Switzerland’s Labor Shortages: Top Professions for Work Visas in 2024

According to the EURES Report, Switzerland faces labour shortages in 41 key professions. The most affected sectors include healthcare, engineering, and IT. This presents significant opportunities for foreign professionals to secure work visas and contribute to the Swiss economy.
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Good news for skilled professionals! Switzerland, renowned for its quality of life and robust economy, is grappling with labour shortages in various sectors, as highlighted in the 2023 EURES Report on shortages and surpluses.

The article reveals that 41 occupations are currently in high demand, indicating promising opportunities for foreign professionals seeking Swiss work visas.

Key Sectors in Need

This trend is evident in the 2023 EURES Report on shortages and surpluses, which revealed a significant lack of qualified workers in 41 occupations.

The most critical gaps exist in healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and the legal field. Professionals within these domains are likely to find favourable conditions for obtaining work visas due to the significant need for their expertise in the Swiss job market.

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These in-demand professions span across various industries, including:

  • Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and midwives.
  • Engineering: Environmental and civil engineers, mining engineers, and metallurgists.
  • Information Technology: Computer network professionals, systems administrators, database and application developers, and software developers.
  • Education: Special needs teachers and university-level educators.
  • Justice: Judges and lawyers.

Professions Experiencing Acute Shortages

Here is a comprehensive list of occupations facing a shortage in Switzerland:

  1. Environmental Engineers
  2. Agricultural Technicians
  3. Judges and Lawyers
  4. Computer Network Professionals
  5. Systems Administrators
  6. Database Designers and Administrators
  7. Applications Programmers
  8. Software Developers
  9. Special Needs Teachers
  10. University and Higher Education Teachers
  11. Health Professionals (miscellaneous categories)
  12. Optometrists and Ophthalmic Opticians
  13. Physiotherapists
  14. Pharmacists
  15. Dentists
  16. Midwifery Professionals
  17. Nursing Professionals
  18. Generalist Medical Practitioners
  19. Mining Engineers, Metallurgists, and Related Professionals
  20. Civil Engineers

These roles represent a critical need in Switzerland’s labour market, opening doors for qualified foreign professionals.

Swiss Work Visa Opportunities

Foreign professionals interested in moving to Switzerland may benefit significantly from these labour shortages. A Swiss work visa allows non-citizens to live and work in Switzerland, and candidates in the aforementioned fields have a higher probability of securing employment due to the high demand for their skills.

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How to Apply for a Swiss Work Visa

  1. Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Swiss employer. This is a prerequisite for most work visa applications.
  2. Work Permit Application: The employer typically applies for a work permit on behalf of the employee.
  3. Visa Application: Once the work permit is approved, the applicant must apply for a visa at the Swiss consulate or embassy in their home country.

Switzerland places a strong emphasis on hiring skilled professionals to address labour 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 has confirmed that it 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 European Free Trade Association (EFTA) regions, 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’s highly recommended to consult the official website of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

Conclusion

Switzerland’s current labour shortages present significant opportunities for foreign professionals, particularly in sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, education, and law. For those qualified in these fields, obtaining a Swiss work visa may be more accessible, offering a pathway to work and live in one of the world’s most desirable countries.

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As Switzerland continues to rely on international talent, the contribution of foreign professionals remains crucial to addressing the nation’s workforce needs.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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