Procedures
Work in Switzerland: every step
Job application, end of contract, unemployment, work certificate or new job: here are the steps to take in Switzerland, with the deadlines and the official links.
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The complete checklist
25 steps, grouped by topic. Some only apply in certain situations.
Job application
Cover letter
ImportantDepends on your situationWrite a cover letter tailored to the job you are applying for
CV
ImportantDepends on your situationPrepare an up-to-date CV suited to the Swiss job market
Work permit
ImportantDepends on your situationCheck that you have the work permit you need
Work certificates
Depends on your situationGather the work certificates from your previous jobs
Criminal record extract
Depends on your situationSome jobs require an extract from the criminal record
Deadline: Depending on the job
Diplomas and certificates
Depends on your situationGather your diplomas and training certificates
End of contract
Resignation letter
ImportantDepends on your situationWrite your resignation letter, respecting the notice period
Deadline: According to your contract (1–3 months)
Ask for a work certificate
ImportantDepends on your situationAsk your employer for a full work certificate
Employer’s certificate
ImportantDepends on your situationAsk for the employer’s certificate you need to register as unemployed
Deadline: Before your contract ends
Remaining holidays
Depends on your situationCheck how many days of holiday you have left and ask for payment if needed
Final pay statement
Depends on your situationCheck your final pay statement (salary, holidays, overtime)
Unemployment
Register with the RAV/ORP
ImportantDepends on your situationRegister with the regional employment office (ORP/RAV) of your canton and start looking for a job during your notice period
Deadline: At the latest on your first day of unemployment
Unemployment benefit application form
ImportantDepends on your situationFill in the application form for unemployment benefits
Deadline: As soon as possible
Employer’s certificates (unemployment)
ImportantDepends on your situationProvide the certificates from your employers for the last 2 years
Proof of job search
ImportantDepends on your situationKeep a record of your job applications (minimum required per month)
Deadline: From the start of your notice period, then every month
Register with an unemployment fund
ImportantDepends on your situationRegister with an unemployment fund to receive your benefits
Deadline: Once you have registered with the RAV/ORP
Work certificates (unemployment)
Depends on your situationAdd your work certificates to your unemployment file
Work certificates
Ask for a work certificate
ImportantDepends on your situationAsk your current or former employer for a work certificate
Reference letter
Depends on your situationAsk your former employers for reference letters
Interim work certificate
Depends on your situationAsk for an interim work certificate if you are still in the job
New job
Check the contract
ImportantDepends on your situationHave your employment contract checked before you sign it
OASI (AVS) registration
ImportantDepends on your situationYour employer registers you with the OASI (AVS)
Deadline: Automatic
Pension fund registration (LPP/BVG)
ImportantDepends on your situationYour employer registers you with its pension fund
Deadline: Automatic
Work permit (new job)
ImportantDepends on your situationCheck that your work permit covers your new job
Proof of insurance
Depends on your situationGive your new employer proof of your health insurance
Your list, tailored to your situation
Answer a few questions: we keep the steps that apply to you, with your deadlines and reminders.
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Useful letter templates
Practical guides
- How to write a cover letter in SwitzerlandStructure, tone, a complete application file and mistakes to avoid: the Swiss conventions for a cover letter that stands out.
- How to resign in Switzerland: notice periods and resignation letterNotice periods under the CO, letter format, remaining holidays, employment reference and unemployment: what you need to know before resigning in Switzerland.
- Employment reference (work certificate) in Switzerland: your rights and how to request oneFull reference, interim reference or confirmation of employment: what art. 330a CO says, how to request a reference and how to have it corrected.
- The employment contract in SwitzerlandRights, obligations and specific features of Swiss employment law for employers and employees.
General information on Swiss law, not legal advice. Rules may vary depending on the canton and the municipality.