is it easy to work in switzerland if you are an European citizen?

Question

im irish and applied for a job in switzerland

Answer 1

I lived and worked in Switzerland (Geneva) for 13 years. In those days it was necessary to get a work permit in order to work there. It was necessary for a company to sponsor you for your permit, typically a 'B' permit for a British national, I think Portuguese in the building trade had to go for an 'A' permit. The 'B' permit allowed you to work for the sponsoring company but you had to live in the Canton which issued the permit. After 5 years for a Brit., 10 years for US and other citizens you could apply for a 'C' permit. This allowed you to change jobs and live where you liked. You then had more or less the same rights as a Swiss national, except you couldn't vote and did not have to do national service, but could be called upon to perform civil defence duties. Maybe things have changed somewhat now, I left there in 1991.

Answer 2

Things are pretty much the same as what Peter desribes above.
You need a company to sponsor your work permit - you'll probably get a "B" which means you cannot beneift from Swiss social programs. Eventually you can apply for a "C". I think it is after something like 5 years. Either way, it can be done, but you need to do it right or it just won't happen. The Swiss are tough.
Also, keep in mind, if your employer does not offer health insurance, by law you must purchase it yourself from a Swiss company...it can be very expensive. Alpine (above) has a Swiss husband which makes a HUGE difference. Being an "auslander" (foreigner) is another thing altogether.

Answer 3

Depends what you do. Easier than for non-Europeans in general.


If they want you for the job it should be pretty easy. Much easier than it was in 1991 (rules changed in 2002). I'm a UK citizen and that was no issue for me to get a job (BUT I already had right of residence because my husband is Swiss.). EU people also now can live anywhere, not just in the same canton they work in.

Good luck!