đ Lead times are set by the destination country. This article covers trips where Switzerland is the destination country â the country where the work is performed. Switzerland's 8-calendar-day requirement does not apply to employees travelling from Switzerland to another country; those trips follow the deadline of their own destination country.
Overview
In Switzerland, notifications for short-term work must generally be submitted at the latest 8 calendar days before the start of the trip.
This is a legal requirement imposed by the Swiss Law and applies to all activities that fall within the scope of the notification procedure.
Emergency Exception
Swiss guidance provides for a limited exception in cases of genuine emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
According to the guidance issued by the Swiss authorities, emergency cases may include:
Unexpected damage to equipment, facilities, or infrastructure;
Accidents or incidents requiring immediate corrective action;
Natural disasters; or
Other unforeseeable events where immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further damage or restore essential operations.
In emergency cases, the standard 8-day notification period does not apply. However, the notification must still be submitted before work starts.
The competent cantonal authorities evaluate the justification and ultimately decide whether an emergency justification is applicable.
Activities That Typically Do Not Qualify
The emergency exception is generally not intended for activities that are planned, scheduled, or foreseeable, including:
Workshops and training sessions;
Customer meetings;
Planned project work;
Routine business travel;
Regular maintenance activities; and
Other pre-arranged assignments.
Required Supporting Documentation
Where an emergency notification is necessary, WorkFlex requires aâŻsupporting letter from the Swiss customer.
The letter should:
Be dated within 3 calendar days prior to the trip start date;
Clearly describe the unforeseen event or emergency circumstances;
Explain why the work could not have been planned or notified within the standard 8-day notification period; and
Confirm the need for an immediate on-site intervention in Switzerland.
Additional information or documentation may be requested as part of the review process.
Emergency Letter Template
WorkFlex provides anâŻEmergency Procedure Letter template that can be used as supporting documentation for emergency notifications.
If your Swiss customer does not have their own documentation, they may complete this template, fill in the required information, sign it, and share it.
Please note that the use of the template does not guarantee acceptance of the emergency exception. The final assessment remains with the competent Swiss cantonal authorities.
Compliance Considerations
Submitting a standard notification outside the statutory notification period without a valid emergency basis may result in compliance risks, including administrative measures or fines imposed by the Swiss authorities.
Please note that emergency notifications are not covered under WorkFlex's No-Risk policy, as they fall outside the standard legal notification framework.
Need Assistance?
If you believe that a trip involving a notification may qualify for the emergency exception, please contact the WorkFlex Support team at [email protected] as early as possible and provide the relevant emergency letter. We will review the circumstances and support the notification process in accordance with the applicable Swiss requirements.