Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »
Switzerland has 9.1 million people and an employment rate well above the EU average: 82.4% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).
Unemployment has gone up a little – from 4.1% in 2022 to 4.9% in 2025 – but it is still below the EU average of 6.0%. Youth unemployment (15–24) is 8.8%, well below the EU rate of 15.2%.
Switzerland is not in the EU or the EEA, but a free movement agreement gives EU/EFTA citizens the right to live and work here. You still need a residence permit from the canton (or, for short jobs, a notification by your employer). The working language depends on the region: German (spoken by more than 60% of the population), French or Italian.
Croatian citizens: no quotas apply in 2026, and full free movement starts on 1 January 2027.
Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.
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