Situated between the French—and German-speaking regions of Switzerland, Fribourg is a vibrant city. As the capital of its canton, it has a population of under 50,000 but draws many expatriates, cross-border commuters looking for work in Switzerland, and investors from the EU and beyond. This article explores the job market in Fribourg and highlights its dynamic professional sectors.
Fribourg's economy and job market
Fribourg's economy is primarily driven by the tertiary sector, although the primary and secondary sectors, especially the agri-food industry, remain significant. According to city statistics, the secondary sector employs about 23.3% of the workforce, with manufacturing being the largest segment, making up roughly 14.1% of the workforce.
The tertiary sector makes up about 74.3% of the workforce and covers a broad spectrum of activities, including health and social services.
Other key economic sectors in Fribourg include pharmaceuticals, watchmaking, aerospace, automotive manufacturing, electronics, and robotics.
Recently, sectors like information and communication technologies, financial services, tourism, and catering have also seen significant growth in Fribourg.
The city has attracted major European and international companies, including Tupperware, Vitro, Actuate, Bayer International, Nova Chemicals, and Québécor.
According to Federal Office statistics, the monthly unemployment rate in the canton of Fribourg has ranged from 1.8% to 3.9% since 2004.
In 2023, the average annual unemployment rate in the canton of Fribourg was 2.1%, one of the lowest among Swiss cantons.
Growth sectors in Fribourg
The food industry
The region is known for its diverse agricultural production, rich culinary traditions, and expertise in food processing. Major companies like Nestlé, Cremo, and the Cailler chocolate factory have established themselves here, making Fribourg a key hub of the Swiss food industry.
The food industry in Fribourg includes dairy production, chocolate making, confectionery, baking, cheese production, and meat processing. Beyond production, the sector also covers research and development, marketing, logistics, and international trade. Companies in the region invest in innovation to address evolving consumer demands for quality, sustainability, and traceability in food products.
The region's iconic products, including Gruyère cheese, chocolate, Fribourg sausages, and meringues, are highly valued by consumers and enhance Fribourg's reputation as a gastronomic destination.
The manufacturing industry
Manufacturing is a key part of Fribourg's economy, encompassing a wide range of companies from small family businesses to large international firms. The manufacturing sector in Fribourg covers diverse fields such as engineering, automotive, electronics, machinery, and watchmaking.
These companies are known for their expertise, high manufacturing standards, and innovative capabilities. They employ skilled workers and utilize advanced technologies to create high-quality products for both domestic and international markets.
Here are just a few examples of manufacturing companies in Fribourg:
- Liebherr Machines Bulle SA (specialized in the manufacture of heavy machinery and equipment);
- Autoneum Holding AG (global supplier of acoustic and thermal insulation technologies for the automotive industry);
- Sika AG (specialized in construction chemicals, such as adhesives, sealants and coatings)
- RUAG Space (specialized in space technologies and propulsion systems).
Health and social services
Fribourg provides a broad array of healthcare, social support, and community services.
This sector is the largest within the tertiary industry in terms of employment.
The healthcare sector in Fribourg includes several hospitals, clinics, and medical centers offering specialized care across various fields such as general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, and psychiatry, among others.
Alongside healthcare services, Fribourg provides a variety of social services for individuals in vulnerable or needy situations. Charities, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community support groups offer assistance with housing, food aid, counseling, social and professional integration, and programs for child and elderly protection.
The city is also a hub for training and research in health and social services. The University of Fribourg provides programs in nursing, social work, psychology, public health, and other related fields.
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
As in many areas of Switzerland, this sector is a key part of the city's economy.
Companies like Novartis, Givaudan, and AC Immune have established their research and development operations in Fribourg. They focus on developing treatments for a variety of diseases, including neurological disorders, infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, and cancer.
Additionally, Fribourg attracts many start-ups and emerging biotech companies. These firms often concentrate on specialized areas like gene therapy, cell therapy, bioinformatics, and personalized medicine.
Financial services and insurance
Financial services in Fribourg encompass retail banking, asset management, investment banking, corporate finance, project finance, and financial advisory services.
Institutions like BC Fribourg, Swissquote, and other regional banks provide banking services to both local and international clients. They also contribute to the region's economic growth by financing investments and infrastructure projects.
In the insurance sector, Fribourg is also home to companies like La Mobilière, one of Switzerland's largest insurers.
The city is also known for its expertise in wealth management and financial advisory services. Independent wealth management firms and financial advisory companies serve affluent clients.
Information and communication technology (ICT)
ICT companies in Fribourg specialize in software development, IT services, communication technologies, and digital applications.
They provide a range of services, including custom software design, IT project management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and cloud services.
Startups and emerging ICT firms in Fribourg benefit from a vibrant innovation ecosystem, which includes incubators, coworking spaces, and university research centers.
Job hunting in Fribourg
Capitalize on your language skills
The canton of Fribourg is one of Switzerland's three officially bilingual cantons, along with Bern and Valais. In the city, about 69% of the population speaks French, and 25% speaks German, with some people fluent in both languages.
If you already speak French, learning German could be a valuable asset in your job search. Consider taking an introductory German course while job hunting in the city.
Consider small and medium-sized businesses
Many foreigners work in sectors such as finance, healthcare, precision engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and information and communication technologies.
However, don't overlook the small and medium-sized businesses, which are also highly dynamic in Fribourg.
Fribourg's statistics indicate a notable rise in the number of new small and medium-sized businesses, exceeding the national average.
According to the latest data from the Statistique de la démographie des entreprises, out of the 17,869 companies in the secondary and tertiary sectors, 1,580 new businesses were established in Fribourg last year, creating 2,045 jobs.
Combining online and on-site job searches
Combine online job searches with on-the-ground efforts to boost your chances of finding a job in Fribourg.
Reach out to multiple recruitment agencies and try to meet them in person.
Also, sign up for several online job search platforms, such as JobScout24, Jobup, Indeed, and Monster.
Also, don't overlook the Job-room platform, which collaborates with Swiss regional employment offices. If you already live in Switzerland, you can register with these offices. If not, you can still access many job listings on the platform.
If you're interested in working in the canton of Fribourg, check out the "employment" section on the canton's website.
Work visas in Switzerland
European Union (EU)/European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizens
You don't need a work permit if you're coming to work in Switzerland for less than three months.
For stays longer than three months, you'll need to apply for a residence permit from the commune where you'll be living. This residence permit also serves as a work permit.
Non-EU/EFTA nationals
Highly qualified or specialized professionals have the best chances of obtaining a work permit in Switzerland. Even for short-term employment, a work permit is required, and the number issued is subject to a quota.
Once you secure a job, your employer will handle the work permit application. They must demonstrate that they couldn't find suitable candidates within Switzerland or the EU/EFTA.
Cross-border workers
There are about 80,000 foreign nationals in the canton of Fribourg, mostly holding C and B permits.
You might consider becoming a cross-border worker if you live near the border. Many people, especially from France, commute to work in Fribourg daily.
According to Federal Office statistics, Switzerland saw a 4.3% increase in cross-border workers in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. In the Mittelland region, which includes Fribourg, the number of cross-border commuters rose by 6.7%, reaching a total of 36,661.
These cross-border workers are often agri-food, pharmaceutical, IT or healthcare professionals.
Applying for a job in Fribourg
The process is similar to many other countries: start by submitting a CV and cover letter to be considered for an interview.
Keep your CV to a maximum of two to three pages. Include the usual sections, with a strong emphasis on "Professional Experience." Remember to highlight the skills you've gained from your work experience and education.
Tailor your CV for each employer by highlighting the experience most relevant to the position you're applying for.
Your application should also include a cover letter and, if requested, copies of diplomas and certificates of employment. The cover letter should focus on your motivation for the role and demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
Job interviews in Fribourg and Switzerland are formal, requiring professional attire, polished communication, and respectful behavior toward your interviewers.
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