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swisspraca

Guides

Working in Switzerland, explained plainly.

The most important things before you leave and after your first pay. Short answers, concrete lists and sources you can check.

The guides link to further sources. Check current requirements with the relevant authority or agency.

  • Check the number of guaranteed hours and the applicable collective agreement.
  • Ask separately about withholding tax, contributions, room, commute and health insurance.
  • Compare take-home amounts after accounting for costs and currency conversion.
LMV Bauhauptgewerbe 2026–2031

  • Full employer name, workplace, position and start date.
  • Gross rate, weekly hours, overtime, probation period and pay date.
  • Housing cost, deposit, transport and termination rules.
SECO: private employment services

  • Ask whether the room is single or shared and what it costs per month.
  • Check the deposit, distance to the site and whether you need your own car.
  • Find out whether rent is deducted automatically from pay.
SwissPraca: checklist

  • Ask the employer which contributions are deducted from pay.
  • Basic health insurance is usually chosen and paid by the worker.
  • Do not accept "fully insured" as a sufficient answer.
BAG: health insurance

  • Do not pay for "reserving a place", priority or a promise of employment.
  • Check a Swiss agency in the public VZAVG register.
  • Keep a copy of the offer, contract, contact details and every agreement.
VZAVG: register of licensed companies

  • Carry your contract, ID and the details of your contact person.
  • Sort out registration or the permit and the deadline for choosing insurance.
  • Save the route to work and the emergency number 112 before your first shift.
SEM: work for EU/EFTA citizens

Tool · 2 minutes

Which permit do you need?

Notification procedure, L, B or G? Three questions and you see the usual path for your situation.

Check your permit