El contrato de trabajo suizo
Entender las cláusulas, la negociación y tus derechos antes de firmar tu contrato en Suiza.
El contrato de trabajo suizo está regulado por los artículos 319 a 362 del Código de Obligaciones (CO). Aunque la ley suiza permite un contrato oral, casi todos los empleadores proporcionan un contrato escrito. Como expatriado, es esencial entender cada cláusula antes de firmar, ya que algunas prácticas difieren significativamente de las de tu país de origen.
Types of contracts
Permanent contract (CDI)
The CDI is the standard in Switzerland. It has no end date and offers the greatest stability. It can be terminated by either party while respecting the legal or contractual notice periods.
Fixed-term contract (CDD)
The fixed-term contract ends automatically on the agreed date. It does not require termination and does not provide for a notice period, unless otherwise stipulated. Please note: a fixed-term contract cannot be terminated before its end except for good reason.
Temporary work (temp)
You are employed by a placement agency (Adecco, Randstad, etc.) and made available to a client company. The duration is variable and you benefit from the same minimum conditions as the company's permanent employees.
Internship
The internship is a full-fledged employment contract with a training objective. It is paid (generally CHF 2,000 to CHF 3,500 per month) and typically lasts 6 to 12 months.
Essential clauses of the contract
Your contract must mention at least the following elements. Check each point carefully before signing.
- • Identity of the parties (employer and employee)
- • Start date and duration (CDI or CDD)
- • Function and job description
- • Workplace (important for cross-border workers and teleworking)
- • Activity rate (full time = 100%, part time in %)
- • Annual or monthly gross salary, paid in 12 or 13 monthly installments
- • Length of trial period
- • Weekly working hours
- • Number of vacation days
- • Pension fund (LPP) and loss of earnings sickness insurance
- • Collective labor agreement (CCT) applicable, if applicable
The 13th month and bonuses
The 13th month is not obligatory in Switzerland, unless a CCT provides for it. However, it is extremely common — about 80% of employers pay it. Check if the announced salary is expressed over 12 or 13 months.
Bonuses and bonuses are in principle discretionary (the employer can eliminate them from one year to the next), unless they are contractually guaranteed or paid in a regular and significant manner, in which case they can become an acquired right.
Trial period
The legal trial period is one month. It can be extended to a maximum of 3 months by written agreement, which is the norm in most contracts. During this period, the cancellation period is 7 days. The trial period is suspended in the event of illness, accident or pregnancy.
Non-competition clause
A non-competition clause must be written, limited geographically and in time (maximum 3 years), and can only cover the specific activity of the employer. It is only valid if the employee has access to customers or business secrets. Important: in Switzerland, unlike France, there is no legal obligation for financial compensation for the non-competition clause.
Negotiation points for expats
As an expat, several elements of your contract can and should be negotiated beyond the base salary.
| Item | Standard | Negotiable |
|---|---|---|
| Annual gross salary | Depending on position and experience | Benchmark on lohnrechner.ch |
| Vacation days | 20-25 days | Up to 30 days for executives |
| Telework | 0-2 days/week | Up to 3-4 days, include in contract |
| Relocation package | Rarely offered spontaneously | Moving, temporary housing, scouting trip |
| Language training | Non-standard | Employer-funded language courses |
| 13th month | Yes in 80% of cases | Check if included in the advertised salary |
| Bonuses | Varies depending on the sector | Clarify the criteria and target amount |
Servicios relacionados
Guías útiles
Preguntas frecuentes
¿Es válido un contrato de trabajo oral en Suiza?
¿Es obligatorio el 13.º mes?
¿Puede el empleador despedirme durante el período de prueba?
¿Listo para empezar tu nueva vida en Suiza?
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