- Country Guide
- Switzerland
Switzerland
Last Update by Marta, 24 Dec 2024
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Exchange Rate
22 Jan 2025
Cost of Living
Indicative value for a working adult in a city: Zurich
Publicly available data (Numbeo, etc..), verified by Marco’s in-country staff
| Living Requirement | Indicative Amount (CHF) |
|---|---|
| McDonalds Set Meal | 17 |
| Monthly Train and Bus Tickets | 87 |
| 3 Bedrooms Rental (City Center) | 4,123 |
| 3 Bedrooms Rental (Outskirt) | 3,100 |
Current Inflation Rate
0.7%
Wage
Minimum Wages
- There is no nationwide minimum wage in Switzerland, all different cantons sign individual agreements
Median Salary
Estimated based on general positions such as HR, Accounting, Admin roles, in tier one cities.
| Job Level | Monthly Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
|
Entry-Level
Fresh Graduate
|
5,500 |
|
Mid-Level
5 Years
|
6,500 |
|
Experienced & Managerial Level
10 Years
|
>9,000 |
|
Specialized & Senior-Level
15 Years
|
>10,000 |
Annual Salary Growth
1.5%
Statutory Contribution
Country Level
| Type | Employer Rates | Employee Rates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age, Survivors Insurance (OASI) | 4.35% | 4.35% | All staff |
| Disability Insurance (DI) | 0.7% | 0.7% | All staff |
| Income Compensation Insurance (APG) | 0.25% | 0.25% | All staff |
| Unemployment Insurance | 1.1% | 1.1% | Maximum contribution base 148, 200 CHF |
| Occupational Accident Insurance | 0.17 % - 13.5% | - | Maximum contribution base 148, 200 CHF |
| Non-Occupational Accident Insurance | - | 1% - 4% | Maximum contribution base 148, 200 CHF |
| Family Compensation | 1%-3% | - | All staff |
| Occupational Pension Scheme | Depending on employer- specific pension plan | Depending on employer- specific pension plan | Begins on January 1 after staff turn 24 |
Other Benefit
Other common employment benefits in Switzerland include:
- Meal allowance: optional in the form of cheques -up to 180 CHF per month
- Private Medical Insurance: Mandatory for all Swiss citizens and residents, health insurance is commonly offered by employers
- 13th Salary
Not mandator but common practice
Income Tax
Residents
- 3 types of income tax in Switzerland: Municipal, Cantonal and Federal, each of the 26 Swiss cantons sets its own tax rates
Country Level
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 – 15,000 | 0% |
| 15,001 - 32,800 | 0.77% |
| 32,801 – 42,900 | 0.88% |
| 42,901 – 57,200 | 2.64% |
| 57,201 – 75,200 | 2.97% |
| 75,201 – 81,000 | 5.94% |
| 81,001 – 107,400 | 6.60% |
| 107,401 – 139,600 | 8.80% |
| 139,601 – 182,600 | 11% |
| 182,601 – 783,200 | 13.20% |
| Over 783,200 | 11.5% |
State/Province Level
Zurich
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 - 6,900 | 0% |
| 6,901 - 11,800 | 2% |
| 11,801 - 16,600 | 3% |
| 16,601 - 24,500 | 4% |
| 24,501 - 34,100 | 5% |
| 34,101 - 45,100 | 6% |
| 45,101 - 58,000 | 7% |
| 58,001 - 75,400 | 8% |
| 75,401 - 109,000 | 9% |
| 109,001 - 142,200 | 10% |
| 142,201 - 194,900 | 11% |
| 194,901 - 263,300 | 12% |
| over 263,300 | 13% |
Non-residents
- Depends on the double taxation agreement between countries. Typically, only income originating in Switzerland is taxed. The tax rate depends on income level and canton
-
A tax resident is an individual who meets one of following criteria:
- Stays in Switzerland with the intention to exercise gainful activities for a consecutive period of at least 30 days
- Stays in Switzerland with no intention to exercise gainful activities for a consecutive period of at least 90 days.
- Has their centre of life interests in Switzerland
Working Hours
Statutory
40 hours/ 45 hours
8/9 hours a day, 5/6 days a week
Typical practice
40 Hours
Monday – Saturday
Overtime
Maximum 170 hours per year (contract with 45 hours per week)
- 125% of the salary or additional time off
- Night work: 125% normal salary (23:00-06:00)
Employment Contract
Permanent
Contract Format
Written, in Swiss German, French, Italian or Romansh depending on the region
Payroll Currency
CHF
Probation
1 - 3 months depending on experience and level
Contract Period
No minimum duration
Termination
| Voluntary Resignation | Involuntary Termination | Economic Layoff | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notice Period - Probation | - 7 calendar days | - 7 calendar days | - 7 calendar days |
| Notice Period - Regular | - 0-1 year of employement - 1 month salary, from the last day of the month - 2-9 years of employement- 2 months salary, from the last day of the month - more then 10 years of employement - 3 months, from the last day of the month |
- 0-1 year of employement - 1 month salary, from the last day of the month - 2-9 years of employement- 2 months salary, from the last day of the month - more then 10 years of employement - 3 months, from the last day of the month |
- 0-1 year of employement - 1 month salary, from the last day of the month - 2-9 years of employement- 2 months salary, from the last day of the month - more then 10 years of employement - 3 months, from the last day of the month |
| Severance Pay | - | If employee is older then 50 years old and/or has 20 years of service - 2-8 months salaries | If employee is older then 50 years old and/or has 20 years of service - 2-8 months salaries |
Public Holiday
Zurich & Geneva: 9 days
Country Level
| Date | Name |
|---|---|
| 01 Jan | New Year's Day |
| 29 May | Ascension Day |
| 01 Aug | Swiss National Day |
| 21 Sep | Swiss Federal Fast |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day |
State/Province Level
Luzern
| Date | Name |
|---|---|
| 02 Jan | Berchtold Day |
| 06 Jan | Epiphany |
| 18 Apr | Good Friday |
| 21 Apr | Easter Monday |
| 09 Jun | Pentecost Monday |
| 19 Jun | Corpus Christi |
| 15 Aug | Assumption of Mary |
| 01 Nov | All Saint's Day |
| 08 Dec | Immaculate Conception |
Leave
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Leave |
4 weeks 5 weeks |
All staff over 20 years old All staff under 20 years old |
| Sick Leave | Up to 730 days within a 900 day cycle | All staff depending on seniority, the canton and collective agreements |
| Maternity Leave | 14 weeks | Staff insured under the OASI/AHV scheme for 9 months prior to birth |
| Paternity and Second Parent Leave | 2 weeks | Staff insured under the OASI/AHV scheme for 9 months prior to birth |
Reference
- https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Zurich
- https://www.ilo.org/ifpdial/information-resources/national-labour-law-profiles/WCMS_158921/lang--en/index.htm
- https://www.kmu.admin.ch/kmu/de/home/praktisches-wissen/personal/arbeitsrecht.html
- https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/de/home/Arbeit/Personenfreizugigkeit_Arbeitsbeziehungen/Arbeitsrecht/FAQ_zum_privaten_Arbeitsrecht/fristlose-kuendigung.html
- https://www.ch.ch/en/family-and-partnership/maternity-and-paternity/pregnancy-and-birth/maternity-and-paternity-leave/#length-of-paternitysecond-parent-leave-and-level-of-benefits
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Contact UsCountry Guide - Switzerland
Last updated: 24 Dec 2024
Exchange Rate
Currency (CHF)
- 1 CNY = 0.185 CHF
- 1 USD = 1.32 CHF
Other currencies can be retrieved via the country guide link above.
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To know the total employer cost for hiring a staff with certain salary, please go to our main site: https://marcopayroll.com
Cost of Living
Indicative value for a working adult in a city: Zurich
Publicly available data (Numbeo, etc..), verified by Marco’s in-country staff
| Living Requirement | Indicative Amount (CHF) |
|---|---|
| McDonalds Set Meal | 17 |
| Monthly Train and Bus Tickets | 87 |
| 3 Bedrooms Rental (City Center) | 4,123 |
| 3 Bedrooms Rental (Outskirt) | 3,100 |
Current Inflation Rate
0.7%
Wage
Minimum Wages
- There is no nationwide minimum wage in Switzerland, all different cantons sign individual agreements
Median Salary
Estimated based on general positions such as HR, Accounting, Admin roles, in tier one cities.
| Job Level | Monthly Salary (CHF) |
|---|---|
|
Entry-Level
Fresh Graduate
|
5,500 |
|
Mid-Level
5 Years
|
6,500 |
|
Experienced & Managerial Level
10 Years
|
>9,000 |
|
Specialized & Senior-Level
15 Years
|
>10,000 |
Annual Salary Growth
1.5%
Statutory Contribution
Country Level
| Type | Employer Rates | Employee Rates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age, Survivors Insurance (OASI) | 4.35% | 4.35% | All staff |
| Disability Insurance (DI) | 0.7% | 0.7% | All staff |
| Income Compensation Insurance (APG) | 0.25% | 0.25% | All staff |
| Unemployment Insurance | 1.1% | 1.1% | Maximum contribution base 148, 200 CHF |
| Occupational Accident Insurance | 0.17 % - 13.5% | - | Maximum contribution base 148, 200 CHF |
| Non-Occupational Accident Insurance | - | 1% - 4% | Maximum contribution base 148, 200 CHF |
| Family Compensation | 1%-3% | - | All staff |
| Occupational Pension Scheme | Depending on employer- specific pension plan | Depending on employer- specific pension plan | Begins on January 1 after staff turn 24 |
Other Benefit
Other common employment benefits in Switzerland include:
- Meal allowance: optional in the form of cheques -up to 180 CHF per month
- Private Medical Insurance: Mandatory for all Swiss citizens and residents, health insurance is commonly offered by employers
- 13th Salary
Not mandator but common practice
Income Tax
Residents
- 3 types of income tax in Switzerland: Municipal, Cantonal and Federal, each of the 26 Swiss cantons sets its own tax rates
Country Level
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 – 15,000 | 0% |
| 15,001 - 32,800 | 0.77% |
| 32,801 – 42,900 | 0.88% |
| 42,901 – 57,200 | 2.64% |
| 57,201 – 75,200 | 2.97% |
| 75,201 – 81,000 | 5.94% |
| 81,001 – 107,400 | 6.60% |
| 107,401 – 139,600 | 8.80% |
| 139,601 – 182,600 | 11% |
| 182,601 – 783,200 | 13.20% |
| Over 783,200 | 11.5% |
State/Province Level
Zurich
| Type | Employer Rates | Employee Rates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Geneva
| Type | Employer Rates | Employee Rates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Non-residents
- Depends on the double taxation agreement between countries. Typically, only income originating in Switzerland is taxed. The tax rate depends on income level and canton
-
A tax resident is an individual who meets one of following criteria:
- Stays in Switzerland with the intention to exercise gainful activities for a consecutive period of at least 30 days
- Stays in Switzerland with no intention to exercise gainful activities for a consecutive period of at least 90 days.
- Has their centre of life interests in Switzerland
Working Hours
Statutory
40 hours/ 45 hours
8/9 hours a day, 5/6 days a week
Typical practice
40 Hours
Monday – Saturday
Overtime
Maximum 170 hours per year (contract with 45 hours per week)
- 125% of the salary or additional time off
- Night work: 125% normal salary (23:00-06:00)
Employment Contract
Fixed-Term
Used for filling temporary positions for staff off sick, on maternity,
Probation
Not mandatory, typically 1 - 3 months depending on experience and level
| Voluntary Resignation | Involuntary Termination | Economic Layoff | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notice Period - Probation | - 7 calendar days | - 7 calendar days | - 7 calendar days |
| Notice Period - Regular | - 0-1 year of employement - 1 month salary, from the last day of the month - 2-9 years of employement- 2 months salary, from the last day of the month - more then 10 years of employement - 3 months, from the last day of the month |
- 0-1 year of employement - 1 month salary, from the last day of the month - 2-9 years of employement- 2 months salary, from the last day of the month - more then 10 years of employement - 3 months, from the last day of the month |
- 0-1 year of employement - 1 month salary, from the last day of the month - 2-9 years of employement- 2 months salary, from the last day of the month - more then 10 years of employement - 3 months, from the last day of the month |
| Severance Pay | - | - | - |
Permanent
Probation
1 - 3 months depending on experience and level
| Voluntary Resignation | Involuntary Termination | Economic Layoff | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notice Period - Probation | - 7 calendar days | - 7 calendar days | - 7 calendar days |
| Notice Period - Regular | - 0-1 year of employement - 1 month salary, from the last day of the month - 2-9 years of employement- 2 months salary, from the last day of the month - more then 10 years of employement - 3 months, from the last day of the month |
- 0-1 year of employement - 1 month salary, from the last day of the month - 2-9 years of employement- 2 months salary, from the last day of the month - more then 10 years of employement - 3 months, from the last day of the month |
- 0-1 year of employement - 1 month salary, from the last day of the month - 2-9 years of employement- 2 months salary, from the last day of the month - more then 10 years of employement - 3 months, from the last day of the month |
| Severance Pay | - | If employee is older then 50 years old and/or has 20 years of service - 2-8 months salaries | If employee is older then 50 years old and/or has 20 years of service - 2-8 months salaries |
Public Holiday
Zurich & Geneva: 9 days
2025
| Date | Name |
|---|---|
Leave
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Leave |
4 weeks 5 weeks |
All staff over 20 years old All staff under 20 years old |
| Sick Leave | Up to 730 days within a 900 day cycle | All staff depending on seniority, the canton and collective agreements |
| Maternity Leave | 14 weeks | Staff insured under the OASI/AHV scheme for 9 months prior to birth |
| Paternity and Second Parent Leave | 2 weeks | Staff insured under the OASI/AHV scheme for 9 months prior to birth |
Reference
- https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Zurich
- https://www.ilo.org/ifpdial/information-resources/national-labour-law-profiles/WCMS_158921/lang--en/index.htm
- https://www.kmu.admin.ch/kmu/de/home/praktisches-wissen/personal/arbeitsrecht.html
- https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/de/home/Arbeit/Personenfreizugigkeit_Arbeitsbeziehungen/Arbeitsrecht/FAQ_zum_privaten_Arbeitsrecht/fristlose-kuendigung.html
- https://www.ch.ch/en/family-and-partnership/maternity-and-paternity/pregnancy-and-birth/maternity-and-paternity-leave/#length-of-paternitysecond-parent-leave-and-level-of-benefits
Contact Info
-
Singapore (Headquarters)
8 Marina Boulevard, MBFC Tower 1, #11-01, Singapore, 018981
+65 6653 4334 -
China (Headquarters)
79 Jianguo Road, China Central Place Tower 2, #09-52, Beijing, 100025
+86 10 6580 0555 -
China (Service Center)
23 Dagong Street, Eton Place Tower 2, Unit 1808, Dalian, 116001
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United States
445 S Figueroa St, 31st Floor, Los Angeles, California, 90071
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United Kingdom
71 - 75 Shelton Street, London, England GB
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Netherlands
Vijzelstraat 68, 1017 HL, Amsterdam
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Australia
Level 22, Salesforce Tower, 180 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000