Age must be 18–35; Australia: 20–30; New Zealand and Russia: 18–30. These are country-specific age ranges, not a universal 'under 35' rule. Use the relevant nationality agreement and competent authority. Normally completed vocational training/education is required (program page: at least a bachelor's degree or two-year apprenticeship). Current instructions also admit Canadian/US students and US apprentices with at least two years in the relevant occupation. For these branches provide enrolment/training evidence instead of assuming a completed degree for everyone. Work must match training/studies; regulated professions require recognition/authorisation. Find full-time employment in your trained profession/study field, paid at local and industry entry-level rates. A written contract signed by employer and trainee must include a training programme. Part-time work, self-employment and staff leasing are not permitted. Total stays under this program cannot exceed 18 months; apply through the competent home-country authority and wait for approval before entry.
Arrival/initial issue: Geneva OCPM fee list (28 January 2026), adult B/L card: EU category CHF 65; third-country category CHF 117 without / CHF 137 with biometrics. No Young Professionals-specific total fee has been established by this review. This is a cantonal card-fee example, not a total national or programme price. Confirm the applicable nationality, service and any work-authorisation, SEM or entry-visa charges with the responsible authorities.≈ $73
Not stated on the official pages we have read; ask the cantonal migration office.
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Source-backed requirements
Eligibility
(2)Training and student exceptions
DocumentMandatoryNormally completed vocational training/education is required (program page: at least a bachelor's degree or two-year apprenticeship). Current instructions also admit Canadian/US students and US apprentices with at least two years in the relevant occupation. For these branches provide enrolment/training evidence instead of assuming a completed degree for everyone. Work must match training/studies; regulated professions require recognition/authorisation.
Verified officialCountry-specific age range
MandatoryAge must be 18–35; Australia: 20–30; New Zealand and Russia: 18–30. These are country-specific age ranges, not a universal 'under 35' rule. Use the relevant nationality agreement and competent authority.
Verified official
Qualification
(1)Employment with training programme
MandatoryFind full-time employment in your trained profession/study field, paid at local and industry entry-level rates. A written contract signed by employer and trainee must include a training programme. Part-time work, self-employment and staff leasing are not permitted. Total stays under this program cannot exceed 18 months; apply through the competent home-country authority and wait for approval before entry.
Verified official
Application
(1)Eligible agreement citizenships
MandatoryEligible citizenships: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, San Marino, South Africa, Tunisia, Ukraine and USA. This bilateral exchange is not open to all nationalities; EU/EFTA workers use their separate free-movement rules.
Verified official
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Immigration Documents & Forms
Source citations
SEM — Young Professionals standard employment agreement and training programme (07/2023)
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Official two-page standard contract with detailed training and responsible person. Work after permit, full-time, maximum18months; local/sector pay and conditions, holidays, insurance and Philippine body-repatriation note. Zero fields/widgets; unsigned preparation only.
SEM — Young Professionals official application (2025)
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Official two-page application: applicant/employer, previous Swiss work, education/work history and languages. Authority-only panel and signature excluded from preparation. Current PDF has zero fields/widgets.
SEM — Instructions for Young Professionals
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Official young-professional instructions: age/nationality branches, student/apprentice exceptions, employment training contract and admission procedure.
SEM — Young professionals (Stagiaires)
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
SEM Young Professionals:15listed citizenships, related full-time employment, local/industry pay, no self-employment, maximum18months. General completed education requirement has Canada/US student and US apprentice exceptions in the linked current instructions; age varies by nationality.
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