Switzerland’s Young Professionals Programme for Indonesians: Work Experience of up to 18 Months

Have you completed a degree or professional training and want to build work experience in Switzerland? Indonesia is among the countries with a Swiss Young Professionals exchange agreement. This route supports professional and language development in Switzerland and can provide work permission for up to 18 months in total.[1][2]

It is not a route for unrestricted casual work. Its stated purpose is career development, so the job must match the profession you trained for or your field of study.[1]

Who may consider this route?

The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) says the general Young Professionals criteria include citizenship from a partner country, an age of 18–35 for Indonesia, and completed vocational training through an apprenticeship, university of applied sciences, or university.[2]

For applicants from Indonesia, the work must be in the profession in which you trained. Where a profession requires diploma recognition or a specific permit in Switzerland, the relevant evidence must be included.[2]

This route is better suited to graduates or early-career professionals with a clear field direction. If your background is in hospitality, business, technology, finance, or another area, the role needs to be genuinely connected to your qualifications—not simply any job that happens to be available.

Key checks before you start job hunting

SEM makes clear that applicants are responsible for finding their own trainee vacancy or professional role.[1][2] A practical starting point is to prepare an English CV, align your LinkedIn profile, and build a shortlist of Swiss employers relevant to your field.

Keep these conditions in mind:

  • work permission is limited to 18 months in total;[1][2]
  • part-time work and self-employment are not permitted;[1][2]
  • pay must follow local and sectoral standards, at least at an entry-career level;[1][2]
  • the written employment agreement must include an integrated training programme.[2]

So, do not focus only on an employer’s name. Review the job description, training structure, salary, contract duration, insurance, and the role’s fit with your longer-term career plan.

Documents, application, and visa

SEM’s guidance says that an application generally requires official forms, an employment agreement with a training programme, a degree or vocational diploma, a current CV, employment certificates where relevant, and a passport copy.[2] Documents may be submitted in German, French, or English; local authorities may request certified documents or additional items.[2]

Applications are submitted to the competent authority in the applicant’s home country. For Indonesia, the SEM guidance directs applicants to the Swiss representation in Jakarta and gives a 4–8 week procedural estimate.[2] Indonesian citizens require a visa once the work permit is approved, and applicants may not enter Switzerland before approval is received.[2]

RIM Education can help you assess your study or international-career readiness, build a document strategy, and understand further-study options connected to your professional goals. Contact RIM Education to discuss your plan.

**Important:** This is a summary of official information, not immigration advice or a permit guarantee. Requirements, documents, processing times, professional-recognition rules, vacancies, and visa procedures can change. Confirm details directly with SEM and the Swiss representation handling your application before taking action or making commitments.[1][2]

Sources

[1] https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/themen/arbeit/berufspraktikum.html — Young professionals — Swiss State Secretariat for Migration

[2] https://www.sem.admin.ch/dam/sem/en/data/arbeit/berufspraktikum/ausl-stagiaires-che.pdf.download.pdf/ausl-stagiaires-che.pdf — Instructions for Young Professionals — Swiss SEM