Working in regulated professions
This page is available in:
Would you like to hire professionals in a regulated profession for your company or work in one yourself? For certain professions, recognized qualifications or special licenses are required. This page explains the requirements you need to meet and how to proceed.
Table of contents
Key Points at a Glance
Regulated professions are found in various sectors:
- Healthcare professions (e.g., nursing, physical therapy, psychology)
- Specialized technical professions (e.g., electrical engineering, building services engineering)
- Security-related activities (e.g., security personnel, private investigators)
Practicing these professions without the required qualifications or authorization is not permitted.
Requirements, Guidelines, and Formalities
Whether a profession is regulated depends on various factors:
- Nature and scope of the activity: Not all activities within a professional field are regulated. For example, an office position in the healthcare sector requires different qualifications than a clinical position.
- Industry and sector: Different industries are subject to different regulations. Technical professions in electrical engineering have different requirements than professions in building services engineering.
- Cantonal and federal requirements: The Canton of Zurich may have additional requirements that go beyond federal standards.
- Recognition of training: Training from both Switzerland and abroad must be recognized. This is particularly important if you wish to hire staff from other countries.
Important notes:
- Some professions require not only recognized qualifications but also regular continuing education or professional development.
- A lack of authorization can result in substantial fines and criminal penalties.
- It is advisable to clarify these points before hiring or starting work—not after.
How to proceed
Use the accordion controls to toggle the visibility of each panel (below the controls).
Not all professions require a license. First, determine whether your planned activity is subject to regulation.
Helpful:
- Consult the Federal State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI) – List of Regulated Professions
- Check with the relevant cantonal office
- Contact industry associations
Depending on the profession, the following qualifications may be required:
- Recognized vocational training: A vocational certificate or diploma from a regulated training program
- Diploma recognition: If you completed your training abroad, it must be recognized in Switzerland
- Additional qualifications: Continuing education, specializations, or advanced training
Important: Training completed abroad often must be validated by a recognition authority.
The competent authority depends on the industry and profession:
- Healthcare professions: Department of Health, Canton of Zurich (GD)
- Technical professions: Office for Industry, Trade, and Labor (IGA)
- Other specialized fields: Relevant specialized agencies
Required documents (typically):
- Proof of education and training (diplomas, certificates)
- Proof of qualifications
- Certificates of recognition (if applicable)
- Personal data and contact information
- Signed application forms
Processing time: Processing may take several weeks to months, depending on the scope and completeness of the documents.
Note:
The information on this page is for guidance only and is not exhaustive. Details should be clarified with experts or the relevant authorities as early as possible.
Further information
Use the accordion controls to toggle the visibility of each panel (below the controls).
Contact
Telefon