Switzerland young professionals exchange: work permit for up to 18 months 2026

Switzerland has agreements with a list of countries on the exchange of young professionals. They allow young people who have completed their education, at least a bachelor's degree or a two-year apprenticeship, and who want to broaden their professional and language skills in Switzerland, to obtain a work permit for a maximum of 18 months. Among African countries, the official list names South Africa and Tunisia; the other partner countries include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Russia and the United States, plus several more.

The stay is meant for career development. Young professionals must work in the profession they have learned or in the field of their studies, part-time work and self-employment are not allowed, and they must be paid according to local and industry rates, with a salary at least at the level of people at the start of their career. The assignment is a work experience for people who have already completed their training and is governed by the Swiss ordinance on admission, residence and employment.

Applicants are responsible for finding the job themselves. The application is submitted to the competent authorities in the applicant's home country. The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration publishes on its page for young professionals the instructions, the application form, a standard employment agreement with a training programme and information on rights at work.

There is no fixed intake, so applications can be prepared at any time once a suitable job has been found.