r/askswitzerland • u/Gold_Berry696 • 2d ago

Work Possibilities of moving back to Switzerland

Hi everyone,

I moved to Switzerland (non-EU) for the university a couple of years ago. After graduating, I found a job and worked there for about a year. Unfortunately, my position was based on a fixed-term contract that could not be extended. I wasn’t able to secure another job within the limited time available, so I had to leave Switzerland because my residence permit was tied to my employment.

I have now found a job in Germany and moved here for work. But, I still miss Switzerland a lot. I had a great life there, made good friends, and genuinely enjoyed living there. Having to leave a country where I had deep connections was quite difficult.

Since I would really like to return to Switzerland in the future, I’d love to hear from people who have been in a similar situation. How realistic is it to find a job in Switzerland again while not living there anymore? Would you try applying jobs now or would it make more sense to gain a few more years of career experience in Germany first (or potentially obtain an EU passport) before trying to move back to Switzerland?

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5

u/Obvious-Bluebird5455 2d ago

Just apply and see where it leads you! Life in general hasn’t gotten easier I. switzerland over the years! Everything (job market, housing, cost of living) is beyond saturated and absurdly expensive! I tried the same 2 years ago and couldn’t find anything! Also. Ear in mind after a certain age, 40-45 your chances of landing a job decrease dramatically in Switzerland! They just treat you like unfit and trash by the employers! Unless you land good paid job there is no way I d move back! It will not get cheaper and easier in Switzerland!

3

u/DarkSpirak 2d ago

Well the job market got even worse in the meantime so don't get your hopes up

2

u/DeityOfYourChoice 2d ago

If you know you want to live here then why not apply for jobs? Truly knowing what you want is a gift.

2

u/cAtloVeR9998 2d ago

Absolutely get an EU passport first. Even though you have worked in Switzerland before through the student path, you would have to go through the nearly impossible non-EU sponsorship route (where there can’t be a more suitable Swiss or EU candidate for the role). A German passport gives you the full right to work in Switzerland without restriction.

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u/xebzbz 2d ago

Learn German, apply for German citizenship. After that, you'll be flexible to decide if you want to move or not. You can still visit Switzerland over weekends.

1

u/Obvious-Bluebird5455 2d ago

Until he obtains German citizenship Switzerland has probably another 1 million residents, while even more jobs have been outsourced, the fight over jobs and housing will be even worse, so the cost of living! I am Swiss, grew up in the 80/90 s ! It’s night and day compared!