Thank you for applying for a job at Claraspital. If you are coming from abroad to take up a position in Switzerland, it is important that you prepare yourself and are informed about the following topics. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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To enter Switzerland
Cross-border commuters from EU and EFTA member states are granted professional and geographical mobility within the entire border zone of Switzerland. Border zones no longer apply to citizens of the EU-27 and EFTA states. They can live in any EU or EFTA country and work in Switzerland. The condition is that they return to their place of residence abroad every week (usually at the weekend). The cross-border commuter permit is applied for by the employer.
Nationals from an EU-27 or EFTA country who wish to work in Switzerland may enter the country. To organise their stay, they submit a residence application together with their employment contract directly to the residents' registration office responsible for their place of residence.
Nationals from non-EU/EFTA countries require a visa to enter Switzerland (exception: nationals from Andorra, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore and Vatican City only require an assurance of a residence permit to enter the country) if the purpose of their stay is gainful employment.
The migration authorities will examine the application for a work and residence permit. Once the application has been approved, the migration authority issues and forwards a visa authorisation to the Swiss embassy or consulate general of the country in question. This foreign representation issues the visa, which must be collected there by the person requiring a visa.
Please note: Entry into Switzerland may only take place after receipt of the visa or confirmation of the residence permit.
Customs and entry regulations
Recognition
Foreign degrees
Medical diplomas obtained in EU member states are recognised as equivalent to the Swiss diploma. The Federal Office of Public Health FOPH is responsible for recognition.
Do you have a medical degree from a country outside the EU? The cantonal medical and health departments are responsible for the recognition procedure and further information on obtaining a federal medical diploma.
The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) will take care of recognising your foreign diploma in MTT.
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Registration in Switzerland
Within 14 days of your arrival, you must register with your municipality of residence or the district office of your district of residence.
EU/EFTA nationals
EU/EFTA nationals require the following documents for registration:
- Passport or identity card
- Contract of employment
Non-EU/EFTA nationals
Non-EU/EFTA nationals require the following documents for registration:
- Passport or identity card
- Employment contract
- Visa authorisation or assurance of residence permit
- Tenancy agreement
Please note: Registration is subject to a fee.
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Pension provision and insurance
The Swiss pension system is based on the three-pillar principle.
First pillar: State pension provision
The state pension scheme, known as old-age and survivors' insurance and disability insurance (AHV/IV), is summarised in the first pillar and serves to secure livelihoods. In other words, these two types of insurance cover the insured person's subsistence needs in old age or in the event of disability in accordance with the legal mandate.
In the event of death, the insurers pay benefits to the surviving dependants. All persons who are resident and/or gainfully employed in Switzerland are compulsorily insured under the AHV and IV schemes.
Second pillar: occupational benefits insurance
Occupational pension provision is regulated in the second pillar and, together with AHV and IV benefits, serves to maintain the accustomed standard of living. All employees working in Switzerland with an income of over CHF 21,150 (year: 2017) are insured.
Third pillar: private pension provision
The third pillar of the pension system is private pension provision and serves as an individual supplement to the first and second pillars. People living in Switzerland can pay a certain amount into the third pillar each year. The third pillar is managed by a bank or insurance company.
This section provides applicants from abroad with an overview of the most important insurances in Switzerland.
Unemployment insurance (ALV)
Unemployment insurance is a state insurance scheme that pays out appropriate compensation for loss of earnings over a certain period of time in the event of unemployment. All employed persons in Switzerland are insured with ALV until normal retirement age. The insurance is financed half by the employee and half by the employer directly through payroll deductions.
Accident insurance
Accident insurance serves to compensate for the economic consequences of occupational accidents, occupational illnesses and non-occupational accidents.
Occupational accident insurance is compulsory for persons employed in Switzerland and must be taken out by the employer. The employer also pays the premiums.
All gainfully employed persons with a minimum working week of eight hours are also insured against non-occupational accidents (accidents outside of working hours) via the employer. The premium can be partially passed on to the employee, but non-employed persons must take out accident insurance themselves via their health insurance.
Health insurance
Health insurance is compulsory and covers the costs of treatment and care in the event of illness. Non-employed persons can also insure the accident risk with their health insurance. In Switzerland, there is freedom of choice in the area of health insurance. This means that the insured person can choose from various insurance companies to find the one that meets their needs.
Daily sickness benefits insurance
Daily sickness benefits insurance serves to compensate for the economic consequences of illness at work. Daily sickness benefits insurance is not compulsory in Switzerland.
Maternity insurance
Maternity compensation serves to partially cover the loss of earnings during maternity leave and is paid up to a maximum of 98 days after the birth.
Taxes
Taxes are levied at three levels in Switzerland. The federal government levies taxes on income. There is a standardised tax rate for this federal tax throughout Switzerland. The 26 cantons and around 2,400 municipalities also levy taxes on income and additionally on assets. The tax rates vary in the cantons and municipalities, so the amount of tax also depends on where the taxpayer lives.
Taxation at source
Foreign nationals without a C permit are subject to taxation at source. The tax is deducted directly from the salary each month - at source. The employer transfers these taxes to the relevant tax authority in Switzerland.
Your contact persons
In the Human Resources department