How Horizons Meets FINMA Requirements for Swiss Employment



Modified on: Tue, 2 Dec, 2025 at 4:55 PM

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The 2025 FINMA circular introduces new compliance rules for foreign employers directly hiring Swiss residents without a Swiss entity. These rules aim to ensure proper social security, insurance, and pension coverage for Swiss-based employees. Horizons automatically meets these requirements.


Why Horizons Is Compliant

Unlike foreign employers, Horizons is not hiring Swiss residents directly from abroad. We operate through our Swiss-registered entity, which means:

  • All employment contracts are issued locally under Swiss law.
  • We fulfill all mandatory Swiss obligations, including:
    • UVG Accident Insurance
    • LPP Pension Contributions
    • AHV/ALV Social Security
    • Sickness Benefits
    • Occupational Coverage

Because we employ individuals through our Swiss entity, the FINMA update does not affect Horizons. It only applies to companies without a Swiss presence.


What Does This Mean for Clients?

  • Your Swiss-based employees hired through Horizons are fully compliant with Swiss labor and insurance regulations.
  • You avoid the risk and complexity of managing FINMA requirements yourself.
  • Horizons ensures transparent payroll and benefits administration under Swiss law.


Director-Level Assignments

Hiring a Swiss resident assigned to a Director-level role is possible under these conditions:

  • The role is functional only (e.g., overseeing operations or strategy).
  • The individual does not hold statutory board membership or legal signatory powers.

This approach maintains compliance while meeting your organizational needs.


FAQ

1. Does the FINMA circular apply to Horizons?
No. It applies to foreign employers without a Swiss entity. Horizons employs through its Swiss entity, so we are fully compliant.

2. What protections do employees have under Horizons?
Employees receive all mandatory Swiss benefits, including accident insurance, pension, social security, and sickness coverage.

3. Can Horizons assign Swiss employees to client leadership roles?
Yes, as long as the role is functional and does not involve statutory board membership or signatory authority.

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