Home » Switzerland » Switzerland – Employment Terms and Conditions

Switzerland – Employment Terms and Conditions

Working Hours in Switzerland

The standard working week in Switzerland is 42 hours, which is usually spread over five days. However, many Swiss companies have implemented flexible working arrangements, including part-time work, job-sharing, and telecommuting.

Overtime work is allowed in Switzerland, but it is regulated by law. Employees who work beyond their normal working hours are entitled to overtime pay, which is usually 1.25 times the normal hourly rate.

Employment Rights and Benefits in Switzerland

Switzerland has a range of employment rights and benefits in place to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect. Some of the key employment rights and benefits in Switzerland include:

Paid annual leave

Employees in Switzerland are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave per year. This entitlement can be increased by collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts.

Sick leave


Get Our Best Articles Every Month!

Get our free moving abroad email course AND our top stories in your inbox every month


Unsubscribe any time. We respect your privacy - read our privacy policy.


Employees in Switzerland are entitled to paid sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The duration of the sick leave entitlement depends on the length of service and the nature of the illness or injury.

Parental leave

Parental leave in Switzerland is less generous than in some other countries. Mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave, while fathers are entitled to one or two weeks of paternity leave.

Pensions

Pensions are mandatory in Switzerland, and employers are required to provide their employees with a pension scheme. The schemes are usually based on a defined contribution plan, where the employee and employer make contributions to a pension fund. The amount of the pension is based on the amount of contributions made and the investment returns generated.

Pensions for Expats in Switzerland

Expats who work in Switzerland are entitled to the same pension benefits as Swiss nationals. The pension system in Switzerland is based on a defined contribution plan, where the employee and employer make contributions to a pension fund. The amount of the pension is based on the amount of contributions made and the investment returns generated.

Expats may also be entitled to a pension from their home country if there is a social security agreement in place between Switzerland and their home country.

Retirement Age in Switzerland

The retirement age in Switzerland is currently 65 years for men and 64 years for women. However, individuals have the option to retire earlier or later, but their pension benefits will be adjusted accordingly.

Switzerland offers a range of employment terms and conditions in place to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect. From annual leave to sick leave and pensions, Swiss law ensures that employees are provided with adequate benefits.

Expats who work in Switzerland are entitled to the same pension benefits as Swiss nationals, and it is important for them to understand their entitlements and obligations under Swiss employment law to ensure that they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to and complying with their legal requirements as employees or self-employed workers.

The retirement age in Switzerland may change in the future, and it is important for individuals to plan for their retirement accordingly, whether through a pension scheme provided by their employer or a private pension scheme.

Overall, Switzerland offers a range of employment terms and conditions that are designed to protect workers and ensure that they are treated fairly. Expats who work in Switzerland can expect to receive similar benefits to Swiss nationals, and it is important for them to understand their entitlements and obligations under Swiss employment law.