Geneva: Switzerland is currently facing significant labor shortages across various sectors, with a recent report revealing the country is in need of skilled professionals in 41 key occupations. This presents a golden opportunity for foreign workers to secure Swiss work visas and contribute to the economy.
Key sectors in need
According to the 2023 EURES Report on labor shortages and surpluses, critical gaps are evident in healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and the legal field.
Professionals in these domains are likely to benefit from favourable conditions for obtaining work visas, given the substantial demand for their expertise in the Swiss job market.
In-demand professions
The following sectors are particularly affected, with specific roles experiencing acute shortages:
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Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and midwives.
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Engineering: Environmental and civil engineers, mining engineers, and metallurgists.
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Information Technology: Computer network professionals, systems administrators, database and application
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developers, and software developers.
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Education: Special needs teachers and university-level educators.
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Justice: Judges and lawyers.
Professions experiencing acute shortages
Professions facing acute shortages in Switzerland, includes:
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Environmental engineers
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Agricultural technicians
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Judges and lawyers
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Computer network professionals
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Systems administrators
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Database designers and administrators
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Applications programmers
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Software developers
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Special needs teachers
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University and higher education teachers
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Health professionals (miscellaneous categories)
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Optometrists and ophthalmic opticians
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Physiotherapists
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Pharmacists
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Dentists
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Midwifery professionals
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Nursing professionals
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Generalist medical practitioners
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Mining engineers, metallurgists, and related professionals
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Civil engineers
These roles highlight a critical need in Switzerland’s labor market, creating pathways for qualified foreign professionals.
Swiss work visa opportunities
Foreign professionals interested in relocating to Switzerland can take advantage of these labor shortages. A Swiss work visa allows non-citizens to live and work in the country, with candidates in the aforementioned fields having a higher chance of securing employment due to the demand for their skills.
How to apply for a Swiss work visa
To apply for a Swiss work visa, candidates should follow these steps:
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Job offer: Secure a job offer from a Swiss employer, which is typically a prerequisite for most work visa applications.
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Work permit application: The employer usually applies for a work permit on behalf of the employee.
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Visa application: After the work permit is approved, the applicant must apply for a visa at the Swiss consulate or embassy in their home country.
Switzerland prioritises hiring skilled professionals to address labor shortages, making it easier for experts in high-demand professions to obtain the necessary permits and visas.
Work permit quotas for non-EU citizens
Switzerland will continue its policy of work permit quotas for non-EU/EFTA nationals through 2024. This policy allows Swiss employers to hire up to 8,500 skilled specialists from outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), ensuring the country can attract top talent from around the world.
Additional resources
For comprehensive details and the latest updates on Switzerland’s work visa process, it is highly recommended to consult the official website of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).