WORK IN SWITZERLAND: what you need to know?

1 year ago

Switzerland is considered to be one of the most economically stable and secure countries in the world. Its unique neutrality, which symbolises peace and harmony, is a hallmark of this country. If you have been thinking about living in Switzerland and are worried about it – don’t be afraid, your new life will not be short of pleasures and opportunities. Not to mention the beautiful mountains and great opportunities for skiing, which are a major tourist attraction every year. The stunning landscape combined with the country's modern cities offer endless opportunities for a great leisure experience. The country also boasts world-leading science, technology and environmental research institutions. With a thriving economy, it's no wonder that more and more people are looking to take advantage of the country's benefits and are seriously considering moving there.

Switzerland itself is not a large country, but it is in a very convenient geographical position. In addition to its spectacular views, the country is also known for its employment opportunities. This is why expatriates flock to the country, as work in Switzerland is one of the best paid not only in Europe, but all over the world. So how much can you really earn in Switzerland? This is not an easy question to answer, because it is influenced by many factors. Salaries are determined primarily by the position itself, but also by education, work experience and length of service in the company. This means that employees who have been working longer in a company receive a higher salary. In terms of gross domestic product per capita, Switzerland ranks third in the world among the countries with the highest salaries. The average monthly salary in this country is 6350 euros before taxes. Of course, products and services cost a bit more here, but don’t worry – your salary will be enough to cover your daily expenses.

Work in Switzerland is perceived as a great opportunity, particularly because of the ability to have flexible working hours. The standard working hours in this country are between 40 and 45 hours per week. Overtime work in Switzerland is financially compensated by either a salary supplement or additional days of paid leave. In this country, every person with a work contract is entitled to at least 20 days of paid holiday per year. Of course, Switzerland also gives entitlement to other types of leave, for example paternity or maternity leave.

Are you already excited about the possibility to work in Switzerland? If you're still wondering whether it's worth taking the risk of moving to this country, here's a guide to the best-paying professions in Switzerland, along with their annual salaries, to help you clear up your doubts:

(All annual salaries mentioned below are in euro currency and before deduction of taxes.)

1. Software architect ~ 133 600 €

2. Management consultant ~ 116 900 €

3. Auditor ~ 116 800 €

4. IT project manager ~ 114 700 €

5. SAP consultant ~ 114 500 €

6. Country manager ~ 113 600 €

7. Key account manager ~ 112 500 €

8. Internet security expert ~ 111 900 €

9. Business IT specialist ~ 108 600 €

10. IT consultant ~ 107 900 €

Salaries in Switzerland are truly astonishing, and taxes here are particularly low compared to other EU countries. That's why work in Switzerland is one of the best paid in Europe.

We've covered the highest-paid positions, but it's also worth knowing which professions earn less than the average wage in Switzerland:

• Courier's;

• Security guard's;

• Preschool teacher's;

• Building cleaner's;

• Waiter's;

• Retail sales manager's;

• Call center agent's;

• Sales consultant's;

• Service employee's in gastronomy.

Switzerland is also known for being a multilingual country. Here, you can hear people speaking not only German, but also French and Italian. It is important to know which language people speak in region you intend to work in. German is the main language spoken in the central and eastern regions. French is spoken in the west and Italian in the south.

If you want to apply for a job in Switzerland, you will need to submit a CV, a cover letter and diplomas proving the education listed on your CV. The CV should be no longer than two A4 pages and the cover letter no longer than one. It is even better if you attach a photograph of yourself to your CV. In Switzerland, diplomas and work certificates are also very important, but it is not enough to simply add them to your CV, it is also very important to give a brief description of how the competences you have acquired at the relevant institutions have enabled you to progress in your career. When applying for a job, pay attention to the language in which the job advert is written, since your CV and cover letter should be written in the same language.

"Speculative applications" are also welcome, which is when you apply for a job without knowing whether there is actually a vacancy, but keep in mind that you don’t need to attach diplomas at this stage. Only provide them when requested or bring them with you to the job interview.

Job offers in Switzerland can be found in newspapers, dailies or online. Various websites offer targeted job searches according to your field of activity (e.g. construction, catering, health services, IT, etc.). The other way to find a job is by signing up to a private recruitment agency.

These agencies usually provide their services free of charge to jobseekers. At the moment, Switzerland is facing a shortage of professionals in these fields:

• Mechanical engineering;

• Finance;

• Information Technology;

• Pharmacy;

• Accommodation;

• Food, Restaurants, Bars, Cafes. Also,

if you decide to move to this country, don’t forget to consider how long you plan to work there, as work in Switzerland is divided into short-term work and long-term work:

- Short-term work in

Switzerland Citizens of the European Union and EFTA (European Free Trade Association, including Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) don’t need a visa to work in Switzerland. EU and EFTA nationals can come to Switzerland and work here for up to three months without a work permit. However, your employer must register your short-term employment in Switzerland at least one day before the work starts.

Temporary work in Switzerland is very popular during the summer season. Thanks to the well-developed tourism industry, there are plenty of jobs available for both nationals and expatriates. The majority of seasonal and summer jobs are in the hospitality industry. For example, you can get a job in a bar, restaurant or hotel, or in one of the many ski resorts in the Alps, that often hire temporary workers. You can also teach skiing – English speaking instructors are in high demand in this country.

- Long-term work in Switzerland

If you intend to stay longer than three months, you will need a residence permit. To obtain it, you must register in the municipality where you will be living. In order to do that you will need a valid identity card or passport, a work certificate and accounting documents if you will be working independently. Nationals of other countries (third countries) must already have both a work permit and a valid work contract before entering the country. In three months from the date of arrival, all expatriates must also have a valid health insurance contract.

Leaving your home country to live and work abroad is not an easy option. However, if work in Switzerland is something you are interested in, take the time to make your decision. Before moving abroad, it would be a good idea to visit Switzerland and prepare for it – find an accommodation and a workplace.

Are you looking for a job in Switzerland or do you have job offers in Switzerland? We invite you to click here and find a job in Switzerland more conveniently: https://en.lovejob.lt/foreign-job-ads/switzerland