Guide
How to Start a Temp Agency in Switzerland
Switzerland's temporary staffing market is tightly regulated — which is exactly why doing it right is a moat. Here is the practical path from zero to a licensed, compliant temp agency.
1. Choose a legal structure
Most agencies start as an AG (Aktiengesellschaft) or GmbH. The AG is the default for professional temping because it signals stability to clients and authorities. You'll need at least one board member resident in Switzerland.
2. Get the personnel services licence
Temp staffing requires a cantonal Bewilligung / licence for personnel services (Personalverleih) — and, for certain categories, a federal permit. You apply through your canton's labour office (Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit). Requirements include a clean criminal record, financial soundness, and a business plan.
3. Understand the collective labour agreement (GAV/LSE)
The staffing industry has a mandatory CBA (Gesamtarbeitsvertrag / LSE-GAV) covering minimum wages, night and Sunday premiums, holiday pay and 13th salary. You must apply its wage scales — a good platform pre-loads these as CBA rate cards so you never underpay.
4. Handle payroll & social insurance correctly
Pay employees through Swiss payroll: AHV/IV/EO, ALV, BVG (pension), accident insurance (UVG), and withholding tax for foreign workers. A compliant payroll run also means accurate 13th salary and holiday pay accruals.
5. Cover the essentials before day one
- Professional indemnity & employer's liability insurance.
- Valid work/residence permits for staff you place (B, C, G, L, F).
- Written contracts and timesheet approval flows.
- GDPR-compliant candidate data handling (Swiss FADP).
6. Price your services
Mark up the hourly cost (wage + employer contributions + admin) by a margin that covers your overhead and leaves profit. Transparent per-user software like Vermittra keeps your cost base predictable as you scale.
7. Set up operations
Use software that tracks clients, candidates, placements, timesheets, invoicing and compliance in one place — so your first 10 placements don't drown you in spreadsheets.
See Vermittra pricing