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Payroll and Benefits Guide Switzerland – Zurich

Last updated: Aug 29, 2023

Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Employer Taxes
8.17% - 23.50%
Payroll Frequency
Monthly
Employee Costs
10.90%
Capital
Bern
Date Format
dd/mm/yyyy
Fiscal Year
1 January- 31 December

Contributions

Employer

Employer Payroll Contributions

8.17% – 23.50% Total Employment Cost

5.30%

Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (AHV/IV/EO)

1.10%

Unemployment Insurance (Maximum 148,200.00 CHF)

0.50%

Supplementary Unemployment Insurance (Above 148,200.00 CHF)

1.00% – 3.00%

Family Compensation Fund

0.17% -13.50%

Supplemental Unemployment Insurance (maximum 148,200.00 CHF)

0.10%

Vocational training Fund

Occupational Pension Scheme

Dependent on pension plan and is employer specific

Employee

Employee Payroll Contributions

7.90% – 10.90% Total Employee Cost

5.30%

Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance

1.10%

Unemployment Insurance (Maximum 148,200.00 CHF)

0.50%

Supplemental Unemployment Insurance (Above 148,200.00 CHF)

1.00% – 4.00%

Non-Occupational Accident Insurance (Maximum 148,200.00 CHF)

Occupational Pension Scheme

Dependent on pension plan and is employer specific

Medical Insurance

Dependent on coverage and private insurance

Employee Income Tax

Single Taxpayer – Zurich Cantonal Tax:

0.00%

Less than 6,700.00 CHF

2.00%

6,700.00 CHF – 11,400.00 CHF

3.00% + 94.00 CHF

11,400.00 CHF – 16,100.00 CHF

4.00% + 235.00 CHF

16,100.00 CHF – 23,700.00 CHF

5.00% + 539.00 CHF

23,700.00 CHF – 33,000.00 CHF

6.00% + 1,004.00 CHF

33,000.00 CHF – 43,700.00 CHF

7.00% + 1,646.00 CHF

43,700.00 CHF – 56,100.00 CHF

8.00% + 2,514.00 CHF

56,100.00 CHF – 73,000.00 CHF

9.00% + 3,866.00 CHF

73,000.00 CHF – 105,500.00 CHF

10.00% + 6,791.00 CHF

105,500.00 CHF – 137,700.00

11.00% + 10,011.00 CHF

137,700.00 CHF – 188,700.00 CHF

12.00% +15,621.00 CHF

188,700.00 CHF – 254,900.00 CHF

13.00% + 23,565.00 CHF

Over 254,900.00 CHF

Married Taxpayer – Zurich Cantonal Tax

0.00%

Less than 13,500.00 CHF

2.00%

13,500.00 CHF – 19,600.00 CHF

3.00%

19,600.00 CHF – 27,300.00 CHF + 122.00 CHF

4.00%

27,300.00 CHF – 36,700.00 CHF + 353.00 CHF

5.00%

36,700.00 CHF – 47,400 CHF + 729.00 CHF

6.00%

47,400.00 CHF – 61,300.00 CHF + 1,264.00 CHF

7.00%

61,300.00 CHF – 92,100.00 CHF + 2,098.00 CHF

8.00%

92,100.00 CHF – 122,900.00 CHF + 4,254.00 CHF

9.00%

122,900.00 CHF – 169,300.00 CHF + 6,718.00 CHF

10.00%

169,300.00 CHF – 224,700.00 CHF + 10,894.00 CHF

11.00%

169,300.00 CHF – 224,700.00 CHF +10,894 CHF

12.00%

284,800.00 CHF – 354,100.00 CHF + 23,045.00 CHF

13.00%

Over 354,100.00 CHF + 31,361.00 CHF

Employer taxes

Highest
Lowest

Employee taxes

Highest
Lowest

Minimum Wage

General

Minimum wage:

Switzerland has no national minimum wage. However, minimum wages can be established by way of collective bargaining agreements, or by canton ruling, for example:

Canton wage level (per hour):

Geneva – 24 CHF

Basel City – 21 CHF

Neuchâtel – 20.08 CHF

Jura – 20 CHF

Ticino – 19 CHF

Winterthur – 23 CHF

Zurich – 23.90 CHF

MINIMUM WAGE (PER MONTH)

Highest
Lowest

Payroll

Payroll Cycle

Zurich: The payroll cycle is generally monthly, with payments made on the 25th of each month.

13th Salary

While not compulsory, a 13th salary is very common, and if due, will be outlined in the employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.

Working Hours

General

A 40-44 hour workweek is common, dependent on collective bargaining agreement in place. Working hours are calculated on a yearly basis, provided that the certain cumulative conditions are met.

Zurich: Standard working hours in Zurich are 45 hours per week, with a possible additional 2 hours a day (170 hours per year) in the case of unforeseen emergency circumstances.
The maximum weekly and daily working hours can increase to 50 hours per week if stipulated in the employment contract or collective bargaining agreement and in accordance with the specific role requirements.

Overtime

Hours worked in excess of the standard contracted hours per week are to be paid as overtime and are regulated by the employment contract or collective bargaining agreements. In general, overtime is paid at 125% of the regular salary rate (capped at 2 hours per day).

Working Week

Monday–Friday

Leave

Paid Time Off

Employees over the age of 20 and under 50 receive 4 weeks of paid holiday. Under the age of 20 and over 50  receive 5 weeks of paid holiday.

Vacation Days
Public Holidays
Highest
Lowest

Public holidays

Most public holidays are set by each individual canton.

Public holidays that fall on the weekend are usually lost.

Sick Days

All employees are entitled to paid sick leave based on the number of years of continuous employment. During the first year of employment, the employee receives up to 3 weeks of paid sick leave.

Alternatively, employers and employees may agree to opt for a daily benefits insurance scheme where employees will receive up to 80% of their last salary for a maximum of 720 days. the employee is required to provide a doctor’s note.

Maternity Leave

Maternity allowance is given to employees who have contributed to the OASI for at least 9 months preceding the delivery and have worked for at least five months.
Mothers (both full-time and part-time employees) are paid 80% of their wages in the form of a daily allowance for 98 days (up to a maximum cap of SFr 196 per day).

PAID MATERNITY LEAVE (DAYS)

Highest
Lowest

Paternity Leave

Fathers in Switzerland are entitled to 10 days of paid paternity leave and federal employees will now be entitled to 4 weeks of paternity leave. This leave can either be taken either on a weekly basis (weekends included) or on the basis of individual days.

As is the case with maternity leave, weekends are included in the compensation. Consequently, the father has 14 daily allowances and is entitled to a total of 10 days off work. The paternity leave must be taken within six months of the birth of the child and the employee is required to provide the birth certificate.

Paternity leave benefits will equal 80% of the employee’s average salary prior to the baby’s birth but will be capped at a total of CHF220 per day.

Parental Leave

There are no statutory laws on parental leave.

Other Leave

Care leave: 14 weeks of paid leave to provide care for a seriously ill or injured child. The employee is required to provide a doctor’s certificate.

Death leave: The law does not specifically define how many hours or days an employee can take off in case of a relative’s death. Employers may decide this. Normally, three days to five days are given in case of close relatives and one to three days in other cases.

Wedding leave:  The law does not specifically define how many hours or days an employee can take off in case of a wedding. Employers may decide this. Normally one to three days are given.

Termination

Termination Process

Termination in Switzerland has the principle of freedom of dismissal, making it possible to terminate a contract of employment without there being an important reason, provided that such termination is not discriminatory or abusive. The reason for the dismissal must be explained when the other party requests it. Even if the dismissal is valid through oral termination, it is advisable to do so in writing for evidentiary purposes.

Notice Period

Termination is considered legally valid from the moment the recipient receives it.
The statutory notice periods are as follows:

  • 7 days during the trial period
  • 1 month during the first year of service
  • 2 months during the second to the ninth year of service
  • 3 months from the tenth year of service

Alternatively, the parties can contractually agree on a notice period. Notice begins at the end of the calendar month. Garden leave can be utilized during this period.
A fixed-term employment contract ends upon the expiry of the agreed period.

Severance Pay

Severance pay is stipulated within the employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. In addition, the statutory severance payment is only applicable to employees of at least 50 years of age who have completed at least 20 years of employment and provided there is a shortfall in pension benefits. Due to this last condition, this statutory entitlement is very rare. The severance payment due in this instance is calculated at between two and eight months’ pay.

Probation Period

The probation period is 1-3 months for indefinite employees.

Common Benefits

General

  • Mobile phone allowance
  • Work from home allowance

VISA

VISA

In Switzerland, there are two ways you can obtain a residence permit. This permit grants the permission to work in Switzerland:
A citizen of an EU member state or a citizen of the European Free Trade Association (and can enter Switzerland for 3-6 months while they search for a job):

  • L (short-term resident): This is a permit valid from 3-12 months for individuals that have a valid employment contract.
  • B (resident foreign nationals): This permit is for foreign nationals that have a valid employment contract for at least 12 months. This permit is valid for up to 5 years and can be extended automatically if the duration of the employment is extended.
  • C (settled foreign nationals): This permit is valid indefinitely after one has resided in Switzerland for 5 uninterrupted years.
  • G (cross-border nationals): For citizens who work in Switzerland but reside in a different country. Cross-border commuters must return home at least once a week.

Note that the EU Blue Card is not valid in Switzerland.
Non-EU/EFTA nationals: When an EU/EFTA citizen cannot be hired for a job, a company can extend a job offer to a third-party national. The employer must be able to show that they have made efforts to hire an EU/EFTA or any individual that already resides in Switzerland and must be able to show why the candidate was not fit for the job. For non-EU/EFTA nationals, permits L, B, and C can be applied for. However, there is no limit to how long it may take to obtain the work permit.

VAT

General

7.70% standard VAT.

Stay up to date on payroll & employment law changes

Version History

October 30, 2022
Paternity leave has been updated.
July 1, 2021
14-week period of paid leave to provide care for seriously ill or injured children.
January 1, 2021
Social security increased by .25%.
Fathers are now entitled to 14 days of paternity leave after the birth of a child.
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Payroll and Benefits Guide in Switzerland – Zurich

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Payroll and Benefits Guide
in Switzerland – Zurich

What’s covered in this guide:

  • Employer/employee contributions
  • Minimum wage
  • Working hours
  • Visa requirements

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Public Holidays Calendar

Switzerland – Zurich 2023
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Day Date Holiday Notes
Sunday Jan-1 New Year’s Day
Monday Jan-2 Berchtold’s Day Aargau, Bern, Fribourg, Glarus, Jura, Luzern, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, Vaud
Friday Jan-6 Epiphany Graubunden, Luzern, Schwyz, Ticino, Uri
Wednesday Mar-1 Republic Day Neuchatel
Sunday Mar-19 St Joseph’s Day Graubunden, Luzern, Nidwalden, Schwyz, Ticino, Uri, Valais
Friday Apr-7 Good Friday Aargau,Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Landschaft,Basel-stadt, Bern, Fribourg,Geneva, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel,  Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen,  Thurgau, Uri, Vaud, Zug. Zurich
Monday Apr-10 Easter Monday Aargau,Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden,  Basel-Landschaft, Basel-stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura, Luzern,  Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz,  St. Gallen, Ticino, Thurgau, Uri, Vaud, Zurich
Thursday Apr-13 Nafelser Fahrt Glarus
Monday May-1 Labour Day Basel-Landschaft, Basel-stadt, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Schaffhausen, Solothurn,  Thurgau, Ticino, Zurich
Thursday May-18 Ascension Day
Monday May-29 Whit Monday Aargau,Appenzell Ausserrhoden,Appenzell Innerrhoden,Basel-Landschaft, Basel-stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Glarus, Graubunden, Jura, Luzern, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz,  St. Gallen,  Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Vaud, Zurich
Thursday Jun-8 Corpus Christi Appenzell Innerrhoden, Fribourg, Graubunden, jura, Luzern,  Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Solothurn, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud
Friday Jun-23 Independence of Jura Jura
Thursday Jun-29 St Peter & St Paul Graubunden, Ticino
Tuesday Aug-1 National Day
Tuesday Aug-15 Assumption Day Aargau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Fribourg,Jura, Luzern,  Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schwyz, Solothurn, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud
Thursday Sep-7 Jeune genevois Geneva
Monday Sep-18 Ascension Day Vaud
Friday Sep-22 St Mauritius Appenzell Innerrhoden
Monday Sep-25 Brother Klaus Festival Obwalden
Wednesday Nov-1 All Saints’ Day Appenzell Innerrhoden,Fribourg, Glarus,Jura, Luzern,  Nidwalden,  Obwalden, Schwyz, Solothurn,  St. Gallen, Ticino, Uri, Valais
Wednesday Nov-8 All Saints’ Day Zug
Friday Dec-8 Immaculate Conception Aargau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Fribourg, Graubunden, Luzern,  Nidwalden,  Obwalden, Schwyz, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Zug
Sunday Dec-24 Christmas eve Glarus
Monday Dec-25 Christmas Day
Tuesday Dec-26 St Stephen’s Day Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-stadt,Bern, Fribourg, Glarus, Graubunden, jura, Luzern,  Nidwalden,  Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz,  St. Gallen,  Thurgau,Uri,  Ticino, Zurich
Sunday Dec-31 New Year’s Eve Glarus