According to various economic studies reported by Swissinfo, Switzerland is expected to face a labor shortage of several hundred thousand workers by 2040. This means there's a high demand for foreign workers, especially in certain skilled professions. Geneva, with its international character by Lake Geneva, is no exception. So, which sectors are currently thriving in this city?
Geneva's labor market overview
Although Switzerland has a low unemployment rate of 2.5% (according to the latest figures from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs), Geneva's rate is higher, currently at 4.2%.
Some analysts attribute this to the lower emphasis on vocational training in Geneva compared to other parts of Switzerland.
Despite this, the demand for skilled workers is apparent in various sectors of Geneva's economy. If you're job hunting in Geneva, it's important to focus on the most promising sectors.
Dynamic employment sectors in Geneva
Geneva is renowned for its international organizations, biotechnology, research, and finance sectors, all contributing to the city's economic profile. Highly qualified positions are available in these fields.
However, the sectors currently facing skills shortages and actively recruiting may not always be the ones typically associated with Geneva's economic profile. Here's an overview of the City of Geneva's most urgent labor needs:
- Human health and social services;
- Manufacturing industries, particularly for computer, electronic, and optical products;
- Retail and wholesale trade;
- Construction;
- Financial and insurance activities;
- Specialized scientific and technical activities (legal and accounting activities, architecture and engineering, etc.);
- Administrative and support services (employment agencies, cleaning, and landscaping);
- Accommodation and catering.
Your chances of finding a job in Geneva
In Geneva, the service sector dominates, with foreigners filling various roles, from hospitality and catering to technical positions and senior management in international firms.
Recently, there's been a growing demand for highly qualified professionals, such as banking experts, skilled technicians, and research and development specialists, reflecting the city's status as a global research hub.
Fluency in French is a significant advantage in Geneva and can greatly expand your job opportunities, especially if you're aiming to work in the hospitality industry.
The foreign workforce in Geneva
Cross-border workers
According to the Observatoire des frontières, the number of cross-border commuters has steadily increased in recent years and is expected to continue.
Many of Geneva's cross-border workers are employed in areas often overlooked by local residents, such as hospitality, retail, and catering. However, they also fill highly skilled positions in sectors where the local workforce is insufficient, including banking and finance, IT, and healthcare.
Workers from the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
If you're working in Switzerland for up to 90 days, you don't need a residence permit. This typically applies to short-term services.
For work beyond three months, you'll need to apply for a residence permit from your local commune, and your employer will need to apply for a work permit on your behalf.
Non EU/EFTA nationals
Generally, only qualified foreign nationals, including specialists, managers, and university graduates with significant professional experience, can work in Switzerland.
To hire you, your prospective employer must show that they haven't been able to find suitable candidates in the Swiss labor market or among EU/EFTA member states.
However, if there's a significant labor shortage, as in the past, there may be opportunities for workers from non-EU countries.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
