If you are thinking about working as a security guard in Switzerland, this article will help you. It explains in simple words what the job involves, what you need to qualify, what the latest updates are, and how to find trusted agencies.
1. What does a security guard do?
A security guard watches over people, buildings or goods. The job may include controlling access (who comes in or out), patrolling the area, acting in case of alarms, and reporting problems. In Switzerland, such jobs are important because many businesses and events need safe and reliable security. According to recent data, the demand for protective services (including security guards) has slightly increased in 2024.
2. What are the basic qualifications and requirements?
Here are some of the usual requirements when you apply for security guard work in Switzerland:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a clean criminal record (no serious crimes). 2
- You must have the legal right to live and work in Switzerland (work permit if required).
- You usually need to complete a basic security training course. Duration varies by region (canton).
- You should know at least some language spoken in the region (German, French or Italian) — many employers ask for this.
- Some employers prefer that you have good physical fitness, reliability, and professional behaviour.
3. Latest updates and important changes
Here are some of the latest things you should be aware of:
- Switzerland’s security sector has seen a **slight skills shortage** for protective service roles in 2024. That means more opportunities may exist.
- Foreign professional qualifications (for example if you trained as a guard in another country) may need to be recognised under Swiss law before you work.
- Some training courses vary a lot between cantons (regions). This means you must check the rules for the specific canton you want to work in.
- Salary information: For entry-level security guards in Switzerland, salaries often range around **CHF 3,500-4,500 per month** (depending on canton, shift, experience) in many cases.
4. Steps to apply and succeed
Here is a simple step-by-step plan:
- Make sure you meet the legal requirements (age, clean record, permit to work in Switzerland).
- Find out in which canton you want to work. In Switzerland, rules can be different in each canton.
- Take the required training course. Ask local security companies or training institutes in your canton.
- Prepare your CV (resume) and show that you are reliable, on time, good with people, and able to learn. Even if you don’t have much experience, these qualities matter.
- Apply to trusted security companies or agencies (see next section for “legit agencies”). Be careful with scams (never pay a job fee yourself).
- Once hired, do your job well: show up on time, follow rules, keep yourself prepared for shift work (nights, weekends may be required).
5. How to find **legit agencies** and avoid risks
Here are some trustworthy agencies in Switzerland and tips to check for legitimacy:
- Heritage Staffing – a Swiss recruitment agency licensed by Swiss labour authorities (SECO). They handle security roles as part of their services.
- Bodyguard Prestige Sécurité (Geneva area) – offers training and job placements in field security and bodyguard roles.
- Sentinel Protection (Geneva) – a security company offering guard services; you can search for jobs with them.
What to check to avoid risks:
- The agency is registered in Switzerland and has a legitimate office.
- You do *not* pay big sums of money up-front for “getting placed”. Jobs in security should not require large fees from you.
- Your contract is clear: salary, working hours, duties, full address of employer. You also get a work permit or authorization if required.
- The canton authority has approved the security company or the agency (check if they have a valid licence in that canton). For example, there are lists of security firms approved in cantons.
6. Final advice
Working as a security guard in Switzerland can be a good opportunity if you meet the requirements and are willing to learn. Language skills help a lot. Always check training and the legal side. With the recent shortage in protective services, there may be more openings than before.
If you are coming from another country, make sure you understand the permit / visa work status in Switzerland. If you are already in Switzerland or have a permit, that helps a lot.
Stay patient, prepare well, and apply to reliable companies. Good luck!
Tags: Switzerland jobs, security guard Switzerland, security jobs Switzerland, work abroad Switzerland, guard training Switzerland, security company Switzerland
