How to relocate to Switzerland (Non-EU devs guide)
Spoiler: it's hard
On paper, Switzerland seems awesome:
Then, we realise that what is awesome is actually big tech, which is not just good in Switzerland but basically everywhere:
In Switzerland, most big techs are in Zurich, and Zurich is one of the hardest city to get a big tech job in Europe:
Outside of big tech Switzerland can still be good for some people, but it’s not Eldorado.
Here’s some more pointers to previous articles on the topic:
Ok, let’s say you still want a tech job in Switzerland
If you’re not an EU citizen:
Swiss work permits for non-EU hires are rare, local companies almost never sponsor.
Big Tech (Google, Meta, NVIDIA, Apple, etc.) are the few that handle visas.
Paths that do work:
1️⃣ Study → Intern → Hire
MSc / PhD at ETH Zürich or EPFL → internship → full-time offer → permit.
A Swiss degree helps but isn’t a guarantee.
2️⃣ Internal transfer
Join a global tech firm elsewhere, then ask to relocate to its Swiss office.
Easiest legal route – HR already knows the process.
If you have an EU passport:
It’s much easier, but you still need a job offer before you can register and get a B-permit.
Reality checks:
↳ Junior offers can look huge (€80-100k) until you price Swiss cost of living
↳ Market is small and slow – 1 year to land the right role isn’t unusual.
Plan B for non-EU citizens:
Germany, Austria, the Netherlands = larger markets + easier visas. You can always pivot to CH later.
Check out this other guide for a broader explanation on moving to Europe to work in tech.
Need sponsor-ready roles? I track every Big-Tech & six-figure opening in Europe on EuroTopTechJobs.com – check the Switzerland filter.
If you want a big tech job in Europe, I’d rather look at these other locations:
Full data on Euro Tech Money
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