Economy
Switzerland’s economy is based on industries that require a high level of skill. The World Bank (2012) ranked the country’s over US$635 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) nineteenth globally. Switzerland was ranked second out of 142 countries on the Legatum Institute Economy Sub-Index (2013).
The Swiss economy is driven primarily by micro-technology, high-technology, bio-technology and pharmaceutical industries. Banking and insurance are also very strong sectors. Much of the workforce in Switzerland is in the service sector and small to medium-sized companies employ most of the workforce. Switzerland’s economic policies are built on two ideas: First, economic activity should have as little impact on the environment as possible. As a result, their energy and transportation policies are focused on being environmentally friendly. Second, keeping Swiss citizens employed. Focus is on maintaining or increasing economic growth.
Trade has been a key factor for the Swiss economy and accounts for 50 percent of its GDP. Key exports include medical and pharmaceutical products, watches and clocks, machinery for special industries and metalworking machinery and tools. Switzerland’s main trading partners are the United States, Germany, Italy and France. Switzerland is one of the few economic bright spots in Europe. GDP growth is about 1.0 percent with a negative inflation rate of -0.7 percent. Given the country’s focus on keeping unemployment low, it is no surprise that it is about 2.9 percent. The German-speaking areas of the country have the lowest rates of unemployment.
Finding a Job
The good news for expats is the low level of unemployment in Switzerland. But keep in mind that you are required to have a guaranteed work contract from an employer as well as the appropriate work visa. Most Swiss speak at least two of the four national languages, usually German and French. You should become proficient in at least one of these languages to improve your chances of finding a job.
The best job opportunities are in the professional niche. Highly qualified managers, senior executives and high-level specialists and technicians have the best chance of getting a work permit. You may also consider trainee programs as an indirect way to get into the Swiss job market. Requirements for trainees are lower than full-time employees, which can lead to an entry-level position and a full-time work permit. To see if you qualify for a trainee program, follow this link for more information Ausl-stagiaires. And to get you started on a trainee job search, follow this link: Switzerland Trainee Jobs.
Job search strategies you can use in Switzerland are similar to the U.S. Industry associations are an excellent way to find out about international opportunities in your field. Check the job listings in local newspapers as well as craigslist for individual cities. The craigslist link below allows you to search five cities throughout the country. Be sure to send unsolicited applications to targeted employers and contact temporary work or staffing agencies online or onsite. Most importantly, check out local online forums and bulletin boards in the area you have chosen. Locals can be a great source of opportunities.
To get you started, here are a few websites that may help you in your job search:
Job of Mine
Starting a Business
Switzerland has a very strong economy and a generally positive environment for start-up businesses. The World Bank in 2012, however, ranked the country ninety-seventh out of 185 countries on its Ease of Starting a Business Index, but twenty-eighth on its Ease of Doing Business Index. Switzerland’s best rankings were eighth in Getting Electricity and eighteenth in Paying Taxes. Switzerland ranked fourth out of 142 countries on the Legatum Institute Entrepreneurship and Opportunity Sub-Index (2013). Legatum also reported that business start-up costs in Switzerland as a percent of Gross National Income was a low 2.1 percent versus the global average of 36.3 percent.
For an excellent, detailed overview of business opportunities in Switzerland, read the Country Commercial Guide for Switzerland, which is prepared annually at U.S. embassies through the combined efforts of several U.S. government agencies. The guide presents a comprehensive analysis of Switzerland’s commercial environment from economic, political and market analyses.
To help you start a business in Switzerland, the World Bank offers this step-by-step Switzerland start-up process. It also provides a more detailed report on doing business in Switzerland.
To encourage start-ups in the country, the Swiss government has created CTI Start-Up, an excellent program that enables creative entrepreneurs to realize their innovative business ideas quickly and professionally through a three-phase, firmly guided process lasting six to 24 months. This free government program provides a dedicated coach to help you develop your start-up company.