Pay and working conditions in European countries

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 »

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Switzerland

No national minimum wage. Five cantons have their own: Basel-Stadt, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel and Ticino. In Geneva it is CHF 24.59 an hour in 2026 (CHF 18.07 in agriculture and floriculture). Elsewhere, minimum pay may be set in a collective labour agreement (CLA/GAV) negotiated by unions and employers.
Pay level: the gross median wage was CHF 7,024 in 2024 – but the cost of living is also among the highest in the world.
Working time: the legal maximum is 45 hours a week in industry, offices, technical jobs and large retail stores, and 50 hours in other jobs.
Breaks and rest: at least 15 minutes if you work more than 5½ hours, 30 minutes for more than 7 hours and 1 hour for more than 9 hours. Between two working days you get at least 11 hours of rest.
Overtime is paid with a supplement of at least 25% or compensated with time off. A written contract can exclude pay for hours above your contract – but never for hours above the legal weekly maximum.
Holidays: at least 4 weeks of paid holiday a year, 5 weeks if you are under 20. At least two weeks must be taken in a row.
Contract: a written contract is recommended – ask for one.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

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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