Notice period in Switzerland (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: Notice is 1 month in the first year, 2 months in years 2 to 9 and 3 months after, the same for both sides. Probation is the first month with 7 days' notice. Severance applies only from age 50 after 20 years of service.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Notice from the employeeNotice period | Notice is 1 month in the first year of service, 2 months from the second to the ninth year and 3 months after that, each to the end of a month. The same period applies to the employee: different periods for employer and employee are not allowed, and if they are agreed the longer applies to both. [1] |
| Notice from the employerNotice period | The basic notice is 1 month in the first year of service, to the end of a month. Different periods can be agreed in writing, but not below 1 month (except by collective agreement in the first year). [1] |
| Longer notice for long serviceNotice period | Notice rises to 2 months from the second to the ninth year of service and to 3 months after that, each to the end of a month. [1] |
| Probation periodNotice period | The first month of employment is the probation period, with 7 days' notice. It can be changed in writing or by collective or standard contract, but to no more than 3 months. [1] |
| Severance payNotice period | Only an employee aged 50 or over whose employment ends after 20 or more years of service is entitled to a severance payment. It is at least 2 months' pay if the amount is agreed; if not set, a court sets it at no more than 8 months' pay. [1] |
Notes
- The payment can be reduced or dropped in some cases, for example when the employee ends the employment without good reason (Art. 339c para. 3). The text read is the version in force on 1 January 2026.
Sources
- Fedlex (Swiss Confederation): Bundesgesetz betreffend die Ergänzung des Schweizerischen Zivilgesetzbuches (Fünfter Teil: Obligationenrecht), Stand am 1. Januar 2026 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.