How can we support you?
We use cookies to provide the best site experience.
Knowledgebase
How to Obtain a SECO License for Recruitment in Switzerland in 2025
Dari Podhur, Counsel
16.06.2025
Table of Contents
Running a recruitment agency in Switzerland or placing candidates into Swiss companies requires strict compliance with national regulations. At the heart of this framework is the SECO license — a mandatory authorization issued by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) for employment agencies and staffing providers. Learn how to Create a company being an employee (Créer une entreprise en étant salarié) to ensure full compliance with Swiss employment rules.
This guide explains who needs a SECO permit, how to apply, and what legal and operational conditions must be met.
This guide explains who needs a SECO permit, how to apply, and what legal and operational conditions must be met.
What Is a SECO License?
A SECO license (sometimes referred to as a SECO permit) is an official authorization required for operating a recruitment business in Switzerland. It allows a company to:
• Place candidates in permanent or temporary positions
• Lease labor (staffing under client supervision)
• Conduct cross-border placements (EU/EEA and third countries)
The license is regulated under the Federal Act on Employment Services (AVG) and supervised by cantonal authorities in cooperation with SECO. See also Duties (Schuldanerkennung) for related employer obligations.
• Place candidates in permanent or temporary positions
• Lease labor (staffing under client supervision)
• Conduct cross-border placements (EU/EEA and third countries)
The license is regulated under the Federal Act on Employment Services (AVG) and supervised by cantonal authorities in cooperation with SECO. See also Duties (Schuldanerkennung) for related employer obligations.
Who Needs a SECO Permit?
You must obtain a SECO permit if your company:
• Provides staffing services or permanent placements in Switzerland;
• Leases employees to clients under a contract;
• Places Swiss-based candidates abroad or brings foreign workers into Switzerland.
Even foreign companies without a local presence must comply if they are involved in recruitment related to Switzerland. Our article on Become independent (Devenir indépendant) offers further insights for freelancers and agencies.
• Provides staffing services or permanent placements in Switzerland;
• Leases employees to clients under a contract;
• Places Swiss-based candidates abroad or brings foreign workers into Switzerland.
Even foreign companies without a local presence must comply if they are involved in recruitment related to Switzerland. Our article on Become independent (Devenir indépendant) offers further insights for freelancers and agencies.
Requirements for SECO License
To qualify for a SECO license, your recruitment company must:
- Be a legally registered entity in Switzerland (AG, GmbH, or branch office)
- Appoint a qualified person with recruitment experience (must work ≥50% in CH)
- Maintain a physical office (not virtual only)
- Deposit a financial guarantee with a Swiss bank or insurer
- Provide compliant employment and client contracts
We also recommend reviewing Accounting in Switzerland (Comptabilité en Suisse) to streamline your financial and compliance processes.
At Goldblum Law, we support clients through every legal and operational step, ensuring full compliance and efficient approval.
At Goldblum Law, we support clients through every legal and operational step, ensuring full compliance and efficient approval.
Application Process
- Legal company formation
- Hiring the qualified responsible manager
- Lease office space and prepare all required documents
- Submit application to cantonal authority
- SECO review and final approval
Average processing time: 4 to 8 weeks. Use Special apps Switzerland (Spesen-Apps Schweiz) to manage operations more efficiently during this period.
What Are the Penalties for Operating Without a License?
Operating a recruitment or staffing company without a valid SECO license is a federal offense. It can result in:
• Fines up to CHF 100,000
• Criminal prosecution of directors
• A ban from further operations
Understand the broader tax implications through our Consultation on tax proposal.
• Fines up to CHF 100,000
• Criminal prosecution of directors
• A ban from further operations
Understand the broader tax implications through our Consultation on tax proposal.
Can Foreign Companies Apply for a SECO License?
Yes. SECO permits are available to non-Swiss companies, but they must either:
• Establish a legal entity or branch in Switzerland;
• Or appoint a Swiss-based authorized representative and meet the same requirements.
Before applying, make sure you Record your business name as a brand (enregistrer son nom d’entreprise comme marque) for long-term recognition and protection.
• Establish a legal entity or branch in Switzerland;
• Or appoint a Swiss-based authorized representative and meet the same requirements.
Before applying, make sure you Record your business name as a brand (enregistrer son nom d’entreprise comme marque) for long-term recognition and protection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mislabeling staffing activity as “consulting”
- Appointing unqualified directors or managers
- Using co-working spaces without physical staff presence
- Submitting incomplete documentation to the canton
Our legal team helps you avoid these errors and achieve smooth licensing.
Contact Us
Goldblum Law is a boutique legal firm specializing in employment law and regulatory compliance in Switzerland. We support both domestic and foreign clients in obtaining SECO licenses.
Contact us for a free consultation:
Contact us for a free consultation:
FAQ
A SECO license is an official permit required to operate a recruitment or staffing company in Switzerland, issued by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
Yes. If you lease employees to third parties under supervision, you must obtain a SECO labor leasing license.
You must submit an application through the relevant canton, along with legal documents, staffing contracts, and proof of a qualified manager.
No. Operating without a license is a violation of Swiss federal law and subject to penalties.
It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the canton and completeness of your documents.
Yes. Foreign companies can apply if they establish a Swiss entity or appoint a qualified Swiss-based representative.
No. A physical office with staff present in Switzerland is required.
A financial guarantee (usually CHF 50,000–100,000) must be deposited to cover liabilities such as unpaid salaries or social charges.
The Federal Act on Employment Services and the Hiring of Services (AVG) governs recruitment licensing in Switzerland.
You risk regulatory sanctions, fines, and even a ban on future business activities in Switzerland.