Hi everyone! I'm a US citizen trying to move to Zurich, but need a work visa to stay more than 3 months. I've read all the info that says how difficult this is to accomplish without being highly specialized, and am finding it true...

I'm hoping someone will have a suggestion for job areas that I might have some luck with - I have a degree in Social Sciences and have worked as a paralegal for 3 years. (Unfortunately my knowledge of California law doesn't get me far in Switzerland).

Is there any work available for me if I don't speak German and am not an engineer, accountant or banker?? Are there positions that might want me for my native English and could get me a visa, even as an au pair maybe??

I've been working on this for months now and would LOVE some help!! THANKS

Very difficult im afraid.

I had the same problem when i attempted to move to the US a couple of years back. Its almost impossible. I cant comment on an american moving to switzerland but going the other way i found that i could stay for longer periods in the following ways:

- Getting a job in a highly specialised position that the company could not find a candidate in the US for

- Applying for a tourist visa (which i think lasts for 6 months on production of proof of finances)

- Starting my own business (bringing a capital of a massive amount of money)

- A student visa (again with proof of finances)


Maybe some of these possibilities would exist for you too, but really cant say which

I'm an American paralegal in Switzerland. The only reason I got paralegal work here is because I already have a work visa and speak a national language. Paralegals here aren't the same thing as they are in the US; most have a speciality within the legal field, but we do a lot more legal assistant work here (typing briefs, filing, PA duties to the partners) than paralegals do in the states, so if you could fix your permit situation that would actually work in your favor.

Sad to say but your biggest problem is the permit, the federal and cantonal authorities usually don't give work permits to Americans unless they are highly specialized, even if an employer applies for one on your behalf. It's not an employer's decision in the end, so many companies are wary to even try to start the process because the authorities could refuse the application in the end. I got my permit through marriage, not through my professional qualifications.

Should you manage to get a student visa, after six months (I think) you can work like twenty hours a week (but there are set rules, not sure, have a look on admin.ch), one thing law firms always have openings for are people to help out with filings or proofread briefs in English, and what you would do is go to the various international law firms and tell them you are available for ad hoc duties like that. But they won't go there unless you have a permit in hand.

Good luck, seems really difficult... Permit is the problem due quota restrictions..

try to contact American companies over here: there are many!

If i dont speak the native language, but i speak English, there is a chance to get hired by one of those companies?


Thanksss!!! =D

Thanks for the info! I have tried applying as a Legal Assistant to some companies, but haven't gotten any responses. It's hard to do online... and you must be right that they are hesitant. I seem to be in a catch 22 - I can't get a permit without being offered a job, but I can't get a job without a permit

It sounds like maybe applying at American companies in Zurich is something to try. Does anyone know of any besides Google and American Express?

Thanks for all the help, I really appreciate it! It's so frustrating trying to work this out!

your best bet is to continue to look at US-based companies who have a Swiss presence. as had already been pointed out, the permit will be your biggest hurdle - you will need to find a US-based company who needs paralegal support in Switzerland and who is willing to push the permit issue for you. generally speaking, US-based companies over here tend to look locally for paralegal and office support, but you never know.

if you look at areas around Zurich, as well, you'll have far more companies to look at. Zug, for example, is about 15-30 minutes drive or train ride from the Zurich area and is overrun with US-based companies

good luck...

Is there a particular reason that you only want Zurich? How about elsewhere in Switzerland, or over the border of surrounding countries. France is just an hour from Zurich by train ( from Basel.)
Alternatively, how urgent is it for you to get here? As you already have a degree, have you thought of doing the extra units to become qualified as a teacher. Teach for a couple of years, then apply for jobs at the international schools, especially those that have an American emphasis to the curriculum.

I've chosen Zurich mostly because I'm dating a guy who is working on his PhD there. I spent some time in the city over the summer and just loved it - I think it would be a great place to live and learn about the culture, and get to travel a little at the same time!

As far as work I'm very open to nearby cities like Zug. I'm just having a hell of a time finding anything. I'm in a little bit of a hurry because I'm currently not working here, and I'd prefer to not start... once I settle in it's harder to uproot everything again to move internationally.

I have thought of teaching English, but it's also a longer process isn't it? What does it include? I have thought of becoming a nanny, but again people are hesitant when all I can do is communicate electronically. I'd love to find something in my field but really I'm willing to consider anything that will get me started there?? Any American company suggestions??

Thanks again

It sounds really difficult I'm afraid. I have a friend who is an Italian lawyer, and even with a permit to work (her husband was transferred here) she is unable to find work in her field without knowing the language (although she is fluent in English and a native Italian speaker, which is one of the official languages of the country).

I've been there, luckily I loved my Swiss husband enough to marry him.