RAV
If your employment ends in Switzerland, the first and most important step is: register immediately with the RAV.
The RAV (Regionale Arbeitsvermittlung) is the Swiss public employment office that helps you find a job and manages unemployment benefits.
📌 1️⃣ When must you register?
⚠️ Already during the notice period!
Not when your contract has already ended, but as soon as you know that your job will end.
If you register late, there may be a deduction of benefits (Sperrtag).
💰 2️⃣ How much does unemployment insurance pay?
The benefits are paid by the so‑called unemployment fund (Arbeitslosenkasse – ALK).
Generally:
70% of your last salary
80% if you have dependent children
The calculation is based on the average gross salary.
📄 3️⃣ What do you have to do every month?
At the RAV, it is not enough to just wait.
✔️ You must submit job applications every month
✔️ You must provide proof of the applications sent
✔️ You must attend meetings
✔️ You must accept “zumutbare Arbeit” (reasonable work)
If you do not cooperate → benefit reduction.
⚠️ 4️⃣ What is a Sperrtag?
A Sperrtag means that you do not receive money for certain days.
This can happen, for example:
If you resigned without valid reason
If you did not submit enough applications
If you refused a suitable job
If you registered late with the RAV
🏥 5️⃣ What happens if you are sick?
With a medical certificate, you can prove that you are temporarily unable to work.
However:
If you are sick for a longer period, it may no longer be the responsibility of the RAV, but of the daily sickness benefit insurance (Krankentaggeld).
📍 6️⃣ What should you pay special attention to?
Never ignore letters from the RAV
Make copies of every document
Apply for jobs even if they are not your “dream job”
Respect all deadlines
💡 Swiss TV Info advice
The RAV system is disciplined and strict – but if you cooperate, it can provide real support.
The biggest mistakes:
❌ Not taking it seriously
❌ Being late
❌ Not documenting everything
