How do I get my Italian diploma recognised in Switzerland? (cross-border guide)
Answered with official sources — Job search and CV
Updated 11 August 2026
Answer
Recognition depends on profession. For regulated professions (doctor, nurse, lawyer, architect, teacher) SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation) issues equivalence under EU Directive 2005/36/EC source: SERI recognition portal. Online application on sbfi.admin.ch with translated diplomas, fee CHF 550-950. 4-6 months. Doctors: MEBEKO (Medical Professions Commission). Nurses: Swiss Red Cross (SRK). For non-regulated professions (engineer, IT, economist) formal recognition is not mandatory: the employer decides. SERI issues an ISCED level equivalence opinion useful in competitions. Teachers: CDPE (Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education).
Official sources
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The information on this page is for guidance only and does not replace personal advice from an accountant, lawyer or union office. Tax, social-security and permit rules change frequently: always verify with the official sources linked in each answer.