Internship Contract Agreement Template for Switzerland

An Internship Contract Agreement is a legally binding document that formalizes the relationship between you as an employer and your intern in Switzerland. This contract ensures compliance with Swiss employment law while establishing clear expectations, responsibilities, and protections for both parties throughout the internship period.

When do you need this document?

You need an Internship Contract Agreement whenever you're offering a structured learning opportunity that involves work experience, whether paid or unpaid. This includes academic internships arranged through universities or vocational schools, professional placements for recent graduates, and training programs for career changers. The document is essential when hosting international students on work permits, offering summer internships to local students, or providing apprenticeship-style training in your industry. If your internship program involves collaboration with educational institutions or placement agencies, a formal contract becomes even more critical to define each party's obligations and ensure legal compliance.

Key legal considerations

Your internship contract must address several critical legal elements under Swiss law. Working hours and rest periods must comply with the Federal Labor Law, with special restrictions for interns under 18 years old under the Young Workers Protection Act. You must specify whether the internship is paid or unpaid, and if paid, ensure compliance with minimum wage requirements where applicable. Accident insurance coverage is mandatory under the Federal Act on Accident Insurance (UVG) for interns working more than 8 hours per week. The contract should clearly define learning objectives, supervision arrangements, and evaluation criteria to distinguish the internship from regular employment. Include provisions for confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and termination procedures. If the intern is a minor, parental consent and additional protective measures may be required.

Legal requirements in Switzerland

Swiss law requires internship contracts to comply with the Code of Obligations (Articles 319-362), which governs employment relationships and applies to most internship arrangements. You must ensure the agreement specifies the internship's educational purpose and learning outcomes, as this distinguishes it from regular employment under Swiss law. For academic internships, coordination with educational institutions is often mandatory, and the contract may need to reference academic credit requirements. Working time regulations under Federal Labor Law apply, including maximum daily and weekly hours, mandatory breaks, and rest periods. If your intern is under 18, additional restrictions apply regarding working hours, night work, and dangerous activities. You must also comply with social security and tax obligations, which vary depending on the internship's duration, compensation level, and the intern's status. Documentation requirements include proper registration with authorities if the internship duration exceeds certain thresholds or involves foreign nationals requiring work permits.