Why recognition matters
In Switzerland some professions are regulated: practising without a recognised title is illegal. For others, recognition simply makes job access easier.
The body depends on the profession
- SEFRI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation): general professions, vocational training, non-medical tertiary qualifications
- SRC (Swiss Red Cross): non-university healthcare professions (nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, healthcare assistants)
- MEBEKO: university medical professions (doctors, dentists, pharmacists, vets, chiropractors)
- SIWF: medical specialist titles
- PsyKo: psychotherapists and specialist psychologists
- Cantons: teachers, lawyers, certain technical professions
Standard documents
- Original diploma + official translation (French/German/Italian)
- Transcripts and study programme
- Proof of professional experience
- ID
- CV in national language
- For healthcare: clinical placement evidence, language (typically B2)
Procedures and timelines
- SEFRI: 4–6 months, fee CHF 550–1,000
- SRC: 6–9 months, fee CHF 1,000–1,500
- MEBEKO: 3–6 months, fee CHF 800–1,200
- SIWF: varies by specialty, several months
Possible decisions
- Full recognition: equivalent title, you can practise directly
- Partial recognition with measures: additional exams, adaptation placement, language course
- Refusal: appeal possible within 30 days
EU/EFTA case
Bilateral agreements simplify automatic recognition of many EU/EFTA titles in regulated professions. Check regbar.admin.ch or with SEFRI.
Tips
- Start the process before arriving in Switzerland: timelines are long
- Use a sworn translator accredited by Swiss authorities
- While waiting, you can sometimes work as an assistant or intern in the profession
- For non-EU/EFTA doctors, the federal exam and a clinical internship of several years are often required
