Immigrate and Work as a Doctor in Switzerland

Switzerland is a small European country with 8.6 million people and a severe primary care physician shortage. As a result, medical professionals from other countries, such as Germany, Italy, and France, can set up shop in Switzerland. For more information on how to immigrate to Switzerland as a doctor and how much money you can expect to make, read this article.

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How to Work as a Doctor in Switzerland?

Working as a doctor in Switzerland can be challenging, especially for non-EU doctors. Here are some requirements you need to have:

Medical degree. You need to have a recognized medical degree that’s equivalent to a Swiss medical degree. The Swiss ENIC-NARIC Center usually assesses these degrees.
Language proficiency. You must be fluent in one of 4 languages: German, French, Italian, or Romansh.
Clinical experience. You may need 1 to 3 years of clinical experience after graduating, depending on the canton and regulations.
Additional exams. Some Swiss cantons may require additional exams, like the Swiss federal medical exam, or assessments about Swiss healthcare practices and regulations.
Diploma recognition. If you have a diploma from an EU/EFTA state, you’ll need to have it recognized for professional establishment in Switzerland.

Work and residence permit. If you’re planning to stay in Switzerland for more than three months, you’ll need to present a valid work and/or residence permit within eight days of moving. Make sure you know all about Switzerland visa requirements. You’ll also need to provide your identity card and a valid employment contract or confirmation from your employer.

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Move to Switzerland as a Doctor

Direct Recognition for EU/EFTA Doctors

You can apply for direct recognition if:

You finished your diploma in an EU/EFTA state; or
You are a citizen of an EU/EFTA state; or
You are married to an EU/EFTA citizen.

Requirements for Direct Recognition of the Diploma

The following conditions must be met in order for an EU/EFTA diploma to be accepted in Switzerland:

Have a Swiss, EU, or EFTA citizen as a partner or be a Swiss citizen.
Diplomas and additional credentials must comply with EU Directive 2005/36/EG or the EFTA Convention, with authority granted by those directives or conventions.

Required documents:

A dated and signed application form.
Certified copies of your passport or ID, and those of your spouse (if applicable) along with a marriage certificate.
A signed resume.
Certified copies or official translations of your diploma(s) if not in German, French, Italian, or English.

Note: In specific countries (See the table below), you must also provide a certified copy of the certificate of conformity from the relevant authority, along with translations if the language of the issuance is not German, French, Italian, or English.

Bulgaria	Slovenia	Belgium	Slovakia
Malta	Cyprus	Portugal	Denmark
Estonia	Iceland	Sweden	Latvia
Netherlands	Czech Republic	Lithuania	Romania
Finland	Hungary	Norway	Great Britain
Greece	Poland	Croatia

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Process of Indirect Recognition

You can use indirect recognition if your diploma was received outside the EU/EFTA but was previously legally recognized in an EU/EFTA state.

Requirements for indirect recognition of the diploma

You must meet the following requirements:

You or your spouse are Swiss citizens or Swiss nationals living in an EU or EFTA country.
An EU or EFTA nation has validated your diploma.
In the previous 5 years, you have earned at least 3 years of clinical experience in Switzerland and/or the country of recognition.
You have at least level B2 fluency in the official Swiss language.

Steps to Register a Foreign Medical Diploma in Switzerland

A doctor must obtain a federal diploma if the requirements of direct or indirect diploma recognition are unmet. The Medical Professions Commission (MEBEKO) decides on the requirements.

Requirements for the Registration of Non-Recognizable Diplomas

A non-recognized foreign diploma can be registered with the Medical Professions Register (MedReg) if it meets the following requirements:

According to MedBG, foreign diplomas allow practice under professional supervision.
These standards are met by overseas training:
- Doctors. You must complete at least 5,500 hours of theory and practice in six years of full-time study.
- Dentists. Studying full-time for five years or completing 5,000 hours of practical and theoretical training is required.
- Chiropractors. At least 5,500 hours of instruction and practice over six years of full-time study.
- Pharmacists. Study alternating theoretical and practical instruction for a minimum of five years.
- Veterinarians. Students must complete five years of alternating theoretical and practical instruction in a recognized university or college.

You must present the documents below for an examination by the MEBEKO:

Current resume’
Identity verification
Certificate of Matura (plus official translation)
Diploma (Including official translation)
Names of examinations taken during the study (plus official translation)
Detailed documentation of professional experience overseas, if available. These data include the duration, function, and level of employment. These documents must also be officially translated.

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How to Get a Swiss Work Visa to Immigrate to Switzerland as a Doctor?

To immigrate to Switzerland as a doctor, follow these steps:

Acquire a valid medical degree and certifications in your field.
Find steady work as a doctor in Switzerland.
Show that you can communicate effectively in one of Switzerland’s recognized languages.
Visit your country’s Swiss Embassy or Consulate to apply for a residence permit.
Apply for a D-visa at the Swiss embassy if your intended stay is over 90 days.
In most cases, your company will obtain your work permit from the Cantonal Medical Office on your behalf.
If everything checks out, you can start your medical career in Switzerland.

The Swiss Job Market for Doctors

Jobs in Switzerland are listed on various websites. Apply for an “Assistenzarzt” position to become a Swiss doctor. Completing a significant test and speaking B2 German are required. Apply for an Assistenzarzt position at the BAG.

Switzerland needs private practitioners, especially in rural areas. Though simple, opening a practice in Switzerland requires a medical license. Fluency in the local language is crucial, especially in rural areas with private practices.

How Much is a Doctor’s Salary in Switzerland?

A doctor’s salary in Switzerland ranges significantly based on specialization, experience, and employment type:

Average Salary: Doctors earn between CHF 107,000 and CHF 492,000 annually.
Entry-level Salary: Doctors typically earn around CHF 107,000, while more experienced doctors and specialists, particularly in fields like cardiology or surgery, can earn up to CHF 492,000 per year.
Self-employed Doctors: On average, they tend to earn CHF 320,209 annually.
Self-employed Surgeons: They can earn around CHF 502,000, and psychiatrists about CHF 214,000 annually.

How to Immigrate to Switzerland as a Doctor?

Here is the relocation process for doctors immigrating to Switzerland:

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) Registration

First, gather all necessary documents (medical degree, transcripts, proof of completed internships, etc.), provide proof of language proficiency (German, French, Italian, or Romansh), complete the application form available on the FOPH website, and submit it along with your documents. The FOPH will evaluate your credentials, and upon successful evaluation, you will receive an official recognition certificate. The application fee ranges from CHF 800 to CHF 1200.

Cantonal Medical Association Registration

First, collect your recognized qualifications (proof of language proficiency, proof of residency, and identification), fill out the registration form provided by the Cantonal Medical Association in your canton, and submit the completed form along with the required documents. The association will verify your documents and once confirmed, you will receive a confirmation that allows you to practice in that canton. The fee typically ranges from CHF 200 to CHF 400.

Local Municipality Registration

Grab your residence permit and Switzerland visa and visit the local municipality office (Einwohnerkontrolle/Bureau de contrôle des habitants) to register your residence. Bring your passport, work permit, housing contract, and the registration form to complete the process. After submitting these documents, you will be officially registered in the local municipality. The fee ranges between CHF 20 and CHF 50.

Swiss Medical License Application

First, obtain the application form from the cantonal health authority in your chosen canton. Prepare the required documents (recognized qualifications, proof of language proficiency, proof of residency, etc.), and submit the completed application form and documents to the cantonal health authority. Your application will be assessed, and once approved, you will receive your Swiss medical license, enabling you to practice medicine in Switzerland. The fee generally ranges from CHF 500 to CHF 700.

Settling in Switzerland

Banking: You need to open a bank account. Presenting your passport, proof of residency, and work contract. Famous banks include UBS, Credit Suisse, PostFinance, and Zürcher Kantonalbank.
Housing: You can search for rental properties, arrange viewings, and sign a rental agreement. Famous housing websites include Homegate.ch, Immoscout24.ch, Comparis.ch, and Immostreet.ch.
Health Insurance: You need to choose a health insurance plan and enroll within three months of arrival. Famous insurance providers include Helsana, CSS, Swica, and Sanitas.
Cost of Living: The monthly expenses for doctors in Switzerland can range from CHF 4,000 to CHF 8,000, depending on the city and lifestyle.

Continuing Education and Integration Tips

Attend accredited medical courses, conferences, and workshops. Maintain an updated record of your continuing education credits.
Stay informed about the latest medical regulations and best practices in Switzerland.
Integration and Adaptation Tips
Improve your proficiency in the local language through courses and daily practice.
Attend local communities and events to better understand Swiss customs and traditions.
Ensure your work contract adheres to Swiss labor laws, including working hours, salary, and benefits.
Stay updated on legal requirements specific to medical practice, including patient privacy and healthcare regulations.

Switzerland Medical License Exam

Overview of the Medical Licensing Exam in Switzerland:

Exam Content. The comprehensive exam covers several medical disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine.
Exam Format. This course includes a written component, a practice component, a clinical scenario, and a physical examination.
Exam Frequency. Depending on your medical school and canton, this course is offered once or twice a year.
Exam Registration. The Swiss Institute of Medical Education (ISFM) or the relevant cantonal medical authority must be contacted to register candidates.
Language Requirement. To apply for this job, you must speak the official language of your canton (German, French, Italian, or Romansh).
Exam Preparation. It is typically necessary to study for several months, using study guides and textbooks and practice test questions, to prepare effectively for the exam.
Pass Rates. Due to the exam’s rigor, pass rates fluctuate yearly, requiring extensive medical study.
Licensing After Success. The canton where you intend to practice medicine may have specific requirements for medical licenses after passing the exam.
Additional Requirements. Some cantons may require postgraduate training or supervised practice hours.
Retakes. Retake the exam if you don’t pass on your first attempt.

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How to Become a Doctor in Switzerland?

Becoming a doctor in Switzerland is one of the most stringent in the world. To become a doctor in Switzerland:

Have the Prerequisite for Education. Get your high school diploma and major in science.
Get University Admission. Apply to a medical school in Switzerland. In most cases, you’ll need to score well on an entrance exam or fulfill other academic prerequisites.
Get a Bachelor’s Degree. It takes about three years to earn a Bachelor of Science in Medicine.
Get a Master’s Degree. The next step is a three-year Master’s program in medicine.
Undergo Clinical Training and Residency. Participate in a residency training program, the length of which varies with the selected area of medicine.
Have Language Proficiency. Learn the language of your selected canton and become fluent.
Take the National Licensing Exam. Take the national licensing exam for physicians after you finish medical school and residency.
Get a Medical License. To begin practicing medicine, you must first obtain a license from the canton.
Continue Your Education. Attend continuing education activities such as seminars, workshops, and conventions.
Consider Optional Specialization. Focus your medical training on a certain area if you so choose.
Gian Professional Associations. Join Swiss medical organizations that are relevant to your field of expertise.
Practice Medicine. Practice medicine in Switzerland and gain experience in a healthcare setting like a hospital, clinic, or private practice.

Final Thoughts on Swiss Medical Practice

This article intended to offer a broad overview of many subjects relevant to how to move to Switzerland as a doctor. Switzerland has heavy restrictions and standards for receiving medical education, so anyone interested in attending medical school in that nation should conduct an extensive study before embarking on their trip.

Need to Know: Doctor Life in Switzerland

Can foreign doctors work in Switzerland?

Yes. Foreign qualifications must be recognized by law in Switzerland for various professions.

Is Switzerland a good place to be a doctor?

Switzerland is one of the greatest countries for physicians, having one of Europe’s most competitive medical programs that admitted over 60,000 students for its MD degree last year.

How much does a Doctor make in Switzerland?

Physicians in Switzerland earn, on average, CHF 135,005 or CHF 69.23 an hour.