English, wages and the local labour market

The spread of English has consequences for Swiss employees as well. Knowledge of English has become a requirement for many well-paid positions in the canton, particularly in the international companies and the professional services. Swiss employees who speak English well have access to these positions, while those who do not are limited to the local economy. English skills are generally regarded as an asset on the Swiss labour market, particularly in the private sector and in occupations with international contact.

The public schools have responded by strengthening English teaching, and vocational training programmes include English in many fields. The apprenticeship system, which trains most Swiss young people, has introduced bilingual programmes in some professions. Nevertheless, the division between those who work in the English-speaking international economy and those who work in the German-speaking local economy is one of the social lines that run through the canton. It overlaps partly with the division in incomes. It contributes to the perception that the international economy benefits some residents more than others.

For general information only. This article does not constitute legal or tax advice, does not replace advice on an individual case and creates no lawyer-client relationship. It reflects the legal position as of September 2025.

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Dr Alexander Ressos, TEP

Rechtsanwalt/Attorney-at-Law

I am a Swiss attorney-at-law and also admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and in England & Wales, with almost 25 years of experience.

Together with my multilingual team, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and French native speakers, I advise companies and their owners from around the world on the full range of banking, corporate, commercial and tax law matters in Switzerland, including international tax planning, fiduciary services, and legal family office services including immigration & relocation or real estate investments. My practice has a particular focus on clients from growth and frontier markets in Greater China, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, and I equally advise clients from Europe and North America. Through an affiliated Swiss trust company, we also take care of the incorporation and ongoing administration of their companies and other structures, including accounting, tax returns and corporate secretarial services, and I serve as a professional director where required. With the support of a network of first-class cooperation partners, I also implement solutions worldwide.

My approach is to act as a trusted advisor who works directly with decision-makers, on an equal footing: I start from what you want to achieve and shape every structure, contract and tax decision around your commercial goals and how it improves your after-tax return. As “lawyers who make it happen”, my team and I stay involved until your company is set up, your structure is in place and your transaction has closed, and we remain available for any follow-on work that may be required. You benefit from bespoke solutions and personal attention, and sound, friendly and practical advice. We are not the lowest-cost provider in the market, nor do we intend to be; our aim is to deliver well-founded, proper solutions and excellent value for money.

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