Verify the licensed Swiss employment arrangement
Check whether the proposed service is regulated personnel leasing and verify the relevant cantonal and, where applicable, federal permissions. SEM states that leasing staff from a foreign company into Switzerland is prohibited; do not assume an overseas EOR entity can perform the role.
Establish the transfer mechanism and consultation duties
Assess whether Swiss business-transfer rules apply to the actual transaction. Document how contracts, service history, accrued rights and liabilities will be handled. SECO identifies business transfers as an area requiring employee information and consultation; do not substitute a new contract template for that assessment.
Check contractor status with the compensation office
For social-insurance purposes, the competent OASI office assesses self-employed status. Review work in the individual's own name and account, independence, economic risk and the factual arrangement. A foreign contractor designation is not sufficient evidence of Swiss status.
Confirm accident insurance and pension coverage
Map the old and new coverage dates and identify the applicable accident insurance and occupational-pension arrangements. Verify eligibility and contribution requirements for the worker's salary and working pattern rather than promising identical cover.
Check nationality, permit and canton before moving
Separate EU/EFTA mobility from third-country permit rules. Check whether the individual's permit permits a change of job, requires a cantonal application or has specific conditions. Confirm any notification before the receiving employer's start date.
Where PEO fits
A PEO or EOR commercial label does not replace the Swiss personnel-leasing assessment. Identify the Swiss employing entity and verify the permits applicable to its activity.
Common questions
Can an overseas EOR lease employees into Switzerland?
SEM states that leasing staff from a foreign company into Switzerland is prohibited. Establish whether the proposed service is personnel leasing and verify the relevant Swiss employing entity and cantonal and, where applicable, federal permissions.
Who assesses Swiss self-employed status for social insurance?
The competent OASI compensation office assesses self-employed status. Review independence, economic risk, work in the person’s own name and account, and the factual relationship; a foreign contractor label is not sufficient evidence.
Can every Swiss permit holder change employers on the same basis?
No. Check nationality, permit type, canton and any specific conditions. Separate EU/EFTA mobility from third-country rules and confirm whether a job change needs a cantonal application or notification before the new start date.
Turn these checks into a plan
Record an owner, required evidence and readiness date for each issue. Confirm the rules for the actual employing relationship and work location before promising a cutover.
Build your migration roadmap
Prepare social-insurance and payroll records
Confirm the receiving employer's compensation-office registration and contribution process. Reconcile payroll, deductions and year-end salary certificates; workers who change employers during the year can receive certificates from each employer.