Work & Taxes
Do you need a work permit or do you not know in which country you have to pay taxes? Are you looking for a job or would you like to do voluntary work? Here is an overview.
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Work
Residence and working conditions are regulated by federal law and vary according to many factors, including nationality, occupation, fixed quotas and priority principles. Each application is examined individually by the Swiss authorities, hence we cannot give you any specific information.
EU and EFTA citizens...
... benefit from the free movement of persons. They may stay in Switzerland for up to three months without a visa and look for a job during this time. However, they must register with their municipality within 14 days.
Nationals from third countries...
... require a work permit before taking up gainful employment in Switzerland (which in turn requires an employment contract). A job offer is no guarantee that a work permit will be issued. Work permits must be assessed by various Swiss authorities.
For persons with privileged status...
... are subject to special regulations, as they enjoy easier access to the labour market. Regardless of whether you wish to be employed or self-employed, whether you work for a Swiss company or a company abroad, the FDFA protocol must be informed of your activity. See also: Relocation & Arrival
Make sure your application documents are complete: letter of motivation, CV (incl. photo) and copies of all certificates and diplomas. References are usually also asked for during the interview.
Would you like to become self-employed? You can find further information on the SME portal of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.
Further information for persons with preferential status under Relocation & Arrival.
Are you thinking of setting up your company in the city or canton of Bern? The Bern Economic Development Agency will be happy to assist you.
Voluntary engagement
City of Bern: Social engagement
At festivals (Stadtfest, Buskers, etc.) and larger activities such as the Christmas market or film festivals, volunteers are always needed, some of whom are paid for their work. Further information can be found on the respective websites.
Taxes
Foreign nationals living in Switzerland...
... and have a residence permit (C permit) must declare their income and assets annually in a standard tax return. Depending on the work or residence permit (e.g. for weekly residents or cross-border commuters), taxes can be deducted directly from the salary (withholding tax). Taxes are levied by the Canton of Bern: Taxes
For persons with privileged status...
... special provisions apply. If you have any questions, please contact the FDFA Protocol (bilateral) or the Protocol Service of the Swiss Mission (multilateral). However, if you have a question about VAT, you may contact the FTA.
Good to know
In Switzerland, which is characterised by federalism, tax law is not regulated uniformly, but by the cantons. Accordingly, the regulations and tax rates vary. There is a municipal tax as well as a cantonal and federal tax.
Those institutions will be happy to help you with your questions:
City of Bern: Steuern
Canton of Bern: Tax administration
For persons without preferential status, the import of goods with a value of up to CHF 300 (as of 2025: CHF 150) into Switzerland is exempt from VAT. Swiss VAT must also be paid if the foreign VAT is not refunded.
Special regulations apply to persons with privileged status. The refund of Swiss VAT is handled by the Federal Tax Administration. The FDFA protocol is not responsible for this.
All persons resident in Switzerland, regardless of their nationality, must pay this fee for the public service.
Persons with privileged status are exempt from this fee.
Persons with privileged status must also pay the dog tax.
More about dog tax and registration in the database, see Relocation & Arrival
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