Switzerland has concluded traineeship programmes with various countries in order to enable young professionals to further their vocational and language skills abroad. Traineeship agreements simplify procurement of an entry visa, residence permit and work permit, regardless of the situation on the labour market. Such agreements exist with the following countries:

Further information

If you want to do a work placement abroad, the first step is to find an employer. Information and tips:

Job search

When you have found your placement, you must apply for a permit to reside and work in your country of choice (trainee exchange permit). Refer your employer to existing trainee exchange agreements and advise them that you can apply for the required visa yourself. For details, consult the information published by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM):

SEM trainee programmes (de, fr, it)

See the FDFA’s information on different countries for more information:

Living and working abroad (de, fr, it)