What does job registration requirement mean?

Since July 2018, Switzerland has had a job registration requirement: employers must report vacant positions in occupations with above-average unemployment rates to the RAV. The aim is to give job seekers in Switzerland a head start in the application process. The reporting obligation is based on the unemployment rate in a particular occupation. As soon as this reaches at least 5%, the occupation becomes subject to reporting for the following year. The updated list is published every year in November on arbeit.swiss.

In concrete terms, this means that before a position can be advertised publicly, it must be reported exclusively to the RAV and held back for a blocking period of five working days. During this time, job seekers registered with the RAV have the opportunity to apply on a preferential basis.

The most important rules at a glance

• Obligation to report to the RAV: Report the open position before advertising it publicly
• Blocking period: 5 working days Publication ban for positions subject to reporting requirements
• Dossier recommendation: The RAV submits suitable candidate dossiers within 3 days
• Penalty for non-compliance: Fines of up to CHF 40,000 are possible for failure to comply with the reporting requirement

Purpose of the job registration requirement

The job registration requirement is intended to ensure that job seekers registered with the RAV are the first to be informed about vacancies in occupations with high unemployment. This gives them an information and application advantage over other candidates. In addition, the RAV has the opportunity to send dossiers of suitable candidates to employers. This is intended to make better use of the potential of the domestic workforce ("domestic priority").

Occupations subject to the reporting requirement

The reporting requirement is based on the unemployment rate for individual occupations, which must be above 5%. To compensate for seasonal fluctuations, the average national unemployment rate for individual occupations is calculated over the last twelve months.

In November 2025, the list of occupations subject to notification was updated. For 2026, more positions are subject to notification than in 2025, for example:

• Sales and marketing managers
• Conference and event planners
• Service assistants in restaurants
• Plasterers, drywall installers
• Metal polishers, cylindrical grinders and tool sharpeners

Frequently asked questions from practice

Does the obligation also apply to internal job advertisements?

No, the obligation only applies to public job advertisements. Internal appointments or direct transfers after completion of an apprenticeship are exempt.

What happens if I accidentally fail to report a position?

Violations can result in heavy fines. In addition, trust in your company's compliance capabilities may be damaged.

How do I know if a position is subject to reporting?

Applicant management software such as Refline can help you here: it automatically recognises position reports and displays the blocking periods directly in the tool. You can also use the check-up at arbeit.swiss.

Efficient reporting with Refline

With the ‘Job reporting obligation / AVAM’ module, Refline provides you with optimal support for legally compliant implementation:

• Automatic detection of reporting-required positions 
• Seamless transmission to JobRoom & RAV 
• Automatic calculation & display of the blocking period 
• Pre-scheduled publication on job boards after the blocking period has expired 
• Dossier transmission directly to the applicant management system 
• Audit-compliant, data protection-compliant historisation

Conclusion: consciously fulfil your obligations and strengthen your image

The job registration requirement is more than a formality. Those who take it seriously demonstrate their commitment to the domestic labour market and act responsibly. With a smart solution like Refline, this can be achieved without any additional effort – efficiently, automatically and transparently.