Top 15 In-Demand Jobs for Foreigners Relocating to Switzerland
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Occupational Shortages: Switzerland is experiencing shortages in 41 occupations, with the healthcare sector being one of the most impacted.
2. High Demand for Nursing Professionals: In the first quarter of 2024, nursing professionals were the most sought-after, with nearly 6,400 job vacancies.
3. Future Labor Shortages: A study predicts that Switzerland could face up to 400,000 unfilled positions by 2030.
Shortages in 41 Occupations
According to the 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses, Switzerland is grappling with shortages in 41 occupations. Healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and justice are among the most affected sectors.
Switzerland relies heavily on foreign-trained doctors and nurses. Among EURES countries, Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland have the highest dependency on foreign-trained doctors, while Ireland, Switzerland, and Austria depend significantly on foreign-trained nurses, according to the European Labour Authority.
Foreigners in these professions or other shortage occupations are more likely to secure employment and obtain a work visa in Switzerland. The EURES report lists the following professions facing labor shortages in Switzerland:
- Nursing professionals
- Generalist/Specialist medical practitioners
- Dentists
- Physiotherapists
- Health professionals not elsewhere classified
- Applications programmers
- Software developers
- System analysts
- Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified
- Environmental engineers
- Civil engineers
- Lawyers
- Special needs teachers
- Other language teachers
- Accountants
Nursing Professionals in High Demand
Nursing professionals were the most sought-after in Switzerland in Q1 2024, with nearly 6,400 vacancies, according to the latest Jobradar from x28 AG, which provides data on the Swiss labor market.
Other high-demand jobs during this period included electricians (6,337), sales consultants (4,056), carpenters (3,377), project managers (3,256), and software developers (3,187). The sectors with the highest job advertisements were healthcare, construction, retail, gastronomy, and IT.
Potential Labor Shortages by 2030
A study by the University of St. Gallen and Advance in September 2023 highlighted a severe skills shortage in Switzerland, which could worsen as Baby Boomers retire. The Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI) calculated that even with a moderate influx of 50,000 skilled professionals annually, up to 400,000 positions might remain unfilled by 2030. This could lead to more employment opportunities for foreign workers.
Additionally, the number of foreign workers in Switzerland has surged in recent years. In 2023, foreigners made up almost 34 percent of the workforce, the highest proportion since 1991, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Visa Requirements for Working in Switzerland
Non-EU/EFTA citizens need a visa to work in Switzerland. Applicants must be skilled and qualified workers with a university degree, years of experience, and specific expertise. They must secure a job offer in advance, and the employer must confirm that no EU/EFTA citizen is available for the position.
In 2023, Switzerland announced plans to ease work permit procedures, making it easier for qualified workers from third countries to obtain a work permit if there is a need and it aligns with Switzerland’s economic interests.