How to obtain your Swiss Bodyleasing Permit
For many international recruitment agencies, the SECO boodyleasing permit is a confusing barrier.
Without it, cross-border staffing into cantons like Zug or Zurich can result in hefty fines and compliance headaches. This post breaks down exactly what you need and how to get it done. HUCAI supports you in every step so your expansion into Switzerland is smooth, legal, and profitable.
With a stable economy, strong client trust, and high-value contracts, Switzerland offers a premium market for professional staffing services.
If your business involves leasing or placing staff, you’ll need to navigate the SECO bodyleasing (also called the staff leasing licence). This isn’t just a box ticking exercise – it’s a legal and reputational cornerstone for operating in the Swiss market. Without it, you risk fines of up to CHF 100,000, barrier to marekt entry, and long-term damage to your credibility.
This guide breaks down the process step-by-step so you can approach the Swiss staffing market with confidence.
Why SECO Matters for Staffing Companies Expanding to Switzerland
Every year, recruitment firms from various disciplines look to Switzerland as a growth hub. The reasons are clear:
- High-margin client contracts in industries like finance, pharmaceuticals, and engineering
- Business stability supported by a strong legal system and predictable tax environment
- Reputation uplift from having a Swiss corporate base
However, Switzerland’s staffing sector is tightly regulated to protect workers and maintain industry integrity. SECO (the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) oversees the national framework for staff leasing, ensuring companies meet strict requirements before they can operate.
If your model includes:
- Placing talent across Switzerland
- Supplying staff from abroad into Switzerland
- Operating multiple branches or client sites in different Cantons
…then the federal SECO licence is not optional – it’s mandatory!
Understanding the Swiss Staffing Framework
Switzerland operates with two levels of licensing for staffing activities:
1. Cantonal Licence
This is required if your operations are confined to a single canton. For example, if you only provide staff in Zurich and do not cross cantonal borders, you’ll need a cantonal licence from the local employment office.
2. Federal SECO Licence
If you operate in multiple cantons or lease staff into Switzerland from abroad, you’ll need a federal licence in addition to the cantonal one. The federal licence is issued by SECO and allows cross-border and cross-canton placements.
Many international companies underestimate this two tier system and assume that a single licence covers the entire country. It doesn’t and missing this detail can delay your market entry by months.
What are the Requirements for the SECO Licence?
Before you can apply, you must ensure your business meets these fundamental requirements:
Swiss Commercially Registered Entity: You must establish a legal presence in Switzerland, either as an AG (public limited company) or GmbH (private limited company).
Qualified Responsible Person: A manager based in Switzerland, working at least 50% on-site, with relevant industry experience and a clean professional record.
Physical Office: A genuine Swiss office address is required; virtual offices or purely correspondence addresses won’t be accepted.
Financial Guarantee (Deposit): Typically CHF 100,000, held to cover potential wage claims or other liabilities.
Compliant Contracts and Insurance: Employee and client contracts must comply with Swiss labour law, and you must provide appropriate social security and insurance coverage.
No Conflicting Activities: Your business model must not create conflicts of interest for jobseekers or employers.
These requirements are designed to ensure that staffing firms are financially stable, professionally credible, and committed to fair labour practices.
