Working in Switzerland for Ukrainians: what will change in 2025?

Switzerland has set a specific target for the employment of Ukrainian refugees with an S permit - at least 50% by the end of 2025. Find out what new obligations the cantons will receive and what it means for Ukrainians

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The Swiss federal government has strengthened its policy of integrating Ukrainian refugees into the labor market. A clear goal has been set: at least 50% of Ukrainians with S-type residence permits must be employed by the end of 2025. According to swissinfo.ch, this decision was made by the Federal Council on May 28, 2025.

Currently, the employment rate among Ukrainians in Switzerland is about 38%. This is a significant increase compared to previous years, but still not enough to consider integration successful. Especially when some Ukrainians have been in the country for more than three years and have the right to work. In addition, it has recently become known that Switzerland has simplified employment conditions for Ukrainians.

Which Ukrainians are affected by the requirement to work in Switzerland?

We are talking about refugees who have been granted a special status S. This permit is granted to Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country due to a full-scale war and have arrived in Switzerland since 2022. The S status allows them to reside in the country, receive state support, and be officially employed.

However, having such a permit was not enough. Not all cantons are equally active in promoting integration. Therefore, the government decided to act more rigorously: there should be a result by the end of 2025, and after that, enforcement actions for lagging regions.

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New employment conditions for Ukrainians in Switzerland

The Federal Council requires each canton to achieve an average level of employment among Ukrainian refugees. If the canton does not reach 50% by the end of 2025, it will be obliged to take additional steps.

The first step is to develop a clear action plan with specific measures to improve the situation. This may include:

● creating special support programs for employers who hire refugees;

● intensification of language courses;

● conducting trainings and adaptation programs;

● providing career counseling;

● simplifying procedures for the execution of labor contracts.

Even if these steps fail, the canton will be subject to an external expert assessment of its social integration system. This is a serious signal that further inaction is unacceptable.

The publication notes that back in 2024, the government instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) to analyze the possibility of introducing financial incentives for cantons that show good results. The plan was to create a bonus system that would motivate cantons to work more actively.

However, the joint working group, which included representatives of the federation and the cantons themselves, concluded that money would not be an effective incentive. The bonus system does not guarantee changes in the approach to employment and does not take into account the specifics of each region. Therefore, the emphasis is on mandatory measures instead of incentives.

Tip: If you need help with paperwork, resumes, or legal advice, contact Visit Ukraine's lawyers. Our specialists have experience supporting Ukrainians in various countries, including Switzerland, and will help you navigate the new rules and opportunities.

We remind you! Switzerland in 2025 remains attractive for emigration due to its stable economy and high standard of living. Ukrainians are increasingly considering this country as a place for professional and personal development. Read more about the steps required for successful relocation and legalization in Switzerland in 2025 in our previous article.

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