Returning to Switzerland: transfer your benefits

Context

In brief

Operational details

Implications for the national labour market

The transfer of foreign benefits introduces an administrative break that can affect the immediate availability of labour in the host regions. Since applicants must submit the form to the municipal placement office, cantonal authorities have to handle an additional flow of cases. This increases the workload for SECO offices and for cantonal placement services, especially in cantons with a high number of returns such as Zurich and Basel.

From the beneficiaries' perspective, the requirement to have savings for about a year (as testified by the woman returning from the United Kingdom) impacts the cost of living, already high in Switzerland. The need to have a family or friend support network is a factor that can determine the choice of municipality of residence, thereby influencing the demographic distribution of returns.

Comparison with the previous regulation

Before the introduction of the transfer form, returnees could receive Swiss benefits directly, but the Confederation tightened the criteria to prevent abuse. Now, those coming from an EU/EFTA country can no longer access Swiss unemployment benefits once the transfer period (3‑6 months) has expired, unless they return to the country of origin. This makes the financial planning of returns more stringent.

Possible scenarios

• Scenario A – Solid financial plan: the returnee has a year’s savings, completes the form on time and actively participates in coaching and job offers. The result is a rapid integration into the Swiss market.
• Scenario B – Lack of savings: without a financial cushion, the person immediately depends on social assistance, which can lead to longer procedures and a stricter assessment by cantonal authorities.
• Scenario C – Omission of the form: as in the cited case of the citizen from the United Kingdom, failing to submit the form leads to the total loss of foreign benefits, forcing the returnee to seek other forms of support.

These scenarios show how proper administrative handling and economic preparation are decisive for a smooth return. Cantonal authorities, through their placement offices, will need to provide timely information and facilitate the completion of the form in order to reduce cases of exclusion from benefits.

To explore nationally available job opportunities, readers can consult the job listings.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

Step-by-step procedure for repatriation

1. Request for unemployment in the country of residence – Before leaving the European country, submit the request for benefits according to local regulations. The Confederation provides guidelines on this process. 2. Collection of the transfer form – Download the form provided by Seco (available on the website of the Secretariat of State for the Economy) and fill in all the required fields. 3. Contact with the OSE – Within two months of your intended return, contact the Organization of the Swiss Abroad to confirm the necessary documentation and receive any legal advice. 4. Presentation to the municipality of destination – Deliver the completed form to the employment office of the Swiss municipality where you intend to settle (e.g. Basel City). Attach proof of savings and support network if requested. 5. Registration with the employment service – Register with the cantonal employment service to access coaching sessions and a database of job offers. 6. Benefits Monitoring – Home country benefits will be paid for 3-6 months. Keep track of deadlines to avoid interruptions. 7. Evaluation of social assistance - If you have not yet found a job at the end of the benefits, consider the possibility of requesting Swiss social assistance or temporarily returning to your EU/EFTA country of origin to continue receiving the benefit.

Useful tools

• Salary calculator – To estimate the net income in Switzerland compared to foreign benefits (calcolatore stipendio). - Social assistance guide – Available on the portal of the canton of residence, it provides details on requirements and documentation. - SECO Consulting Service – Contactable for clarification on coaching requirements and job application obligations.

CTAs

If you are planning your return, use our calcolatore stipendio now to compare your future Swiss income with your current allowances. This way you can check if your savings cover the transition period and better plan your job search.

FAQs

• What is the maximum period for transferring benefits? Compensation from the country of origin can be received in Switzerland for a period of three to six months, provided that the transfer form has been submitted to the municipal employment office.

• What happens if the form is not submitted? Without the form, the person does not receive benefits from the previous country and cannot access Swiss unemployment benefits, having to resort to social assistance or return to the EU/EFTA country.

• What documents are required for Swiss social assistance? It is necessary to prove the lack of income, the availability of insufficient savings for the transition period and active participation in the cantonal employment service.

Source: swissinfo.ch

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