Work and Immigrate to Switzerland as a Teacher

Step 1. Checking Qualification Recognition

Switzerland’s teaching requirements are strict. Your foreign qualifications need to be recognized by the Swiss ENIC (Swiss National Information Centre for Recognition Issues).

What qualifications do I need to be a teacher in Switzerland?

• You’ll need a bachelor’s degree at the minimum. But depending on what level you’re aiming to teach, a master’s or even a Ph.D. might be necessary.
• Switzerland often requires a teaching qualification specific to the level you’re planning to teach (primary, secondary, etc.).
• Having some teaching experience under your belt can also be a big plus.
  • Entry-level positions: A couple of years or even less
  • Advanced positions in public schools or international schools: Often between 3 to 5 years
  • University professorships: Typically over 5 to 10 years
• Fluency in at least one of the national languages is essential. We will talk about them more.

Here are the steps of Qualification Recognition for working in Switzerland as a teacher:

1. Begin your journey on the Swiss ENIC website. It’s packed with critical information, guidelines, and resources. Read the criteria, process, and specific requirements.
   1. Gather your documents
   2. Academic records
   3. Diplomas and transcripts
   4. Teaching certifications
   5. Proof of your teaching experience, including employment letters, references, or contracts.
2. Translate your documents into German, French, Italian, or Romansh.
3. You can find the application form on the Swiss ENIC website. Fill it out carefully, and double-check the information before you proceed.
4. Submit your application. Check if the Swiss ENIC allows for online submissions. Attach your documents. Ensure that digital copies are clear and that all necessary documents are included to avoid any delays.
5. Pay the fee. It can cost anywhere from 200 to 800 Swiss Francs.
6. After submission, the Swiss ENIC will assess your qualifications against Swiss standards. The process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Keep an eye on your email or application portal for any communication from Swiss ENIC.
7. Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive a decision.
8. If successful, the decision letter will detail the recognition and any additional steps you might need to take.

Step 2. Having Language Proficiency

What language do teachers speak in Switzerland? They speak German, French, Italian, and Romansh, which vary by region. Generally, for teaching, you’ll need a minimum of a B2 level under the CEFR. However, for higher education or specialized subjects, a C1 level might be required.

Approved Language Tests

• German
  • TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)
  • Goethe-Institut Certificates: A1 to C2 level
  • TELC (The European Language Certificates)
• French
  • DELF and DALF: A1 to C2 level
  • TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français)
• Italian
  • CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana)
  • CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera)
• Romansh has fewer standardized tests than the other languages. Your best bet is to contact local educational authorities or institutions.

Step 3. Securing a Job Offer

Securing a job offer from a Swiss school or educational institution is essential before you immigrate to Switzerland as a teacher. How to get a teaching job in Switzerland?

• Make sure your CV and cover letter are updated for the Swiss education system.
• Use online job portals.
  • educa.ch
  • Lehrerstellen.ch
  • Job Boards
  • Indeed Switzerland
  • Jobs.ch
  • TopSchoolJobs
• Register with recruitment agencies.
  • SeekTeachers
  • Teach Away
  • Edvectus
  • Axcis Education
• Utilize social media platforms to connect with educational professionals in Switzerland.
• Attend job fairs.

Step 4. Applying for a Work Permit

If you’re from an EU/EFTA country, you benefit from the freedom of movement. This means you can enter Switzerland to look for a job, and once you secure one, you can register with the local cantonal authorities to obtain a residence permit that also allows you to work.

If you are a non-EU/EFTA national, you’re subject to a quota system that limits the number of permits issued to non-EU/EFTA workers. Your employer needs to prove that no suitable candidate could be found within Switzerland or the EU/EFTA region before offering you the job. This process involves a lot of paperwork and patience.

Steps for getting a Switzerland work visa:

1. Get a job offer from a Swiss employer. The offer should detail your role, salary, and terms of employment.
2. Your employer initiates the work permit application process. They must justify why they chose you over potential candidates from Switzerland or the EU/EFTA region.
3. The employer applies, along with the justification and job offer, to the local cantonal authorities. The canton reviews it before forwarding it to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for final approval.
4. You’ll need to gather and submit several personal documents. These documents may need to be apostilled or verified and should be submitted through the employer or directly to the embassy if required during the visa application phase.
   1. A passport valid for at least six months
   2. Educational diplomas and professional qualifications, translated into the language of the canton.
   3. A comprehensive CV
   4. Job offer details, including the contract.
   5. Proof of accommodation in Switzerland, such as a rental agreement or a letter from the employer providing lodging.
5. After the cantonal authorities review your application and documents, they decide based on local labor market needs and the quota system.
6. If approved, the application moves to the SEM for final approval.
7. Once the work permit is approved, you’ll apply for a national (D) visa to enter Switzerland at the nearest Swiss embassy or consulate. This typically includes your work permit approval, a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and possibly other documents like health insurance proof or a criminal record check.
8. An interview may be part of the process, where you’ll discuss your intentions, the job role, and your plans in Switzerland.
9. With your visa, you can now travel to Switzerland.
10. The total cost is around CHF 60 to CHF 80 and is subject to change.
11. The entire process can take from 3 to 6 months.

Step 5. Getting a Residence Permit

Once you have your work permit and have moved to Switzerland, your next step is to register with the residents’ registration office. This should be done typically within 14 days.

1. Find the local residents’ registration office in your municipality.
2. Prepare and submit your documents, including:
   1. Your passport, valid for the duration of your stay
   2. Your work permit approval
   3. Proof of accommodation like a rental agreement or a letter from your landlord.
   4. Proof you have enough funds to support yourself, like a bank statement or a salary statement. The exact amount can vary. Generally, you have around CHF 21,000 to CHF 30,000 per year.
   5. Proof of health insurance coverage
   6. Passport-size photos
3. Fill out the residence permit application. Make sure all the information is accurate.
4. Submit your application along with the required documents and pay the application fee, which is between CHF 50 and CHF 150.
5. Your application will be processed after it is submitted. This process can take, on average, 8 to 12 weeks.
6. If the canton requires biometric fingerprints and photos, you’ll be informed about when and where to provide this.
7. Once approved, you’ll receive a notification to collect your residence permit.

Step 6. Settling in Switzerland

After you immigrate to Switzerland as a teacher, you must start the process of settling in the country. Moving to Switzerland as a teacher involves a mix of necessary registrations upon arrival:

• Social Security Number. This is typically handled through your employer, but it’s good to ensure you’re registered. This number is vital for tax purposes and for accessing healthcare and other social services.
• Professional Registration. Depending on your teaching level and the canton, you might need to register with the local education department or teaching union. This usually involves showing your recognized qualifications and might require additional local certifications.
• Local Sim Card. Getting a local SIM card for your phone can help you stay connected and navigate your new city more easily.

Famous Banks

• UBS
• Credit Suisse
• Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB)
• Raiffeisen

Housing

• Homegate.ch
• ImmoScout24.ch
• Comparis.ch
• Flatfox.ch

Health Insurance

• SWICA
• Helsana
• Assura
• Sanitas

What is the cost of living in Switzerland?

The cost of living for teachers in Switzerland varies greatly depending on the canton and city. You can expect a range from CHF 3,000 to CHF 5,000 per month.