Finding work in Basel for a USA citizen

paulthed · #1 29.08.2009, 12:03

Hello everyone,

My wife is currently doing research in Basel as part of her graduate program. She graduates this summer and there is a possibility she may work full-time in Basel beginning next summer after graduating. If this happens, I was wondering what my chances would be of finding a job in Basel as a US Citizen? I'm assuming not good from what I have read on this form. But any advice would be helpful.

My background is in Web development and I also have experience in Professional Services work for a healthcare software company. I would certainly consider other work if I could not find something in my current field.

Also, I don't know the paperwork and such that would be required for me to work in Switzerland. Is it easy to get a work permit if you are married to someone who has a work VISA. My wife is a US citizen as well. So any information on the process of getting a work permit would be helpful as well.

There is also a smaller possibility she would work in Germany or Austria too. I don't know if finding employment would be more difficult there or about the same. If anyone knows about the job situation there, I would be grateful for any information you might have

Thanks for the help. Glad I found this site. I have found a lot of good information on it already.

AnAustralian · #2 29.08.2009, 13:43

	Quote:	paulthed
	Hello everyone, My wife is currently doing research in Basel as part of her graduate program. She graduates this summer and there is a possibility she may work full-time in Basel beginning next summer after graduating. If this happens, I was wondering what my chances would be of finding a job in Basel as a US Citizen? I'm assuming not good from what I have read on this form. But any advice would be helpful. My background is in Web development and I also have experience in Professional Services work for a healthcare software company. I would certainly consider other work if I could not find something in my current field. Also, I don't know the paperwork and such that would be required for me to work in Switzerland. Is it easy to get a work permit if you are married to someone who has a work VISA. My wife is a US citizen as well. So any information on the process of getting a work permit would be helpful as well. There is also a smaller possibility she would work in Germany or Austria too. I don't know if finding employment would be more difficult there or about the same. If anyone knows about the job situation there, I would be grateful for any information you might have Thanks for the help. Glad I found this site. I have found a lot of good information on it already.

Hi

In my opinion things are tough in Switzerland in terms of finding work. if you do not know German, then you have to be very lucky.

Im not sure what rights you have if your wife has a visa, you might be entitled to an L permit but there are others on the forum who can advise you better than I. It might be worth contacting your local Swiss Consulate for exact information.

Im not sure what Austria is like at the moment but Germany is really bad.

It seems the job market should improve over the next 12 months but it might be a slow process until the swiss banks get their books in order.

You mentioned you have health system experience, perhaps take a look at some of the Swiss software development offices, maybe the pharmaceuticals might be an avenue worth pursuing, Basel is full of them.