Access to the Job Market

Granting a work permit is usually determined upon the granting of a residence permit. Generally, persons with residence permits can work in Switzerland. Depending on the nationality and the duration of the work, the employer or the worker applies for the permit. The following addresses will provide further information on the subject, including assistance for persons who do not yet live in Switzerland, yet would like to work here.
Since 2019 recognized refugees (B permit) and temporarily admitted persons with or without refugee status (F permit) no longer require a special permit. However, the start and end of each employment must be reported to the canton using an official form (Meldepflicht | Obligation to Report | Procédure d'annonce). The canton in which you work is responsible. This registration is free of charge. Asylum seekers (identity card N) still need a permit.

Whether or not a person in Switzerland can start their own business may vary according to citizenship and permit. The process is simpler for persons from EU/EFTA-Countries as well as persons with a C permit. Registration as self-employed must be done through the municipality of residence. Persons from countries other than EU/EFTA countries must submit a written application to the Office of Economic Affairs beforehand. The Office for Migration (Migrationsdienst | Service des migrations) informs interested persons whether or not starting a business is possible.
To work on a self-employed basis, one must register with the AHV compensation fund, the family compensation fund and possibly with an accident insurance and a pension fund.

Any paid work must be reported to the relevant authorities. It is illegal and punishable to work without having social insurance, a work permit, or without declaring income in the tax return. This is illegal work. Working illegally has consequences for both the employer and the employee involved. Moreover, those who work illegally are not insured against unemployment, accident or disability and have no retirement provision. Persons who suspect that they have not been employed correctly should consult with a pro bono legal service (Rechtsberatungsstelle | Bureau de conseil juridique).

Generally only young people who have reached the age of 15 can work. Simple tasks, however, over short periods of time (e.g. summer jobs) are allowed. Parents and employers must ensure that young people are not overburdened. Special labor regulations apply to young people under the age of 18.