscapes, safe cities, and excellent healthcare and education systems. EU/EFTA immigrants in Switzerland benefit from easier entry and residency due to freedom of movement, with no quotas and simpler access to work permits. They also enjoy relatively smooth processes for family reunification and professional qualification recognition. Additionally, EU/EFTA nationals can apply for permanent residency after five years, with access to social benefits similar to Swiss citizens.
In contrast, non-EU immigrants face stricter entry requirements, often needing a job offer before arriving and being subject to annual quotas. Their path to permanent residency typically takes ten years and involves more stringent conditions, including proof of financial stability and integration.
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Popular job platforms in Switzerland
Many people come to Switzerland to work due to its strong economy and high wages. To access a work visa, you have to secure a job offer from a Swiss employer. This is essential because your employer must sponsor your visa application.
Switzerland does not have a national minimum wage, however, some cantons establish their own minimum wage. Geneva has one of the highest minimum wages, set at CHF 24.32 per hour in 2024. The average salary in Switzerland is quite high, indicative of the country’s robust economy, with figures around CHF 78,000 per year as of 2024, which translates to €72,540.
Competition for jobs in Switzerland is intense, especially for individuals from outside the EU or EFTA. The reason why we have created this article is that will make the process clearer and easier. Below, you can find a list of all job platforms in Switzerland:
linkedin.com
Widely used for professional networking and job searching across Switzerland, especially for international and high-level positions.
ch.indeed.com
A global job search engine, with a Swiss version that includes job listings across sectors in different regions of Switzerland.
jobscout24.ch
A major Swiss job platform that offers job listings in various sectors, including healthcare, IT, and finance.
jobs.ch
One of the largest job portals in Switzerland, offering a broad range of job listings across multiple industries.
jobup.ch
A popular platform for job opportunities, especially in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland.
jobcloud.ch
This site is a leading job portal in Switzerland and operates various sub-sites including Jobs.ch and JobScout24.
monster.ch
The Swiss branch of Monster offers a wide array of job listings across many industries.
careerjet.ch
A job search engine that aggregates job offers from various sites and companies in Switzerland.
glassdoor.ch
Offers job listings along with company reviews, salary information, and interview insights.
Jobeo
jobeo.ch
A job platform that focuses on positions in the French-speaking part of Switzerland (Romandy).
Specialized Job Platforms:
IT Jobs
ictcareer.ch
Specialized in IT jobs across Switzerland, offering opportunities in development, data science, and more.
swissdevjobs.ch
A platform focused on jobs for software developers and tech professionals in Switzerland.
swisslinx.com
Specializes in finance, technology, and executive recruitment in Switzerland.
efinancialcareers.ch
A global platform focusing on jobs in the finance and banking sectors, including positions in Switzerland’s financial hubs such as Zurich and Geneva.
hays.ch
Focuses on specialized recruitment in fields like IT, engineering, finance, and life sciences.
michaelpage.ch
A recruitment agency focusing on management, consultancy, and executive-level roles across various industries.
jobs4finance.ch
Specializes in finance-related jobs in Switzerland, including accounting, auditing, and financial analysis.
Pharma Jobs Switzerland
pharmajobs.ch
Focuses on the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, including jobs in research, production, and regulatory affairs.
MedJobs
med-jobs.ch
A platform for healthcare and medical jobs in Switzerland, including positions for doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals.
archjobs.ch
Specializes in jobs for architects and construction professionals in Switzerland.
International and Expat-Focused Platforms:
jobsinzurich.com
A job board focusing on English-speaking expats in Zurich, listing jobs in various fields such as IT, marketing, and finance.
englishforum.ch/jobs
A popular forum among expats in Switzerland that also has a job section, with listings for English-speaking positions.
JobServe Switzerland
jobserve.com
A UK-based job platform with a section dedicated to job opportunities in Switzerland, focusing on IT, engineering, and professional services.
Helpful tips to help foreigners secure a job in Switzerland
To help you even further with your job-hunting process, we have crafted a list of tips and tricks that will increase your chances of getting employed.
- Switzerland prioritizes highly skilled professionals in industries like finance, pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, and healthcare. If you have experience in these fields, your chances of finding a job improve.
- Multinational Companies – International companies often look for global talent and may have more flexibility in hiring foreign nationals.
- Tailor Your CV to Swiss Standards – Swiss employers expect well-structured, concise CVs. Include a professional photo, relevant qualifications, and any language skills (especially proficiency in German, French, or Italian). Proficiency in one of Switzerland’s official languages (German, French, Italian) can significantly enhance your job prospects, especially in local companies.
- Write a tailored cover letter that clearly explains why you are interested in the job and why you are a good fit for the company and role.
- If you are already a freelancer or able to work remotely, you can get a residence permit for freelancers or a digital nomad visa, which allows you to live in Switzerland for up to 90 days.
What to know as an immigrant in Switzerland
- Work Permits and Quotas: Non-EU/EFTA nationals require a work permit, which is subject to quotas that limit the number of foreign workers. The process can be competitive, especially for those outside the EU/EFTA. Employers must demonstrate that they could not find a suitable candidate within Switzerland or the EU/EFTA before hiring a non-EU/EFTA citizen.
- Highly-Skilled Workers Favored: Swiss immigration policies prioritize highly skilled professionals. Specialized skills, qualifications, and work experience in demand industries increase the chances of obtaining a work permit. This means you have higher chances of employment if you work in IT, engineering, and healthcare.
- Swiss tax rates vary by canton, and expats may face higher or lower tax burdens depending on where they live. It’s important to understand how Swiss taxation works, including tax treaties with your home country to avoid double taxation.
- Finding a job in Switzerland can be a challenge, however, if you apply the tips provided by us, you will maximize your chances of success. If you need extra help with the immigration process, one of our lawyers can help you apply for a visa, citizenship, or residency. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more details!