There are a few things you need to know before you start working as a contractor in Switzerland. In general, we can say that contracting in our country is very attractive as Switzerland pays interesting rates and offers an excellent quality of life.

EU/ EFTA Nationals

Switzerland is not a member of the EU, and has its own rules. The main issue is that you will need a work/residence permit, but since the 1st June 2002 the introduction of new rules have made working in Switzerland easier for some. The bilateral Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons is the gradual introduction of the free movement of gainfully employed persons between Switzerland and the EU countries.

The beneficiaries of the Agreement are the nationals of the EU member states, Swiss nationals and, irrespective of their nationality, the members of their families.

A transitional period of twelve years has been set to ultimately achieve the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the European Union.

Working through a non-Swiss limited company is not possible in Switzerland, as part of the basis of the permit system is to ensure some of the money generated is retained by the local tax system.

In order to receive a work permit through our agency you need to be employed by us for the duration of your assignment and be on our payroll.

You will need a work permit before starting an assignment for any period in Switzerland, and this process, although straightforward, may take in between 2 - 6 weeks. For all permits, a relevant university degree or any other diploma of a higher education is recommended.

Ergon Resources offers very good employment conditions including expense allowances (fixed lump sum), which help reduce social security and tax. Switzerland has some of the lowest tax rates in the world and you also have the choice to participate in an attractive tax reducing pension scheme with Ergon Resources, this money can then be reimbursed tax efficiently at the end of your stay.

Swiss Nationals

Swiss citizens or permit C holders may either trade through their own company or be employed by Ergon Resources SA. We offer interesting and competitive terms of employment including the opportunity to benefit from our pension scheme.

Other Nationalities

Since the introduction of the Bilateral Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the member states of the EU/ EFTA, it will be very difficult to apply for work permits for people not nationals of EU/ EFTA-countries.

It will be only possible to receive a work permit for citizens of other countries when they have very rare special skills and experience, and this will be very much the exception.