Job Change in Switzerland 2025: Complete Guide to Switching Employers

Changing jobs is a significant life decision, and in Switzerland, there are important administrative and financial considerations to manage. From notice periods to pension fund transfers, unemployment insurance to tax implications, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth job transition.

Data: December 2024

Notice Periods in Switzerland

Standard Notice Periods

Swiss employment law (Article 335c OR) defines minimum notice periods during the probation period and regular employment:

During Probation Period:

• 7 calendar days (can be reduced to zero in individual contracts)
• Probation period typically 1-3 months (maximum 3 months)

After Probation Period:

Years of Service	Notice Period (per month)
1st year	1 month
2nd-9th year	2 months
10+ years	3 months

Important: Notice periods end on the last day of the month unless otherwise specified in your employment contract.

When Can You Give Notice?

Standard Rule:

• Notice should generally be given to end on the last day of a month
• For a 2-month notice ending April 30, you should generally give notice by February 28

Example:

• Today: January 15
• You give notice: January 15
• Notice period: 2 months
• Last working day: March 31

Employment Contract Variations

Your employment contract can specify:

• Longer notice periods (e.g., 3-6 months)
• Different end dates (e.g., quarterly: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31)
• Mutual agreement to shorten or extend notice

Always check your employment contract for specific terms!

Exceptions to Notice Period Rules

Immediate Termination (Fristlose Kündigung): Only allowed for serious cause (Article 337 OR):

• Serious breach of duty
• Criminal behavior
• Complete breakdown of trust
• Severe workplace misconduct

Mutual Agreement (Einvernehmliche Auflösung):

• You and employer agree to end contract earlier
• Often involves negotiated severance
• should generally be documented in writing

Pension Fund (2nd Pillar) Considerations

What Happens to Your Pension When You Change Jobs?

When you leave your employer, you have several options for your accrued pension capital:

Option 1: Transfer to New Employer's Pension Fund (Recommended)

Process:

1. Receive termination certificate from old pension fund
2. Provide details of new pension fund to old employer
3. Old fund transfers capital directly to new fund
4. Usually completed within 30 days

Advantages:

• Capital continues to grow tax-free
• Maintains pension coverage continuity
• No tax implications
• Simplest option

Option 2: Vested Benefits Account (Freizügigkeitskonto)

If you don't have a new job immediately or will be unemployed:

Two Account Options:

• Vested benefits account (Freizügigkeitskonto) - savings account
• Vested benefits policy (Freizügigkeitspolice) - insurance product

Top Providers:

Provider	Account Type	Interest Rate	Fees	Special Features
UBS Vested Benefits	Savings	0.50%	CHF 50/year	Mobile banking
Credit Suisse	Savings	0.50%	CHF 50/year	Investment options
PostFinance	Savings	0.25%	CHF 40/year	No minimum balance
Liberty	Savings	0.75%	CHF 60/year	Higher interest
VIAC	Investment	Market-based	0.52% AUM	Securities investment
Finpension	Investment	Market-based	0.39% AUM	Low-cost index funds

Important Rules:

• Can split capital between two accounts (tax optimization)
• Cannot withdraw unless specific conditions met (emigration, self-employment, home purchase)
• Capital remains blocked until retirement
• should generally inform new employer of vested benefits accounts when starting new job

Option 3: Cash Withdrawal (Very Limited)

Only possible if:

• Permanently leaving Switzerland
• Becoming self-employed (full-time)
• Purchasing primary residence
• Pension capital below minimum threshold (CHF 25,000 in 2025)

Tax Consequences:

• Taxed separately at special rates (5-12% depending on canton)
• Loss of compound growth potential
• Reduces retirement savings significantly

Generally not recommended unless leaving Switzerland permanently!

Unemployment Insurance and RAV Registration

When to Register with RAV

If you don't have a new job lined up:

Timeline:

• Register at RAV (Regionales Arbeitsvermittlungszentrum) on first day of unemployment
• Can register up to 4 weeks before last working day
• should generally register within first day to avoid losing benefits

Required Documents:

• Employment contract and termination letter
• Work permits (for non-Swiss citizens)
• ID/passport
• CV and job application documents
• Bank account details

Unemployment Benefits (Arbeitslosengeld)

Eligibility:

• Worked at least 12 months in last 2 years
• Registered with RAV
• Actively seeking employment
• Able and willing to work

Benefit Amount:

• 70% of insured salary (up to CHF 148,200/year maximum)
• 80% if you have children or earn less than CHF 60,000
• Maximum daily benefit: CHF 342 (2025)

Duration:

Age	Contribution Period	Benefit Duration
Under 25	12 months	200 days
25-49	12 months	400 days
50+	18 months	520 days

Waiting Period:

• 5 days waiting period before first payment
• If you quit voluntarily: 1-31 days additional waiting period (penalty)

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Termination

Terminated by Employer:

• Full unemployment benefits after 5-day waiting period
• No penalty days

You Quit Voluntarily:

• Penalty: 1-31 days without benefits (depending on circumstances)
• should generally prove "justifiable reason" to avoid penalty:
  • Salary not paid
  • Workplace harassment
  • Contract violations by employer
  • Serious health issues
  • Partner relocates for work (married couples)

Important: Document everything if you plan to quit for justifiable reasons!

Health Insurance During Job Change

Accident Insurance Coverage Gap

The Risk:

• Employer's accident insurance covers you for 31 days after termination
• After 31 days without new job: NO accident coverage
• Basic health insurance doesn't cover accidents by default

Solution 1: Extend Coverage with Basic Health Insurance

• Contact your health insurer immediately after termination
• Request accident coverage addition (UVG-Zusatz)
• Usually CHF 30-50/month additional premium
• Covers until you start new job

Solution 2: Get New Job Within 31 Days

• New employer's accident insurance starts immediately
• No coverage gap

Critical: Don't let yourself be without accident coverage!

Basic Health Insurance Stays the Same

• Your Grundversicherung continues unchanged
• You remain responsible for monthly premiums
• If unemployed and receiving benefits, RAV may subsidize premiums (depending on canton)

Tax Considerations When Changing Jobs

Withholding Tax (Quellensteuer)

For Non-Swiss Citizens with C Permit or Less:

• Tax withheld directly from salary
• When changing jobs, new employer continues withholding
• Ensure new employer has correct tax rate

Inform New Employer:

• Marital status
• Number of children
• Spouse's employment status
• Religious affiliation (church tax)

Year-End Tax Return

If You're Required to File:

• Declare income from both employers in same tax year
• Provide salary certificates from all employers
• May receive refund or owe additional tax depending on total income

Mid-Year Job Change Tax Impact:

• Changing to higher salary: May owe additional tax
• Changing to lower salary: May receive refund
• Use cantonal tax calculators to estimate

Deductible Job Search Expenses

If you file a tax return, you can deduct:

• Job application costs (printing, postage, professional photos)
• Training and further education related to new job
• Travel expenses for job interviews
• Relocation costs if moving for new job

Keep all receipts and documentation!

Salary Negotiation for New Position

Research Market Rates

Use Salary Calculators:

• Lohnrechner.ch - Official federal salary calculator
• Salarium.ch - BFS salary statistics
• Glassdoor.ch - Company-specific salaries
• LinkedIn Salary Insights - Industry comparisons

Salary Components in Switzerland

Typical Package Includes:

• Base salary (13 monthly payments typical)
• 13th month salary (or pro-rated bonus)
• Vacation days (legal minimum: 4 weeks/20 days)
• Pension contributions (employer pays minimum 50% of 2nd pillar)
• Expense allowances
• Company car or mobility budget
• Home office allowance (increasingly common)

Negotiation Tips

Be Prepared:

• Know your current total compensation (not just base)
• Research market rates for your role and experience
• Prepare justification for desired salary
• Consider total package, not just base salary

Don't Forget Benefits:

• Additional vacation days
• Flexible working hours
• Home office options
• Professional development budget
• Better pension plan contributions
• Bonus structure
• Stock options (if applicable)

When to Negotiate:

• After receiving job offer (not during interview)
• Before signing contract
• Be professional and fact-based
• Don't give ultimatums

Vacation Days During Job Transition

Unused Vacation from Old Job

You're Entitled To:

• Payment for unused vacation days
• Calculated at current daily salary rate
• Included in final salary payment

Example:

• Annual entitlement: 25 days
• Used: 15 days
• Remaining: 10 days
• Daily salary: CHF 300
• Vacation payout: CHF 3,000

Employer Cannot:

• Refuse to pay unused vacation
• Force you to take vacation during notice period (unless mutually agreed)

Vacation Entitlement at New Job

Pro-Rata Calculation:

• Full entitlement ÷ 12 months × months worked
• Example: 25 days annual, start July 1 = 12.5 days for year

First Year Considerations:

• Some employers grant full annual entitlement immediately
• Others calculate pro-rata
• Clarify policy before starting

Work Equipment and Company Property

What to Return to Old Employer

Typical Items:

• Laptop and accessories
• Mobile phone
• Office keys and access cards
• Company car
• Business credit card
• Uniforms or protective equipment
• Confidential documents and data

Data Deletion:

• Delete personal files from company devices
• Export personal emails (if allowed)
• Remove personal accounts and passwords
• Return devices in good condition

Get Confirmation:

• Document what you returned
• Request written confirmation
• Take photos of equipment condition

Non-Compete and Confidentiality Clauses

Non-Compete Agreement (Konkurrenzverbot):

• Often in employment contracts, especially for senior positions
• Can restrict working for competitors for 1-3 years
• should generally be reasonable in scope, geography, and duration
• May require employer to pay compensation (50% of salary typical)
• Courts often don't enforce unreasonable clauses

Check Your Contract:

• Is there a non-compete clause?
• How long is the restriction?
• Does it apply to your new job?
• Is compensation mentioned?

Confidentiality (Geheimhaltung):

• Continues indefinitely after employment
• Cannot share client lists, trade secrets, proprietary information
• Serious violations can lead to legal action
• Different from non-compete

Reference Letters in Switzerland

Work Certificate (Arbeitszeugnis)

Your Legal Right:

• Every employee entitled to work certificate upon request
• should generally be provided within reasonable time
• Employer should generally provide at end of employment

Two Types:

1. Simple Certificate (Einfaches Zeugnis)

• Confirms employment dates and position
• No performance evaluation
• Minimal information

2. Qualified Certificate (Qualifiziertes Zeugnis)

• Includes performance and behavior evaluation
• Standard in Switzerland
• Always request this version

What Should Be Included

Standard Sections:

• Company information and employee details
• Employment dates and positions held
• Job responsibilities and tasks
• Performance evaluation
• Conduct and social behavior
• Reason for leaving
• Closing statement with thanks and good wishes

Decoding Swiss Reference Letters

Swiss reference letters use coded language:

Excellent Performance:

• "stets zu unserer vollsten Zufriedenheit" (always to our fullest satisfaction)
• "hat die Aufgaben stets sehr erfolgreich erledigt" (always completed tasks very successfully)

Good Performance:

• "zu unserer vollen Zufriedenheit" (to our full satisfaction)
• "hat die Aufgaben erfolgreich erledigt" (completed tasks successfully)

Adequate Performance:

• "zu unserer Zufriedenheit" (to our satisfaction)
• "hat die Aufgaben erledigt" (completed tasks)

Poor Performance:

• "im Grossen und Ganzen zu unserer Zufriedenheit" (by and large to our satisfaction)
• "hat sich bemüht" (made an effort)

Red Flags:

• Omissions (missing sections)
• Lukewarm language
• No closing thanks and wishes
• Emphasis on effort rather than results

Your Rights:

• Request corrections if inaccurate
• Can refuse to accept unfair certificate
• May need to negotiate wording
• Legal action possible for severely negative certificates

Timeline for Smooth Job Transition

3 Months Before Leaving

• [ ] Review employment contract (notice period, restrictions)
• [ ] Update CV and LinkedIn profile
• [ ] Research market salary ranges
• [ ] Network and explore opportunities
• [ ] Consider skill gaps and training needs

When You Receive Offer

• [ ] Negotiate salary and benefits
• [ ] Review new employment contract carefully
• [ ] Check non-compete clauses
• [ ] Clarify start date and flexibility
• [ ] Get offer in writing

After Accepting Offer

• [ ] Give formal notice to current employer (written!)
• [ ] Confirm new start date
• [ ] Plan handover of responsibilities
• [ ] Request work certificate (Arbeitszeugnis)
• [ ] Inform pension fund of job change

During Notice Period

• [ ] Complete knowledge transfer
• [ ] Document ongoing projects
• [ ] Return all company property
• [ ] Collect personal belongings
• [ ] Save important documents (payslips, contracts)
• [ ] Arrange pension fund transfer
• [ ] Update health insurance for accident coverage if needed

Final Week

• [ ] Receive final salary and vacation payout
• [ ] Confirm all property returned
• [ ] Obtain work certificate
• [ ] Get confirmation of pension fund transfer
• [ ] Say proper goodbyes
• [ ] Deregister access cards and accounts

Starting New Job

• [ ] Provide pension fund details to new employer
• [ ] Submit tax withholding information
• [ ] Confirm health insurance details
• [ ] Complete onboarding paperwork
• [ ] Set up new workspace and accounts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Reading Employment Contract Thoroughly

Many people don't review:

• Notice periods
• Non-compete clauses
• Bonus forfeiture clauses
• Vacation day calculations

Read everything before signing!

2. Verbal Notice Only

Always give notice in writing:

• Email is acceptable (keep confirmation)
• Registered letter is safest
• Include last working day
• Keep copies

3. Burning Bridges

Switzerland is small, industries are smaller:

• Leave professionally
• Complete proper handover
• Maintain relationships
• You never know when you'll encounter colleagues again

4. Forgetting About Pension Transfer

Don't leave pension capital in vested benefits account unnecessarily:

• Inform new employer immediately
• Provide pension fund details
• Follow up on transfer completion
• Can take 4-6 weeks

5. Not Registering with RAV Immediately

If unemployed:

• Register on first day of unemployment
• Don't wait "a few days"
• Each day delay can cost benefits
• Can pre-register 4 weeks before termination

6. Accepting First Salary Offer

Negotiate!

• Employers expect negotiation in Switzerland
• Not negotiating signals lack of confidence
• Be reasonable but advocate for yourself
• Consider total package

Job Change Checklist

Administrative:

• [ ] Give written notice
• [ ] Request work certificate
• [ ] Arrange pension fund transfer
• [ ] Return company property
• [ ] Update tax information with new employer
• [ ] Extend accident insurance if gap exists
• [ ] Register with RAV if unemployed

Financial:

• [ ] Receive final salary and vacation payout
• [ ] Close expense accounts
• [ ] Update bank details with new employer
• [ ] Plan for potential income gap
• [ ] Review tax implications

Professional:

• [ ] Complete knowledge transfer
• [ ] Update LinkedIn and professional profiles
• [ ] Maintain network contacts
• [ ] Request recommendations
• [ ] Plan first 90 days at new job

Personal:

• [ ] Arrange childcare if schedule changes
• [ ] Update commute plans
• [ ] Adjust family calendar
• [ ] Plan celebration or break between jobs

Conclusion: Making Your Job Change Smooth

Changing jobs in Switzerland involves several administrative steps, but with proper planning and knowledge of your rights, the transition can be smooth and stress-free.

Key Takeaways:

• Know your notice period and give written notice
• Transfer pension capital to new employer's fund
• Ensure no accident insurance coverage gap
• Request qualified work certificate
• Register with RAV immediately if unemployed
• Negotiate your new salary package
• Leave professionally and maintain relationships

The Swiss job market values loyalty but also recognizes that job changes are normal career progression. Handle your transition professionally, and you'll maintain your reputation while advancing your career.

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In the future, checkeverything.ch will feature tools to help calculate optimal job change timing, pension transfer options, and salary negotiation strategies. Stay tuned!