Hi everyone,


I'm planning to move from Singapore to Zurich, but I need a job near Zurich first. I have a Bachelor's degree in Marketing & PR and 3 years of entry-level experience. I thought that together with my Chinese and English language skills, I might be an interesting candidate for the luxury industry in the area. My reasoning behind this is that Swiss luxury brands have many Chinese-speaking customers, and with my language skills and clearer understanding of their culture, I could provide valuable insights in a marketing position. Sales would also be an area that comes to mind, since then I'd directly communicate with Chinese-speaking customers.


However, I have only very basic German knowledge, so that's a big disadvantage. I'd be willing to accept a wide range of positions (even internships), but the above seems to make most sense to me.


Does this sound reasonable, or am I way off? Would you recommend other industries to target on my job search? Any help would be greatly appreciated!





Nicole




PS: Are there any other Singaporeans on this? Or are there maybe some networks of Singaporeans in Switzerland that I might join?

Most Chinese speaking sales/marketing folks I’ve met in Switzerland ALSO speak fluent English and the local language. You are at a disadvantage already.

It would be much easier if you can also put German or French on your CV.

You simply would not qualify for a work permit as you have nothing to justify it.

- Entry level experience in the market means you do have the expertise to justify it

- A primary degree does not justify it

Learn one or more of the local languages, add a masters degree and get about 10 years experience and there might be a chance.

Alternatively find and marry a Swiss.

This pretty much.

"Admissions are limited to managers, specialists and other qualified workers. ‘Qualified workers’ primarily means individuals with a degree from a university or university of applied sciences who also have several years of professional experience. Depending on the profession or the field of specialisation, individuals with special training and several years of professional experience can also be admitted."

https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home...zulassung.html

What you currently have to offer an employer here isn't enough to make it worth their while to go through the time and expense of applying for a permit on your behalf because they know the application would fail.

Does this mean that somebody without masters and less than 5 years of experience will not get a work permit even if he has an offer from a company?

Check the offer from the company if it has a clause that the contract is only valid if you will get a permit?

There are always exceptions to the rule. Depends on you, your future employer and your job.

Does it depend also about nationality?

It all depends on nationality.

But the quota for non EU hirings are not split by nationality afaik.

So for EU you don't have that much requirements for getting a work permit? My gf and me (polish and spanish) are looking to move to Switzerland. Thank you

Nope, you just need to register as being a resident here before you start work.

https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home...z-eu-efta.html