Q: How long does my declaration remain valid?

Your declaration is valid for one calendar year , i.e. from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Question 1

Can I submit a declaration to SERI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you…

have been living and working in an EU/EFTA member state (no prior work experience in Switzerland),
intend to work in a regulated profession in Switzerland for a period not exceeding 90 working days per calendar year and
have not signed an employment contract with a Swiss employer.

Detailed information can be found in the document entitled:

Question 2

As a citizen of a non-EU/EFTA member state, can I submit a declaration to SERI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you satisfy the following criterion:

You are being posted to Switzerland by a company based in the EU/EFTA and have been integrated into the labour market of your country of residence for at least 12 months. Your employment contract remains in effect, and you continue to receive instructions from your employer. This means that self-employed individuals, managing directors and company owners are not required to submit a notification to SERI, as there is no relationship of subordination.

Question 3

Can I submit a declaration on someone else’s behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to act as an agent by ticking the appropriate box in the SERI online portal.

Question 4

How long does it take to process a declaration?

Accepted Answer

Once you have submitted the declaration, including all required supporting documents, via the online portal, the SERI declaration office will verify whether the correct documents have been uploaded. The one-month processing period begins on the date your complete declaration file, including all required supporting documents, is received by the SERI declaration office (see Art. 6 DRPA).The processing period does not begin if the declaration is incomplete.If further clarification is required during the review of your declaration (e.g. missing information about the content of education or training obtained abroad), the procedure may be suspended, resulting in a corresponding interruption of the processing period.

Question 5

What is the processing fee for the declaration procedure?

Accepted Answer

The SERI declaration office charges a processing fee of CHF 90 for first-time declarations. Additional fees may apply for the verification of professional qualifications and confirmation of professional practice.

Question 6

How soon should I submit a declaration before the planned start date of my professional activity?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, submitting your declaration at least one month before the start of your activity should suffice. The processing period may be extended if the declaration procedure is suspended, for example due to missing required documents.

Question 7

When do I need to renew my declaration?

Accepted Answer

The declaration must be renewed for each calendar year if you wish to continue your professional activity in Switzerland. Renewal for the following year can be submitted via the online portal starting in November.

Question 8

How long does my declaration remain valid?

Accepted Answer

Your declaration is valid for one calendar year, i.e. from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Question 9

What government authority issues the attestation referred to in Art. 7. para. 2 let. b of Directive 2005/36/EC?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your profession and where you reside, different authorities may be responsible. Please contact the national authority in that country for further information.

Question 10

Will my knowledge of languages be tested?

Accepted Answer

Certain language skills may be required if essential for professional practice (see Art. 53 of Directive 2005/36/EC).If you hold a certificate of language proficiency in one of Switzerland’s official languages, we recommend uploading it via the SERI online portal.

FAQ on SERI declaration procedure

State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI