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Knowledgebase

How to Obtain a SECO License for Recruitment in Switzerland in 2025

Dari Podhur, Counsel
03.11.2023 ----> updated 21.05.2025

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.

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.
SECO official website

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.

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
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

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

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.

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:

Adam Abdellaoui

Off-Counsel
+41 (44) 5152530

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.