Living and working in Switzerland is not an insurmountable problem. However, it is more complicated than in a European Union country. Switzerland is a member of neither the European Economic Area nor the EU. On the other hand, the unemployment rate is three percent, compared to five percent in Austria. You can find job openings in many industries.
If you would like to work in Switzerland for up to three months within a year, all you need to do is notify the cantonal administration.
Minor legal hurdles for longer stays
If it takes longer, your employer will submit an application to the authorities for a work permit. If the situation in the industry and the region allows it, the cantonal authority will issue a five-year residence permit. If you are self-employed, you will receive a permit valid for half a year upon your own application. If you are able to support yourself, you may stay for another five years. If you are a commuter, your employer will apply for a cross-border commuter permit.
Jobs in Lucerne in the Tourism Industry and all other fields can be found on the JobTonic website. JobTonic is a tool designed to help you find a job successfully. The portal searches the largest job platforms for open positions that match the criteria you’ve entered. You can filter and narrow down the results—until you find your new job. In addition to full-time positions, JobTonic lists student jobs, internships, and part-time student jobs.
Salaries in Switzerland are significantly higher than in Austria; so is the cost of living, especially in densely populated areas. For basic blue-collar jobs, you can expect a monthly salary of 3,500 Swiss francs. There are virtually no upper limits on earnings. You’ll pay no more than 20 percent of your income in taxes to the government. You can either bring your health insurance with you or purchase a new policy locally. It’s advisable to purchase supplemental health insurance. In addition to German and English, it makes sense to speak French or Italian as well, depending on the region.
More Information on Labor Law in Switzerland
- There is no legal protection against termination!
- Employment contracts of less than one year may be terminated with one month's notice
- Continued pay during sick leave for at least three weeks after three months of employment
- Overtime with time off in lieu or a 25 percent premium
- Weekly working hours: 40 hours over five days
- At least four weeks of vacation per year, with at least two of those weeks taken consecutively; salary continues to be paid.
