Working in Zurich

Working in Zurich places you in an international banking capital and a major European commercial centre. The city is known for its high professional standards, and long-term career opportunities can arise from even a short stint. Educated and experienced professionals can expect competitive salaries, which are necessary in a city with such a high cost of living.

Most non-EU nationals relocate with a job already in place, given the difficulties attached to securing a Swiss residence permit. Still, with concerted effort and determination, it's possible for English speakers to find a job in Zurich.

Swiss Residence Permits and Visas

Job market in Zurich

The job market in Zurich offers diverse opportunities across several sectors. While finance generates nearly a quarter of the jobs and a third of the wealth in the city, other industries are flourishing too. Healthcare, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and manufacturing are booming alongside the traditional financial powerhouses.

IT, computing, engineering and banking are big businesses in Zurich. Vacancies in these industries often don't require you to speak German unless some level of customer service is involved. Google has a large office in Zurich, which routinely sponsors and employs foreigners, although recent tech industry fluctuations have created some market volatility.

If you want to teach English in private language schools, you'll likely need a CELTA certificate and an English degree. Few schools will consider candidates without them. You'll also need several years of experience to teach 'English for business' courses. Teaching English in standard schools will require an education degree.

Finding a job in Zurich

Finding a job in Zurich takes persistence and strategy. Most professionals working in the city have either been transferred through their company or have been headhunted. Owing to the high cost of living in Zurich, it's advisable to secure a job before relocating to the city. In fact, it's pretty difficult to sign a rental contract without proof of employment in the city.

The best place to begin your job search would be online through platforms like Jobs.ch, LinkedIn, JobsinZurich.com and Indeed.ch. Social networking sites like LinkedIn are particularly valuable, as networking remains extremely important in the Swiss job market, with many positions filled through referrals before being publicly advertised. Individual companies often post vacancies on their websites, so it's worth surfing the sites relevant to your industry.

While speaking Swiss German isn't always necessary, it gives you a clear edge in the job market. Having some knowledge of German will be especially useful if you intend to work in the service sector. Language expectations vary significantly by industry – tech roles typically require minimal German, while finance and healthcare typically expect at least intermediate proficiency (B1-B2 level).

Useful links

• Jobs.ch
• JobsinZurich.com
• Indeed Switzerland
• Find a Job in Switzerland
• Michael Page Switzerland

Work culture in Zurich

The work culture in Zurich, and Switzerland in general, is rather formal, but industries and individual companies differ. Traditional Swiss companies maintain more hierarchical and process-oriented approaches, while international firms create more casual environments with flatter structures.

Business interactions in Zurich are characterised by directness and restraint, especially with the German-Swiss, and you'll have to stay focused and control your emotions. Skip the small talk in business meetings – Swiss colleagues like getting straight to the point.

The Swiss are famously punctual; arriving late to a meeting or being unprepared will be seen as disrespectful. It's always best to arrive early and confirm appointments ahead of time.

Hierarchy is important, and people get respect based on their rank, education, and achievements. Even though executives make the decisions, they look for a broad consensus.

Business environments in Switzerland tend to be merit-based, but trust is still indispensable in negotiations. The Swiss like dealing with people they know, and often expect long-term commitments from their associates. The trust-building process, Swiss attention to detail, and respect for protocol can prolong negotiations.

Swiss workplaces provide better work-life balance than many other countries. You'll generally enjoy at least 4 weeks of paid holiday, with many companies offering 5 to 6 weeks. The standard work week ranges from 40 to 42 hours across most industries – finance typically expects longer hours, while tech companies tend to offer more flexibility.

Business Culture in Switzerland