How to quit your job in Switzerland

If you’re planning to leave Switzerland or relocate abroad, informing your employer is one of the most important steps to manage early. Whether you’re on a local or international contract, it’s worth doing this thoughtfully and in a timely manner. Here’s what to consider to make the process smoother.

Check your notice period

Before doing anything else, check your work contract or most recent HR documents to confirm your notice period. In Switzerland, the legal minimum is typically one month, but your contract might specify a longer timeframe. If you’re still in a probation period, the notice may be shorter. Make sure to give notice in writing. Some employers require a signed letter rather than an email.

To help you get started, I’ve prepared a resignation letter template in French.

Be clear and respectful in your resignation

Once you know the timeline, prepare your resignation. It’s generally best to inform your direct manager first, before sending formal notice to HR. Keep your explanation simple and professional. You can say that you are relocating or returning home for personal or family reasons. You’re not required to go into detail unless you feel comfortable doing so.

International organizations follow different rules

If you work for an international organisation in Switzerland, your employment conditions are not subject to Swiss labor law. Instead, they are based on the organization’s internal rules and regulations. These can vary widely and may include different procedures for resignation, leave balances, final salary, and benefits. Always refer to your staff regulations or HR department for guidance.

Discuss transition plans early

Offering to support a smooth handover is appreciated and helps maintain a good relationship with your employer. Try to clarify what can realistically be completed before your departure and ask if written handover notes or training a replacement would be helpful.

Use or plan your vacation days

Swiss law requires employees to take their remaining vacation before leaving. Typically, your employer will schedule any unused days during the notice period. If that’s not possible, the remaining balance is paid out with your final salary. It’s worth checking early with HR to plan accordingly.

Request your work certificate

Swiss employers must issue a certificat de travail at the end of your contract. This document confirms your employment period, role, and includes a professional evaluation. If you’d like to review it before your departure, you can also request an interim version. Always read it carefully and don’t hesitate to ask for corrections if needed.

Unemployment contributions and resignation

If you contributed to unemployment insurance, known as AC or ALV, it’s important to know that you cannot recover these contributions when leaving Switzerland. That’s because it is an insurance scheme, not a savings plan. If you resign and remain in Switzerland, you may face financial penalties when applying for unemployment benefits. The unemployment office usually applies a penalty in the form of a waiting period (jours de suspension) before payments begin. This penalty is added to the standard waiting period based on your insured salary (your average gross salary during your last 6 months of employment in Switzerland). For example, if your insured salary exceeds 5’000 CHF per month, you already have a 10-working-day waiting period (approx. half of a month). If a penalty is applied, your actual waiting time before receiving any payments could be significantly longer.

Return all employer property

As part of your departure, you’ll likely be asked to return any company equipment such as your laptop, phone, or badge. If you live in company-provided housing or have other employer-linked benefits, make sure to clarify the exit process well in advance of your last day.

Final salary and adjustments

Your final salary may include unused vacation, a pro-rated 13th salary if applicable, or other adjustments. Deductions for social security and taxes will still apply. Ask HR in advance for a breakdown so that you understand what to expect.

If your residence permit is linked to your job

If your Swiss residence permit is tied to your employment, for example a permis B issued based on a local contract, your right to stay in Switzerland ends shortly after your job does. In most cases, once your employment ends, you have a short grace period to leave the country. This timeframe varies depending on the canton and your permit type, but it is often around one to three months.

If you’re relocating or returning home, you’ll need to formally de-register from your commune, return your permit, and settle any final administrative steps. If you intend to stay in Switzerland for other reasons, such as family reunification, studying, or looking for work, it’s essential to contact the Office cantonal de la population as early as possible to understand your options.