Working in Switzerland


Switzerland has a formal work culture where it is important to observe rules of decorum and etiquette. The Swiss are typically reserved and should be greeted with the appropriate appellation of Herr or Frau rather than first names. Punctuality is important as meetings start on time and are run efficiently. The right to a minimum four weeks holiday per year is guaranteed by law.

Visa and Work Permits

Getting a work visa and residence permit for Switzerland is not easy unless you work for the United Nations or have specialist skills. Non-EU candidates will need to possess skills that are not available among the local population.

For UN employees, it is a simple matter of being issued with a carte de legitimation which entitles the bearer to live in Switzerland for the duration of their employment.

A bilateral agreement between the EU and Swiss government now makes it straightforward for citizens of the European Union to work in Switzerland; by 2014 it is planned to scrap work visa requirements entirely for EU citizens.

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