Switzerland has adopted important changes that will facilitate access to work for people with S status - in particular Ukrainians who left because of the war. The Federal Council has approved a new employment order that abolishes the mandatory work permit and replaces it with a notification of the commencement of activity. This is reported by Visit Ukraine.
From December 1, 2025, employers and employees will not need to obtain a special permit - it is enough to send a notification of employment online through the EasyGov.swiss service or contact the cantonal authority. This effectively removes one of the main bureaucratic obstacles that complicated Ukrainians' access to the labor market. At the same time, the notification system has been operational since October 23, 2025, allowing the new rules to be used before the official date.
New Employment Rules in Switzerland from December 1, 2025
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Abolition of the work permit.
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Employment registration instead of approval.
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Ability to start working immediately after sending the notification.
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Requirement to notify about the termination of work as well.
Additional Requirements for Social Assistance Recipients in Switzerland
Another change concerns those receiving social assistance. From now on, people with S status may be required to participate in professional integration or reintegration programs. This rule already applies to refugees and individuals with temporary acceptance. In case of refusal to participate, social benefits may be reduced.
The aim of the new measures is to encourage active employment and accelerate the integration of Ukrainians into the labor market. The state is also facilitating cooperation between federal and cantonal authorities involved in integration programs. From now on, agreements between levels of government can be extended through a simplified procedure, without concluding new contracts each time.
S Status in Switzerland
S status in Switzerland is granted to individuals who fled from the war and allows them to live, study, and work.
Earlier we reported that the Federal Council of Switzerland decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2027, but introduced new restrictions.