Labor Market Test to be Implemented for Occupations With High Unemployment
January 23, 2018

At a Glance
According to a Swiss Federal Council press release, effective July 1, 2018, employers hiring foreign workers in Switzerland will need to conduct a labor market test for occupations with an unemployment rate of over eight percent. The threshold is expected to be lowered to five percent on January 1, 2020.
According to a Swiss Federal Council press release, effective July 1, 2018, employers hiring foreign workers in Switzerland will need to conduct a labor market test for certain occupations.
Labor market test details
Employers with foreign workers in occupations with an unemployment rate of over eight percent will need to post vacancies with the Employment Service in Switzerland for five business days before being able to recruit foreign workers. The threshold is expected to be lowered to five percent unemployment on January 1, 2020.
Posting a vacancy involves the employer accessing an online platform to enter the position and the company details.
Impact
- Types of permit holders potentially affected. This requirement will affect European Economic Area and other nationals applying for short-term L permits and long-term B permits. However, since only 10% occupations are expected to have unemployment over eight percent, this is not expected to affect many foreign nationals.
- Effects on impacted foreign nationals. Those affected by this requirement will see delayed processing due to the five-day posting timeframe and the time required for employers to review job applications and interview candidates.
Looking ahead
Further information on affected occupations, practical implementation of the job posting requirements and documents required to prove that labor market testing was completed is expected to be published between now and July.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomenβs upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviewsβavailable mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UKβs Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabiaβs growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 βWoman of Influenceβ by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomenβs upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviewsβavailable mid-Julyβit provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the regionβs dynamic immigration landscape.

Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomenβs upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviewsβavailable mid-July.

Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UKβs Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabiaβs growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Awards
Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 βWoman of Influenceβ by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomenβs upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviewsβavailable mid-Julyβit provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the regionβs dynamic immigration landscape.