TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
WHO WE ARE?
The parent business, SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL OÜ, located in Estonia, assumes full legal responsibility for its subsidiary, SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL GmbH. The primary location of our organization is situated at Navar Mountain 5, Central City, Tallinn, Harju County, inside the region of Eastland. The postal code associated with this address is 10117.
We are able to provide comprehensive support and guidance pertaining to various legal inquiries and challenges. Consequently, one obtains proficient assistance and successfully acquaints oneself with the legal intricacies of Switzerland and Estonia.
Our company has established offices in other locations, including Estonia, Zurich, Spain, and the Dominican Republic. Our services are conveniently accessible at multiple locations, and we possess the expertise to offer proficient support in various legal domains.
SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL is a legal consulting company with a focus on legal aid and guidance. The legal counsel is mostly based on Zurich, Switzerland’s administrative law. Our areas of expertise include Swiss immigration law, legal counsel, employment law, real estate law, debt restructuring, legal counsel in family law (separation and divorce), criminal law, public international law, private law, European law, and business formation.
None of the aforementioned or other fraudulent activities mentioned above involve SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL. Please be aware that we do not conduct aggressive promotional operations via personal or Internet email addresses like gmail.com, hotmail.com, or yahoo.com. Additionally, we don’t often transact business via text or instant messages. The unlawful actions of third parties who use SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL’s name improperly are not the responsibility of SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL, its paralegals, or its staff. Please get in touch with our legal team at the telephone or email address provided on this website if you have any questions or notice any suspicious communications about SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL.
TERMS OF USE:
SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL (LLC) is a legal services organization situated in Switzerland that collaborates with professional partners and founding members (Member Firms) based in Zurich. Its primary objective is to provide legal counsel and other professional services to its clientele. The member firms are structured and governed in alignment with pertinent local, legal, and regulatory prerequisites. The designation SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL is used only for descriptive reasons and should not be construed as indicating any kind of affiliation or membership within a limited liability corporation among the constituent businesses. The delineation of responsibility for services provided to customers is established within the engagement letters exchanged between the member and the client. As per the language often used in professional services organizations, the designations “partner” or “director” pertain to a person who holds the position of partner, director, or an equivalent one inside a member company. Similarly, the word “firm” encompasses any participating member firm within the organization. The website SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL, which is managed by the law consulting firm or any of its member firms, serves only as a source of information. The content found on the SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL website does not aim to establish a paralegal-client relationship or any other contractual arrangement, nor does it provide legal or professional advice on any topic.
The onus is on the reader to actively seek guidance from their own legal representative. It is strongly advised that individuals refrain from making any decisions or taking any actions solely based on the information provided on the website of SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL. Prior to making any such decisions or taking any actions, it is essential to get guidance from legal experts or relevant professionals. SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL and its member firms cannot be held liable for any losses or damages arising from the use or reliance on the content provided on the SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL website. Additionally, they disavow all liability for any actions or omissions taken by clients or readers as a result of the data presented on the SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL website(s). For any inquiries about the content of SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL, please reach out to Juan Fabián, the Chief Executive Officer. The website of SWISS LAW has the potential to have hyperlinks leading to other websites, while these external websites may also include hyperlinks directing back to SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL. SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the content or functioning of such websites and do not accept any obligation pertaining to the content and functioning of such external websites. It is possible that some material found on the SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL website may be considered promotional content for a legal professional, in accordance with the regulations set out by the relevant bar organization. If deemed relevant, the following assertion is formulated in line with the aforementioned regulations: This communication serves as a kind of paralegal advertising. Past decisions may not always ensure a comparable outcome. Furthermore, it is advised to reach out to the area regulatory body for further details on member businesses, in addition to the aforementioned legal notice.
FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION AND BUGLARY
SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL is obligated to adhere to a diverse range of anti-bribery and anti-corruption legislation across several jurisdictions. Specifically, but not only, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Anti-Bribery Act. The firm, together with its lawyers, legal insurance employees, and customers, as well as its service suppliers, are subject to a range of duties in accordance with anti-corruption and anti-bribery legislation. We adhere to these responsibilities and provide guidance to our customers about the implementation of their commitments. Our organization has implemented comprehensive policies, training programs, and operational protocols to effectively enforce anti-bribery and corruption legislation on a global scale. Please peruse our Code of Conduct.
E-MAIL LEGAL NOTICE
Please be advised that if you have received an email from SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL, the contents of the email message and any accompanying files are intended only for the addressee and may include information that is proprietary and private. As a result, anyone reading this message is not the intended recipient or an authorized employee or representative responsible for sending this message to the intended recipient. This person is also warned that changing, sharing, duplicating, or using this message or its attachments in any other way is strictly forbidden. In the event that you have inadvertently received a message, it is imperative to promptly inform the intended receiver by responding to the message and then removing it from your computer system. Please be aware that we do automated analysis of all incoming emails, both internally and via an external service provider, in order to filter out unwanted commercial emails, also known as spam. There is a possibility that a valid email might be erroneously discarded prior to being reviewed by the intended recipient inside our organization. Please inform us if this automated filter is causing any inconvenience.
THIS COMMUNICATION AIMS TO PROVIDE AN OVERVIEW OF FRAUDULENT ELECTRONIC MAILS AND TELEPHONE CALLS PERTAINING TO SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL.
SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL is well recognized as a prominent law practice and consulting firm in Southern Europe and globally, with a substantial workforce including several legal professionals and staff members hailing from diverse nations. Regrettably, the dimensions and standing of our organization sometimes draw the attention of unscrupulous persons who deceitfully claim affiliation with SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL and/or use our firm’s identity to perpetrate unjust activities against unsuspecting individuals. The Internet is rife with instances of fraud and other security dangers. Consequently, it is strongly advised that individuals undertake measures to safeguard their personal well-being and the confidentiality of their data. It is our normal procedure to report this kind of wrongdoing to the police, but the nature and scope of these frauds make it impossible for our company to completely stop the illegal use of the SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL brand and the identities of our lawyers. Several incorrect comments have been made recently about SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL. There have been instances where individuals have fraudulently represented themselves as staff members of SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL, with the intention of either offering employment opportunities or soliciting personal information and application fees through email. These fraudulent activities often involve conducting “online interviews” through platforms like Google Hangouts or even telephone interviews. Additionally, these individuals may falsely claim to be associated with a company that utilizes SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL as a legal reference or contact for similar purposes. There have been instances when individuals have engaged in fraudulent activities by fraudulently representing themselves as employees of SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL. These individuals have been found to send fabricated invoices, accompanied by fraudulent bank transfer instructions, with the intention of deceiving recipients into making payments. There have been instances when some individuals have been found to fraudulently impersonate lawyers affiliated with SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL. These individuals have been seen engaging in collection activities targeting customers, including coercive tactics such as issuing threats to halt or impede payments until urgent cash are delivered. There have been instances when some individuals have been found to assume fraudulent identities as legal professionals affiliated with SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL. These individuals have been known to engage in deceptive practices, such as soliciting immediate monetary transfers for the purported benefit of a family member who has encountered an automobile accident or other unforeseen disaster. Furthermore, the individual in question has been seen to dispatch alleged notifications to judicial bodies, demanding prompt action. The enumeration provided above is not an exhaustive compilation of fraudulent activities, since perpetrators always devise novel strategies. The website experienced a security breach that allowed organized criminal groups to manipulate some pages and insert text without authorization, including the phrases “We are a law firm” and “We are lawyers.” Following that, they planned to start legal proceedings against our party, bringing up the textual evidence they had written to make us look guilty. The acquittal by the prosecutor’s office was granted on the grounds that we cannot be held accountable for the material shown on our website. This vulnerability arises due to the susceptibility of these systems to unauthorized manipulation by malicious actors, such as hackers or criminals.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
In order to report instances of probable fraud involving email, telephone numbers, or other related matters, it is recommended that individuals seek assistance from law enforcement agencies or the appropriate local administrative authorities. At the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), both individuals and businesses in the United States have the option of reporting cybercrime, fraud, and related offenses. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Complaint Website serves as a platform for reporting incidents of identity theft, fraud, swindling perpetrated by con artists, as well as claims involving counterfeit money, among other matters. A range of information resources pertaining to cybercrime may be accessed inside the European Union via the European Police Authority (Europol). On Guard Online further offers guidance on safeguarding oneself from and reporting potential instances of online fraud, as well as providing connections to other governmental websites. If someone gets an email or threatening phone call claiming to be from SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL offering a job or asking for money or personal information, they should get in touch with that company.
- Please ensure that any communication with this individual is conducted only via the contact information given on our official website, www.swisslaw.ch. Kindly refrain from using alternative email addresses, phone numbers, or text messages for communication purposes. In the event that the sender employs an email address that does not originate from SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL or asserts that their SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL account is experiencing difficulties, it is imperative that you firmly emphasize the need of only engaging in communication with the sender via the contact details furnished on our official website.
- It is advisable to undertake the process of account verification, which may include various methods such as telephone verification, in order to establish the authenticity of the caller’s identification. One effective approach might be to communicate with the firm’s principal attorney to confirm the validity of the caller.
- It is advised not to provide monetary funds to anyone making phone calls or sending emails.
- It is advised to refrain from disclosing personal or financial information, such as bank account details or credit card numbers, to the sender of an email or the caller.
- It is advisable to promptly report the fake electronic mail and contact the police or other relevant authorities.
Furthermore, it is advisable to take some measures when encountering a potentially fraudulent email that is either directly associated with or seems to be associated with our organization. For instance, if you get an email from a “spoofed” SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL email address that does not conclude with the designated “SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL E-MAIL DOMAIN,” we suggest implementing the following guidelines: It is advised to refrain from accessing or interacting with any hyperlinks included inside the electronic letter.
- It is advised to refrain from accessing or downloading any attachments included in the email.
- It is advised to refrain from responding to the email or disclosing any personal or sensitive data.
- It is advised not to remit any funds in response to the electronic letter.
- In the event that it is deemed required, it is advisable to forward the potentially dubious electronic mail to the information technology (IT) department of your organization and request their assessment of the message’s authenticity.
- Please permanently remove the message from your email account.
In the event that you have inquiries about the security of your computer or have suspicions regarding potential compromises to its security, we strongly advise reaching out to the support team at your institution’s information technology department, the manufacturer of your computer, or your Internet service provider. SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL disclaims any involvement in the aforementioned or any other fraudulent activities. It should be noted that our organization refrains from participating in assertive commercial endeavors via Internet email platforms such as gmail.com, hotmail.com, yahoo.com, or personal accounts. In a broader context, it is not customary to conduct commercial operations using text messaging or instant messaging platforms. SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL and its legal practitioners and personnel disclaim all liability for the illicit actions committed by any external party who misappropriates the organization’s identity. In the event that you possess any apprehensions or encounter dubious communications pertaining to SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL, we kindly request that you reach out to our general counsel using the telephone number or electronic mail address provided on this website.
COPYRIGHT AND REPRODUCTION
The 2023-founded SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL owns the intellectual property rights to this document, which is copyright protected. The phrase “All rights reserved” is often used to indicate that the copyright holder retains exclusive rights to the work and that any unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. International copyright treaties protect the content on the website SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL. Reproducing a lot of the website’s content is okay as long as (I) the copies are public and not for profit; (II) credit is given to SWISS LAW INTERNATIONAL; (III) the copies are not changed or shown in a way that misrepresents any part of the website’s content; and (IV) the website’s administrators are told about the reproductions. The authorization to create reverse copies does not extend to incorporating a significant section of the website into any work or publication, regardless of the medium (print, electronic, etc.), or for commercial intentions.
OUR LEGAL KNOWLEDGE IS WELL-FOUNDED
OUR LEGAL KNOWLEDGE IS WELL-FOUNDED
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Knowing the rights of tenants in Switzerland
In Switzerland, two out of three people live for rent. The legislation and the lease contract regulate the conditions of said rental, but who knows all your rights and obligations? On this occasion from the Sentence blog we will talk a little about this.
Knowing the protagonists of this process.
In the process of renting a home, the following figures arise:
The landlord: is the owner of the home. He does not live in it, but makes it available to a third party.
The lessee: he does not buy the house, but leases it for a certain time and pays a rent to the landlord, which is usually once a month.
Farm Administrator: Many landlords use the services of a farm administrator, so that he regulates on his behalf all matters related to the tenants. In this case, the contact person for the tenants is the property manager.
Concierge: In the case of large buildings, a concierge deals with tenant problems, makes small repairs and is responsible for security and maintenance.
Real Estate Cooperatives: Especially in urban areas, many homes are owned by so-called real estate cooperatives. As a general rule, tenants are members of the cooperative. They have the right to voice and enjoy special privileges and obligations.
Rent a home.
How to make the request?
If you are interested in a particular home, the first thing you should do is fill out an application form, which will indicate data such as your age, marital status, profession, number of children, nationality, the company you work for, the salary and if you own pets.
In order to prove that you are in a position to pay the rent, an Auszug aus dem Betreibungsregister / extrait du Registre des poursuites / stratto dell’Ufficio delle Esecuzioni e Fallimenti registry will be required. This document can be requested at the local collection office.
The lease.
In general, all rental housing includes the signing of a lease agreement between leased and lessee.
With this document, both parties agree to comply with the provisions of the contract.
It is important that you are sure that you have understood all the points contained in the contract and clarify any doubts before signing it.
In most cases, the lease also includes the general conditions of the contract (Allgemeinen Bedingungen / General Conditions / General Conditions of Contract) and the rules of the house (Hausordnung / Règlement d’immeuble / house regulation).
In some cantons (for example Nidwalden, Zug, Zurich, Freiburg, Neuchatel, Geneva and Vaud), the landlord must add to the contract a form informing the tenant of how to defend against an excessively expensive initial rental.
Pay a deposit.
It is normal for the lessee to pay in advance a certain amount called a deposit (or bond). The maximum amount of this deposit must be for the value of 3 months of rent; and it is deposited in a special bank account (Mietkautionskonto / Compte de guarantee de loyer / conto deposito di garanzia), whose owner is the lessee.
The deposit works as insurance for the landlord. At the end of the lease, the deposit and the interest generated are returned to the lessee.
In the case of real estate cooperatives, in general the lessee must not pay a deposit, but rather a fee to be a member of the cooperative. This amount can be much greater than three months of rent.
Transfer to rented housing.
You as a lessee have the right to move to a clean and in good condition. Before you move, you must complete the home delivery process.
You have the right to inspect the housing together with the landlord and to record in writing in a protocol any possible damages, deficiencies, and even minor damages.
It is important to mention that if at the time of renting the house you agree to keep objects or floor coverings of the previous tenant; In some cases, you will have to bear the cost of disposal when you leave the house.
About the rent payment and additional costs.
As a general rule, the rental payment must be made monthly and in advance. In most cases, you will also need to pay additional costs, for example for heating, hot water or cable TV.
It is important to mention that the landlord can bill these additional costs in different ways. If akonto / acompte / acconto is charged (that is, in advance), the landlord must submit a detailed settlement at least once a year. It could happen that you have to pay a supplement, but it is also possible that a certain amount may be returned. In any case, we suggest that the invoice corresponding to the additional costs always study it carefully.
If at any time the landlord decides to raise the rent (for example after reforms or when the mortgage interest rises (Hypothekarzins / taux hypothécaires / tassi ipotecari), it must be notified through an official form.
If you believe that the rent increase is unjustified, you may file a complaint with the arbitration authority within 30 days.
There are reasons why the lessee can ask the landlord for a reduction in rent, for example in the event of a drop in Hypothekarzinsen / taux hypothécaires / tassi ipotecari.
Some homes have been built with state aid and special rules apply to raise the rent.
About Housing Maintenance.
Over the years, all homes suffer some wear. It is important that you try to carefully treat the equipment of the house, the house itself and the building. In case of problems with the appliances or facilities (washer, dryer, fans, heating, etc.), it is best to contact the concierge or landlord.
If you want to make some modification to the house, for example painting the walls, modifying the doors, etc. It is important that you ask the landlord for authorization.
It is also your obligation to inform the landlord in case they are going to live more tenants in the house.
In case of breaks. In severe cases you should always notify the concierge or landlord immediately. If the landlord does not react, you can notify the damage again in writing and preferably by certified mail.
Small repairs or cleaning are usually your responsibility, for example the replacement of the kitchen hood filter, the oven tray or the shower hose.
Similarly, if you cause a damage, you must assume at least a part of the costs. If you are not responsible for the damage, the repair will be the responsibility of the lessor. If during the repair or maintenance work a part of the house could not be used, you can ask the landlord for a rent reduction.
Conflicts between the lessor and lessee.
In case of facing conflicts in which they fail to reach an agreement, a neutral institution can help them resolve them.
Each canton has a corresponding arbitration authority.
In the case of having an economic problem, it is best to contact the landlord and the social services of the municipality, otherwise the landlord could terminate the contract after the first notice and take it out of the house in a short term, If the rent has not been paid or has been late.
Rescind the lease.
The lease may be terminated by both the lessee and the lessor.
The terms and deadlines for termination are stated in the contract.
If you decide to terminate the contract, you must do so in writing and preferably by registered mail.
The spouses have the same rights, that is, the termination of the contract is only valid when it has been signed by both spouses. If you wish to deliver the home before the stipulated period, you can propose to the landlord a new tenant who agrees to assume the lease.
The landlord will have an approximate period of one month to check if the new tenant is qualified to comply with the lease and pay the rent. If not, the lessee must continue paying the rent for the term stipulated in the contract.
If the landlord wants to terminate the contract, he must use an official form. If the tenants are a marriage, you must send a form to each of the spouses in two different envelopes.
In special cases, for example when the rent has not been paid, the lessor may terminate the contract in a short time. Who receives a termination of the contract, has a period of 30 days to appeal to the corresponding arbitration authority.
Housing change
If you have thought about leaving the house, it is your obligation to leave it clean. If you have doubts about the objects that you should replace when you leave the house, it is best to contact the concierge or landlord on time.
The landlord must inspect the house with you and will record in writing the damage to the protocol. Together they will agree who assumes what repairs.
And as always it is important that you are sure that you have understood each of the points, since with your signature you certify that you agree and assume the possible costs.
We hope this article has been useful to you and remember that if you face any legal conflict or need advice on your rights as a tenant, we can help you in Judgment. Contact us for more information.
Curiosities: Some information you should know about languages in Switzerland
Did you know that in Switzerland the Federal Constitution recognizes as official 4 national languages? These are German, French, Italian and Romansh.
In Switzerland, multilingualism is a very characteristic aspect of its identity. In fact, 4 out of 10 adults often speak more than one language.
Also, in addition to national languages, other languages such as English or Portuguese, Spanish, Serbian, Croatian and Albanian, are also widely spoken.
Of the 26 cantons that make up Switzerland, four have more than one official language:
Bern: German and French.
Freiburg: French and German.
The Valais: French and German.
The Grisons: German, Romanche and Italian.
Also in Switzerland there are 2 bilingual cities: Biel and Freiburg; in both they speak German and French.
At the federal level, the official languages are German, French and Italian; while the romanche is more used in the correspondence of the Confederation with people of Romanesque speech. Likewise, all those official publications of the State such as laws, reports, web pages, brochures and inscriptions in buildings, must be written at the same time in German, French and Italian.
Swiss German
It is the most popular language in Switzerland, with 64.9% of the population being the mother tongue. German-Swiss is a mixture of Germanic dialects, which are the common language in all areas and social strata.
There are important dialect differences between the different regions; as well as numerous dialect subgroups within the large linguistic regions; However, everyone understands without problems.
French
French is the first language for 22.6% of the Swiss; and it is in French-speaking Switzerland where French is the official language. Although in each region they have their special accents, Swiss French does not differ from standard French.
In some valleys valleys, in the Jurá and in the canton of Friborg the Franco-Provencal dialects (patois) still persist, although mostly they are only spoken by older adults.
Italian
In the case of Italian, this is the first language for 8.3% of the Swiss; being the official language in Ticino and in the southern valleys of Grisons. Lombard dialects are still quite widespread.
Romanche
Finally, romanche is the first language for just 0.5% of the Swiss population; being practiced in certain areas of Grisons. There are five different dialects: Sursilvan, Sutsilvan, Surmiran, Puter and Vallader.
The promotion of multilingualism is an exclusive competence of the Federal Office of Culture. In addition, the Law on Languages regulates the use of the official languages of the Confederation, promotes multilingualism in the administration, helps multilingual cantons and is responsible for the promotion of Romansh and the Italian language and their cultures.
Residence Registration: How to register your address in Switzerland?
Did you know that once installed in Switzerland, you have 8 days to register with the Gemeinde / commune city hall in your area, regardless of whether you are temporarily staying in a hotel?
Residence registration is a mandatory process for anyone living in Switzerland, including foreigners and Swiss citizens.
This registration process takes place at the local city hall office (Gemeindehaus / maison communale) if you are in the field; or at your area office (Kreisbüro / bureau d’arrondissement) if you are in the city. In the case of large cities, they usually have a special residence registration department (Einwohnerkontrolle / contrôle d’habitants).
It is important to mention that the registration process is essential that it be done before you start working. Once you carry out this procedure, the city council will send your documentation to the canton authorities, and they will process your application and, if necessary, send you your residence permit.
What documents do you need to register for residence in Switzerland?
In order to register for residence in Switzerland, you must submit the following documents:
Identification document. You must present both your identity document and that of all your family members who are accompanying you.
Personal documents. Here are documents of your marital status, marriage certificate, birth certificates, both your own and your family members, etc.
Health insurance policy.
Work contract.
In any case you are looking for work, the only thing that varies is the presentation of your employment contract; The rest of the documents are mandatory in any case.
We hope you find this information useful, and remember that in Switzerland the registration of residence is an important process especially because the collection of income tax is done at the place where you register. If you need information or help with your legal procedures do not forget that you can contact us.
Knowing the working conditions in Switzerland: Wages, Hours and Holidays
Switzerland compared to other countries in Europe, although it has the highest salaries, it also has one of the highest living costs.
In a large number of surveys, Swiss salaries (Gehalt, salaries), both for skilled and unskilled workers, are estimated to be 2 to 3 times higher than those of most European countries. In fact, according to the results obtained in a study carried out by UBS in the year 2000 worldwide, the cities of Zurich and Geneva, in addition to being the Swiss centers of economic development, are the cities with the highest gross pay for any type of profession.
On the other hand, a survey conducted in 2001 by the Federal Statistical Office on income and consumption showed that the average monthly income in a Swiss household for that period was CHF 8,797 (about € 5,700 at the current exchange rate); a figure that at first glance might seem huge, although it also includes total household income: salaries, pensions, interest, private income, assets, among others.
Although it could be said that if we rely on the average of all fields, since the 90’s salaries have experienced a slight increase, in the end, salary levels vary greatly according to the sector; and in this sense, it is in the area of Finance and Insurance where the highest salaries are found.
Situation of wages in Switzerland.
In Switzerland it can be a challenge to determine the most appropriate salary for a profession. Culturally, the Swiss seem to be uncomfortable talking about money or salaries; and in general, wages are not specified in job offers.
Generally, salaries are usually negotiable and it is up to the person to receive a salary according to their training. It is also important to keep in mind that salaries in Switzerland are determined according to seniority, and many Swiss companies are afraid to pay a high salary to someone very young, however qualified they may be.
In Switzerland there is a minimum wage for all jobs and professions. In addition, since the last decade, the public and private sector began to adopt remuneration systems based on people’s performance.
Although Swiss companies are legally obliged to pay the same salary to both men and women, women tend to have a lower salary than men, despite performing the same function, and regardless of how qualified they are.
Every year in November or December, companies usually review salaries, and this review evaluates their rise, which occurs as of January 1 of the following year. Also companies usually give extra pay during the month of December.
Labor Day and Hours.
When you are hired by a company, the working day (Arbeitsstunden, heures de travail) will be reflected in your employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag, contrat de travail) and it will depend on your company, the work you have to perform and the industry to the one that you are going to work.
The maximum working day in Switzerland for a week is 45 hours for people who work in the industry, administrative, technical staff and other employees as employees in large stores. For the rest of the workers, the workday is 50 hours a week.
However, according to a study conducted by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, in 2002 the average number of hours you worked in Swiss companies was 41.5 hours per week; although in many sectors you can reach up to 60 hours per week.
Regardless of the sector for which you work, it is important to mention that you are likely to work more hours in Switzerland than in your country. In fact, the Swiss strongly believe in working many hours, and have even come to vote on numerous occasions against the reduction of the day.
Schedule. In Switzerland, many companies work with flexible schedules (Gleitzeit, flexible hour), especially in the manufacturing industry. The day is usually divided into blocks, and shifts are defined for employees. The workday usually begins at 7 a.m.
The flexible schedules established by the company must respect the legal framework (vacations, breaks, parties, weekly rest days, the prohibition of working night shifts or Sundays, etc.). In addition, the company must always take into account the needs of the workers, and must consult with their employees before publishing work shifts.
In the case of overtime (Überstunden, heures supplémentaires) they should be understood as hours that exceed the number of hours of work agreed upon, but which are less than the maximum weekly hours legally established. Overtime is usually paid at 125% of the cost of a normal hour of work or vacation time.
HOLIDAYS
According to the law, the right to vacation is a fundamental right that Swiss companies must guarantee to all their employees for each year of work. The minimum duration is determined by law:
4 weeks for workers and apprentices over 20 years.
5 weeks for workers and apprentices under 20 years.
This minimum could be extended in your contract, although most companies only offer a fifth week of vacation to employees who have been in the company for a certain number of years and / or have reached a certain age.
On the other hand, there are certain factors that can reduce the duration of vacations, such as: missing work for a long period either due to illness or having taken a sabbatical without pay, among others.
As a general rule, vacations are guaranteed when an employee is one year old and must include at least two consecutive weeks. So it is also the obligation of companies to pay their employees even if they are on vacation.
We hope you find this information useful and remember that if you need legal assistance in Judgment we have a team of lawyers specialized in labor issues. If you want more information, we invite you to contact us.
5 tricks to look for work in Switzerland
Most Latinos often have the idea that Switzerland is a paradise in terms of working conditions, given that employees can boast of enjoying the highest wages in the world, as well as being a country with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe.
However, with respect to work for foreigners, Switzerland also has a fairly restrictive immigration policy, as well as complex processes to grant work permits; and although this seems to give us the idea that finding work in Switzerland is difficult, in the end it is not as complicated as the Swiss bureaucracy would make us believe.
For example, statistics show that in recent decades the number of foreigners working in Switzerland has not stopped increasing; since there are approximately 1.5 million foreigners residing in this country, which represent 20% of the total population and contribute significantly to the economic boom enjoyed by this country.
Therefore, in this opportunity in Sentencia we have given ourselves the task of grouping some of the most effective tricks that you can use to look for work in Switzerland and take advantage of the opportunities that this country offers, so we invite you to take note of the advice that We share below:
Tip 1: Find out about job opportunities through newspapers and magazines.
You can find job offers (Stellenmarkt, offres d’emploi) in the classified section of newspapers, especially on Wednesdays and weekends. In addition we also recommend you check the weekly, monthly and specialized magazines.
You can find a wide variety of ads in Le Temps, 24heures and Tagesanzeiger; as well as in the official vacancy bulletin of the Confederation.
Also if you have the possibility to pay it, you can choose to be the one who places the ad in the newspaper’s employment section, indicating in which area you want to get the job.
Trick 2: Use the Internet.
On the internet there are many online recruitment agencies (Jobbörsen) that have platforms where you can search for employment by sectors and geographic regions, in addition to having the possibility to register and leave your digital CV to apply to existing vacancies in different companies that share that information on recruitment agency platforms. These platforms are generally FREE.
Trick 4: Attend Job fairs.
An excellent strategy that you can use to obtain information about the situation and opportunities that exist in the Swiss labor market is by visiting a job fair.
The fairs usually bring different types of companies and are usually concentrated in a specific sector. Many of them require that the assistant send their CVs in advance, so that companies can evaluate it and decide who is interested in knowing.
Another advantage of job fairs is that in addition to obtaining information on the employment prospects of each company, you can organize interviews in advance.
Tip 5: Seek support in the International Chamber of Commerce of your country in Switzerland.
Finally you can choose to contact the international chamber of commerce of your country in Switzerland, since they usually receive requests from companies looking for someone from your country to fill a position. They also usually have a database with job offers.
We hope you find this information useful, and at the same time we remind you that in Sentencia we also make our Job Search service available to you. If you want more information, we invite you to contact us.
Types of Residence Permits to live in Switzerland
Continuing with our articles focused on helping people from Latin America who are thinking of coming to live in Switzerland, this time we want to talk a little about the different types of residence permits that are needed to live in this country.
Since the bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU for the free movement of workers was made, all persons belonging to countries outside the EU can only obtain a work permit in Switzerland if the company in which they will provide their services can prove that There is no other person of Swiss or EU nationality who is available to perform such work.
There are certain exceptions to this rule that only apply to highly qualified specialists and senior executives. If you manage to obtain a work permit, it will appear on your residence permit.
Types of Residence Permits to live in Switzerland
Residence permits for citizens from countries outside the EU are very similar to those given to EU citizens, although they are often more difficult to obtain and renew.
Next we name the types of residence permits that every citizen of Latin America needs to be able to live in Switzerland:
1. Short residence permit (Permit L)
A short residence permit L (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung EG) has a maximum validity of one year and also offers the possibility of being renewed.
This type of permit is linked to a job and a specific company, with the limitation that if you want to change jobs in the future, you will not be able to obtain another permit.
At 24 months this residence permit expires definitively.
2. Residence permit B (Permit B)
The residence permit B is valid for one year and can be renewed.
This type of permission is only granted to citizens from outside the EU in special situations; for example, if the person is a highly qualified specialist in a profession of which there is a shortage of qualified personnel either in Switzerland or in the EU.
3. Permanent residence permit C (Permit C)
In the case of the C permit, this is granted to those people who plan to reside in Switzerland permanently, and it is renewable indefinitely.
For citizens who belong to countries outside the EU, this permission is granted after 10 years of living in Switzerland, although there are usually some exceptions for women of Swiss citizens and other groups.
A great advantage of this type of permit is that with the C permit a person can change jobs, companies and / or become autonomous without problems.
4. Border permit G (Permission G)
The G permit (Grenzgängerbewilligung / permis frontalier) is the one granted to people who live in another country but work in Switzerland.
There are many people who come and go to Switzerland for work reasons, but prefer to live in another country since the cost of living in Switzerland is usually higher.
The G permit does not give people any right of residence; It is renewed annually and cannot become a residence permit.
We hope you find this information useful and remember that in Sentencia we specialize in helping Latin American citizens through our platform who are thinking of coming to live in Switzerland and require legal assistance. If you want more information, we invite you to contact us.
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