Working abroad

In nearly every country of the world, foreign nationals require a work permit to take up gainful employment. Work permits are usually granted only if prospective employees have a valid employment contract and employers can prove that they cannot find a local person to do the job (this is known as the priority principle). Usually, employers deal with the visa process, which must be completed before future employees enter the country. 

The Free Movement of Persons Agreement is valid in all European Union and EFTA member states. Under the agreement Swiss nationals are allowed to enter, stay and work in other member states without a work permit. On the EU website under "European Employment Services" (EURES), you will find information from the employment authorities (including the Swiss employment authorities) to promote the mobility of employees within the European Economic Area (EEA). 

Private employment agencies require a permit to operate in Switzerland. A list of authorised agencies is available on the website of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) under "Arbeitsvermittlung und Personalverleih". Agencies offering employment abroad are marked accordingly. They work on a commercial basis and their offers and services vary.

• Contacts
  Cultivate and utilise private and business connections (e.g. friends, relatives, acquaintances, subsidiary companies, clients, suppliers, etc.).
   
• Advertisements in print media
  Buy foreign newspapers (daily and weekly newspapers, specialised press).
   
  
• Internet
  Job search engines provide a platform for both job seekers and job providers. For example, use the Google web search with key words such as "job search engines" or more specifically "Toscana lavoro", "London Jobs", etc.
   
• Companies online
  Many companies publish vacancies on their websites. Sometimes you can also register as a prospective employee on the company website and will be contacted when a suitable vacancy arises.
   
• Chambers of commerce
  Various chambers of commerce publish their membership lists on the Internet. Ask local and regional chambers of commerce if you can publish an advertisement for employment in their medium of publication.
   
• Classified registers and directories.