Unlimited Employment Contract Template for Switzerland

When establishing a permanent employment relationship in Switzerland, you need a comprehensive unlimited employment contract that complies with Swiss federal law. This document serves as the legal foundation for your employment relationship, defining rights, obligations, and terms for both employer and employee under Swiss jurisdiction.

When do you need this document?

You require an unlimited employment contract when hiring permanent staff in Switzerland for positions without predetermined end dates. This applies to full-time and part-time roles across all industries, from entry-level positions to executive appointments. Unlike fixed-term contracts, unlimited agreements provide ongoing employment security while allowing for termination under specific legal conditions. You'll need this contract when establishing new employment relationships, converting temporary positions to permanent roles, or updating existing agreements to ensure current legal compliance.

Key legal considerations

Your contract must include mandatory elements required by Swiss law, including clear job descriptions, compensation details, working hours, and probation periods up to three months. Pay special attention to termination clauses, as Swiss law requires specific notice periods based on employment duration and provides protection against unfair dismissal. Include provisions for social security contributions, accident insurance, and pension fund enrollment as required by federal legislation. Address data protection obligations under the Federal Act on Data Protection, particularly regarding employee personal information handling. Consider including non-compete clauses, which are enforceable in Switzerland but must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic limitation.

Legal requirements in Switzerland

Swiss employment contracts must comply with the Code of Obligations Articles 319-362, which governs essential contractual elements including formation, duties, and termination procedures. Your agreement must respect the Federal Labor Law regarding maximum working hours, rest periods, and overtime compensation, with standard working time limited to 45 hours weekly for office workers and 50 hours for other employees. Ensure compliance with the Gender Equality Act by including equal treatment provisions and avoiding discriminatory language. The contract must specify accident insurance coverage as mandated by the Federal Act on Accident Insurance, with employers responsible for providing comprehensive coverage. Include provisions for statutory minimum vacation entitlements of four weeks annually, with five weeks required for employees under 20 years old. Address pension fund contributions according to the Federal Act on Occupational Old Age, Survivors' and Invalidity Pension Provision, typically beginning at age 17 for disability coverage and 25 for retirement benefits.