It is a mistake to think that not having to go to work every day means you will have time for leisure and recreational activities, and can ‘sneak out’ for a little rest and relaxation without the authorities finding out you are gone.

Unemployment benefits in Switzerland are more generous than in many other countries, but they also come with strict rules attached, which don’t include vacation time.

In fact, being out of work in Switzerland is actually… hard work.

Rules and conditions

Once you start collecting unemployment benefits, you will have quite a few obligations you will need to comply with, such as; 

• Showing up for all appointments with your unemployment counsellor
• Sending out a certain number of job applications per month (and proving to the unemployment office that you have)
• Attending continuing education courses 
• Participating in programmes to improve your skills and your employability
• Showing up for job interviews

If you fail to follow any of these rules (except if you are sick and can present a medical certificate), your benefits could be reduced.

Swiss ordinance on this matter states that “an unauthorised stay abroad will result in the denial of entitlement to benefits for the duration of the stay, even if the insured person is easily reachable and can return to Switzerland quickly to comply with an assignment.”

This does not exclude a weekend trip, but you do have to be present in Switzerland and, more specifically, at your home, during the week.

There, are, however, some (though rare) exceptions to those rules.

For example, the unemployment office will likely ‘excuse’ your absence if you have to leave the country temporarily  for imperative reasons — for instance, if there is death or serious illness in your family, or if you yourself require urgent medical treatment in a place other than your community.

Another exception would be if you have a job interview elsewhere than your place of residence and have to travel there.

None of these, scenarios, however, includes vacation breaks.

There is also another ‘way out’ of these rules.

If you have sufficient savings to live on while looking for a job on your own, without relying on the state unemployment scheme and having to comply with all its regulations, then you are of course free to do whatever you want with your time — including taking a vacation if your finances allow it.

READ ALSO: What you need to know if you’re unemployed in Switzerland