Working in Switzerland: Top 10 Jobs in Demand and New Rules for Foreign Workers

The Swiss job market remains under pressure in 2025, despite some easing of the labor shortage, according to IamExpat.ch. A survey by Manpower Group reveals that 76% of Swiss employers still describe recruitment as “difficult” or “very difficult.”

To attract professionals, companies are increasingly offering higher salaries and flexible working conditions. Still, the Swiss Employers' Association warns that by 2035, the country could face a shortfall of 460,000 workers, particularly in technical and skilled trades.

Top 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in Switzerland (2021–2024 Growth)

Indeed and Blick analyzed roles with the highest job posting growth between 2021 and 2024, limited to professions with a median salary above CHF 80,000. Results show strong demand for both high-tech roles and skilled manual professions, indicating a broad-based talent shortage.

Most in-demand professions:
- Electrical engineer (+710%)
- Production plant engineer (+362%)
- Tax consultant (+88%)
- IT consultant
- Production planner
- Electrician
- Workshop manager
- Automation specialist
- ICT systems administrator
- HR management consultant

Interesting note: High demand doesn’t always mean high pay. For instance, electrical engineers earn CHF 92,500 annually (€99,000), whereas finance managers, despite fewer vacancies, earn a median salary of CHF 129,590 (€139,000).

Structural Shifts and Economic Priorities

Thomas Kaiser from Indeed Switzerland attributes the rise in job postings not only to labor shortages but also to structural changes in the economy, with energy and tech sectors gaining prominence due to digitization and the green transition.

Swiss authorities acknowledge that domestic labor supply won’t meet future demand. In response, they are adjusting laws to make employment easier for certain foreign workers.

Labor Market Reforms for Foreign Workers

In 2025, changes to the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (AIG), Asylum Act (AsylG), and Ordinance on Admission, Stay and Employment (VZAE) are being implemented to reduce barriers for:
- Holders of temporary protection (S status)
- Can now change cantons without separate approval
- Must register with employment services
- Graduates of Swiss institutions, including universities, vocational schools, and postdoctoral researchers
- Now benefit from broader employment access
- Must demonstrate scientific or economic value to Switzerland

Work Permit Quotas for 2025

Despite liberalization measures, Switzerland maintains strict control over non-EU/EFTA immigration.

In 2025, Switzerland introduced a quota of 8,500 work permits for third-country nationals:
- 4,500 B permits (long-term residence)
- 4,000 L permits (short-term work residence)

An additional 3,500 permits are allocated for UK nationals, post-Brexit:
- 2,100 B permits
- 1,400 L permits

Switzerland confirms 2025 quota for foreign skilled workers

Quotas Underutilized Despite Shortages

In 2023, only 78% of quotas were used; in 2024, that figure dropped to 63% (as of November). Reasons include:

Strict qualification requirements

Employers must prove no suitable candidates exist in Switzerland or the EU/EFTA before hiring a third-country national

Switzerland: An Attractive, Regulated Destination

Switzerland remains one of the world’s most attractive countries for relocation, thanks to:
- High wages
- Exceptional quality of life
- Strong social services and healthcare

Unlike many EU countries, Switzerland takes a proactive and controlled approach to migration. While liberalizing in key areas, it continues to tighten asylum policies and emphasize workforce integration.