Getting your dismissal letter is a shock, even when you saw it coming. In Switzerland, the good news is that the law spells out exactly what can and cannot happen. The Code of Obligations (CO) sets notice periods, protects against certain dismissals, and gives you a safety net through unemployment insurance. The bad news is that deadlines move fast, and a few days' delay can cost you weeks of benefits. This guide explains your rights, the difference between an ordinary, abusive and immediate dismissal, and above all the steps to take from day one so you lose nothing. I'm Nishant Modi, founder of Careerkit, based in Zurich, and I've coached candidates on the Swiss market for years.
The legal framework for dismissal in Switzerland
In Switzerland, the open-ended employment contract rests on freedom of termination: either party may end it by respecting the notice period. Contrary to what many believe, the employer does not need valid grounds to dismiss you. What matters is the form and the notice period. A dismissal stays valid even without justification, unless it falls into the abusive or ill-timed categories described below.
Ordinary, abusive or immediate dismissal
There are three very different regimes. Ordinary dismissal respects the legal or contractual notice period. Abusive dismissal (art. 336 CO) stays valid but entitles you to compensation because its motive is prohibited. Immediate dismissal (art. 337 CO) ends the contract on the spot, with no notice, but only for serious just cause. Knowing which category you are in determines your rights and options.
First, reread your contract and any collective agreement: they may set longer notice than the legal minimum. If you need to bounce back fast, an up-to-date Swiss CV is your first lever, and our Swiss CV guide covers local expectations.
Notice periods (délais de congé) under the Code of Obligations
The notice period is the time between when notice is given and the actual end of the employment. Article 335c CO sets legal minimums that apply unless the contract says otherwise. These periods are the basis for every calculation.
