SpitalMatch
Visa & Legal Requirements

Costs of Entry

For international medical professionals seeking employment or practical experience in Switzerland, the path to entry involves mandatory legal and financial requirements, including the critical costs associated with professional licensing and securing legal residency. These costs typically fall to the applicant and must be factored into the overall expense of relocating to Switzerland.

The Expense of MEBEKO Recognition

All foreign medical professionals who completed their training abroad must apply for recognition of their diploma through the Medical Professions Commission (MEBEKO), the competent authority for professional practice permits in Switzerland.

The recognition process is associated with specific fees. The cost for MEBEKO diploma recognition generally ranges from approximately CHF 800 to CHF 1,500. This expense covers administrative fees, processing costs, and the costs associated with any required additional examinations or adaptation training.

The length of the process can vary, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents and the individual review, often taking several months, typically estimated at 6 to 9 months, or longer in peak periods.

Fees and Deductions for Residence Permits

Individuals planning to stay in Switzerland for longer than three months are required to register with the local residents’ registration office and obtain a residence permit.

For non-Swiss nationals, particularly those from third countries, the application for work and residence permits is handled by the Human Resources Management (HRM) of the employing institution. Employment can only begin once a valid permit has been secured.

The fees for the required registration and the residence permit are generally borne by the employee. These costs are documented to be approximately CHF 90.00. For sub-assistants at certain institutions, the costs for the residence permit are explicitly stated as being deducted from the salary in the first month.

Mandatory Insurance and Tax Deductions

In addition to licensing and residency fees, prospective medical employees must account for mandatory deductions and insurance costs that impact their net salary.

Social Security and Tax

Contributions for social insurances are deducted directly from the gross salary. For sub-assistants, these deductions typically include:

  • Old-Age and Survivors’ Insurance (AHV): Registration with the Swiss social insurance (AHV) is obligatory. Contributions are required, with costs split between the employee and employer. For instance, the AHV deduction rate at the Universitätsspital Zürich (USZ) is 5.3%.
  • Unemployment Insurance (ALV): The rate is 1.1% at the USZ.
  • Accident Insurance: Employees are obligatorily insured against occupational (BU) and non-occupational (NBU) accidents via the employer. The premiums for non-occupational accident insurance are generally paid by the employee.
  • Operational Liability: Sub-assistants are covered by operational liability insurance during working hours.

Withholding Tax (Quellensteuer): Non-Swiss citizens are typically subject to withholding tax (Quellensteuer). This tax is deducted from the gross salary, and the registration for the withholding tax is handled by the employer, though the employee must provide a Swiss address once known.

Health Insurance Obligation

The obligation to secure sufficient insurance against illness is mandatory and remains the responsibility of the sub-assistant.

Foreign sub-assistants are generally not required to take out insurance with a Swiss health insurance company, but they must provide proof of valid health insurance coverage for Switzerland. This is a critical personal expense, estimated to be around CHF 300 to CHF 600 per month.