If you have a foreign qualification and want to practice in Switzerland, the first step is to know if your profession is regulated (e.g. medicine, nursing, law, teaching). If it is not regulated, official recognition is not mandatory, and the labor market will decide the value of your degree.
Regulated Professions and Competent Entities
For regulated professions, recognition is imperative. Depending on your sector, recognition is requested from a different entity:
- SEFRI (Secretary of State for Training, Research and Innovation): For vocational training, commerce and pedagogical education professions (many university degrees).
- MEBEKO (Medical Professions Commission): For doctors, dentists, veterinarians and pharmacists. Requires mastery of a national language (B2/C1).
- Swiss Red Cross (CRS): For paramedical and non-university health professions (nursing, physiotherapy).
The procedures incur administrative costs (hundreds of francs) and usually require sworn translations of your academic record.
Source: Check which authority evaluates your diploma in the SEFRI portal.