projected adaptations in Swiss labor market: shifting work permits, job roles, and remuneration patterns by 2025
Heads Up! 2025 Swiss Job Market: A Guide for Jobseekers and Employees
Get ready, folks! The Swiss labor market will stay vibrant in 2025, with numerous companies planning to expand their workforce, particularly to fill vacancies with both domestic and international talent.
Major chunks of the new hires will consist of EU and EFTA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) citizens, who enjoy virtually unrestricted access to Switzerland's employment market.
But what about job opportunities for those from third countries? Don't fret! Switzerland will maintain the same number of permits for third-country workers as in previous years, and up to 8,500 skilled workers from outside the EU and EFTA could secure a Swiss work permit.
This includes 4,500 B residence permits and 4,000 short-term L permits. Additionally, a separate quota will be set aside for UK nationals, with a total of 2,100 B permits and 1,400 L permits.
To qualify for these permits, candidates must typically possess a degree from a university or higher education institution and have professional work experience. Plus, their area of expertise should align with Switzerland's economic needs as no suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate can be found for the position.
Read More: What do third-country nationals need to do to move to Switzerland?
So, which industries will witness a greater demand for workers in 2025? Besides chronic personnel shortages in sectors like healthcare, IT, and construction, emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and automation will also struggle to find enough qualified personnel. This means that those with experience in these sectors have a better chance of finding work.
Insight: A successful job application in Switzerland involves first finding a job offer from a Swiss employer and then applying for the work permit, usually a National Visa (Type D) for longer stays. Upon arrival, you will receive either an L or B residence permit, depending on the nature of your employment. Processing times for work permits may vary between 4 to 12 weeks, depending on factors like your nationality and the canton you are applying in._
Wages in Switzerland are influenced by various factors, including the sector, region, and whether you belong to a union with a collective bargaining agreement. On average, wages are projected to rise by 1.4-1.6 percent in 2025, making your hard-earned money go further in terms of purchasing power.
An interesting fact: sectors like banking, finance, and pharmaceuticals generally pay higher salaries, while retail and restaurant/hotel sectors offer lower wages.
Curious about how much your job should pay?
Lucky for us, Switzerland offers two official salary calculators: one by the State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO) and another by the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB). Both calculators analyze your sector, region, and other factors to help you find out if your wage is fair.
Insight: In 2025, Switzerland will maintain the same number of work permits for third-country nationals as in previous years. Approximately 8,500 skilled workers from outside the EU and EFTA can secure a Swiss work permit, including both B and L residence permits. The quota is unchanged for the entire year, with a separate allocation for UK nationals._
Stay tuned for more insights on salaries in Switzerland, including an overview of the official salary calculators!
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Candidates looking to work in Switzerland in 2025 from third countries, particularly those skilled in technology, artificial intelligence, automation, healthcare, and IT, will find job opportunities available under the work permit system. Applicants must possess a relevant degree and work experience, and their field of expertise should align with Switzerland's economic needs.
In 2025, Switzerland will maintain a steady number of work permits for third-country nationals, with around 8,500 permits being issued, encompassing B and L residence permits. This allocation includes a separate quota for UK nationals as well.
