Switzerland simplifies employment for Ukrainians with S status: what will change from December 1

Switzerland is taking an important step towards integrating people with S status, including Ukrainians. Find out what changes in employment rules will take effect on December 1, 2025, and how they will affect employers and people with protection status

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Switzerland is simplifying employment for people with S status — in particular for Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their country due to the war. The Federal Council has approved a series of changes designed to make the integration of refugees into the labor market faster and more convenient for both employers and employees. This is stated in the official announcement of the Federal Council dated October 22, 2025, on the news.admin.ch portal.

What has changed in the employment rules?

The main change is the abolition of the requirement to obtain a special work permit for persons with S status. From now on, employment will become much easier: it will be sufficient to submit a notification of the start or termination of employment.

This can be done online via the official EasyGov.swiss service or by contacting the relevant cantonal authority directly. The new procedure effectively removes one of the main bureaucratic obstacles that made it difficult for thousands of Ukrainians who received S status after the start of the full-scale war to access the labor market.

Although the changes will officially come into force on December 1, 2025, the notification system has been operational since October 23, allowing employers to start using the new rules earlier.

Another important change concerns people receiving social assistance. From now on, they may be required to participate in professional integration or reintegration programs, similar to the requirements already in place for recognized refugees and temporarily admitted persons.

If people refuse to participate in such measures, their social assistance payments may be reduced. This decision is intended to motivate S status recipients to actively participate in the country's working life and to facilitate their faster adaptation.

The Federal Council has also decided to simplify the administration of integration programs at the cantonal level. From now on, agreements between the federal government and the cantons on the implementation of integration programs can be renewed under a simplified procedure, without the need to conclude new agreements each time. This will reduce the burden on public authorities and make cooperation more effective.

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How does it work now?

● Instead of a permit, there is a notification system.

● You can start working immediately after registration.

● You must also notify the authorities if you change or terminate your employment.

● If you receive social assistance, you may be offered participation in integration programs.

Employment abroad: legal assistance for Ukrainians

Ukrainians who plan to work abroad or have already obtained protection status in Europe often need legal advice on employment contracts, taxes, or employee rights.

On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can get professional help from lawyers who specialize in legalization and employment abroad. This is especially relevant now, when the rules are changing and new requirements may differ in each country. The service is available online, so you can use it from anywhere in the world.

We remind you! Switzerland is tightening the rules for asylum seekers, prohibiting them from traveling abroad even within the Schengen area, but different rules will apply to Ukrainian citizens. Read why an exception has been made for Ukrainians and what conditions will apply after the legislation is updated.

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