Can I get unemployment benefit in Switzerland?
Yes — if you're registered with the RAV and have enough contributions. Register at the RAV (regional employment office) at the latest on your first day of unemployment; payment comes via an unemployment fund of your choice. The requirement is the contribution period: at least 12 months of contributions within the last 2 years (AVIG). The daily allowance is 80% of insured earnings if you support children under 25, your salary is low or you draw an IV pension, otherwise 70%. Depending on contributions and age you get 200, 260, 400 or 520 daily allowances. There are graduated waiting days. In short: yes, with registration, a contribution period and being fit for placement.
📋 The rules
- Register at the RAV on day one
- Contribution period: 12 months in 2 years (AVIG)
- Allowance 70%, with children/low pay/IV 80%
- 200–520 allowances by contributions & age
- Graduated waiting days by salary
🔓 Exceptions
- Contribution-exempt (e.g. after long illness): flat rate, max 90 allowances
- Max insured salary CHF 12,350/month (148,200/year)
- The self-employed aren't covered by the ALV
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Anyone who doesn't register in time or breaches duties (e.g. insufficient job search, refusing reasonable work) risks suspension days without allowance. False statements lead to recovery and possibly prosecution. Beware a myth: "as a self-employed person I also get unemployment benefit" is false — the self-employed aren't covered by the ALV. Tip: register with the RAV immediately, document your applications and attend advisory appointments so you avoid suspension days.
📎 Official sources
- Fedlex · Unemployment Insurance Act (AVIG) →
- arbeit.swiss · benefits →
- SECO · unemployment insurance →
❓ Frequently asked
How do I register as unemployed?
You register at the latest on your first day of unemployment with the regional employment office, the RAV, of your commune. You also choose an unemployment fund that pays the daily allowance. It's worth registering even before your last working day, to avoid gaps in cover.
How long must I have contributed?
You need at least twelve months of contributions within the last two years before unemployment. Anyone who was exempt from the contribution requirement for certain reasons, such as after long illness or education, gets a flat rate and a maximum of 90 daily allowances.
How high is the daily allowance?
The daily allowance is 80 percent of insured earnings if you support children under 25, your insured salary is low, or you draw an IV pension of at least 40 percent. Otherwise it's 70 percent. The maximum insured salary is CHF 12,350 per month.
How many allowances do I get?
Depending on contribution period and age you get 200, 260, 400 or 520 daily allowances. With at least twelve months' contributions it's 260, with eighteen months 400, and older insured persons with long contributions get up to 520. At most five are paid per week.
What are suspension days?
Suspension days are days without an allowance imposed as a sanction, for example for late registration, insufficient job search or refusing a reasonable position. They reduce your entitlement. Document your applications carefully and attend all appointments to avoid suspension days.
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