I lost my job: what do I have to do?

Depending on your situation, the steps include: Start looking for work now and keep proof; Sign on with the regional employment centre (RAV/ORP); Choose an unemployment insurance fund.

Sign on with the regional employment centre (RAV/ORP): what is the deadline?

At the latest on the first day you claim benefits. arbeit.swiss: signing on.

Verified rules

Registering as unemployed in Switzerland: steps and deadlines

Start looking for work before unemployment. Register with your regional employment centre by the first day you claim benefits, then choose an unemployment fund.

Civena’s verified rule set covers 3 steps for this situation. Which of them apply depends on your canton, commune, permit and household.

Rules checked against official sources on 23 September 2026.

Work out my steps

Registering as unemployed in Switzerland: steps and deadlines: key deadlines

Sign on with the regional employment centre (RAV/ORP) — At the latest on the first day you claim benefits
CantonSource: Signing on and registration (arbeit.swiss) · checked on 23 September 2026

Registering as unemployed in Switzerland: steps and deadlines: what you may have to do

Before employment ends

01
Start looking for work now and keep proof
Federal
You must start looking for work before you become unemployed. The RAV/ORP will check your efforts, so keep all proof of applications. Insufficient efforts can lead to benefits being suspended.
Why
arbeit.swiss: first steps after dismissal.
Authority
Public employment service (arbeit.swiss) – find your RAV (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)
- First steps after dismissal (arbeit.swiss) (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)ENLast verified 23 Sept 2026
Report incorrect information

At the start of unemployment

02
Sign on with the regional employment centre (RAV/ORP)
CantonDeadline: At the latest on the first day you claim benefits
Sign on no later than the first day for which you want unemployment benefits. Online registration needs an AGOV login and your AHV number.
Why
arbeit.swiss: signing on.
Authority
Regional employment centre (RAV/ORP) (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)
arbeit.swiss – register (AGOV login) (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)
- Signing on and registration (arbeit.swiss) (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)ENLast verified 23 Sept 2026
- Online registration for job seekers (arbeit.swiss) (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)ENLast verified 23 Sept 2026
Report incorrect information
03
Choose an unemployment insurance fund
Federal
You are free to choose any public or private unemployment fund. You then stay with it for the whole two-year framework period.
Why
arbeit.swiss: signing on.
Authority
Public employment service (arbeit.swiss) – find your RAV (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)
- Signing on and registration (arbeit.swiss) (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)ENLast verified 23 Sept 2026
Report incorrect information

Registering as unemployed in Switzerland: steps and deadlines: official starting points

First steps after dismissal (arbeit.swiss) (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)ENLast verified 23 Sept 2026
Signing on and registration (arbeit.swiss) (arbeit.swiss, opens in a new tab)ENLast verified 23 Sept 2026

Frequently asked questions

I lost my job: what do I have to do?: Depending on your situation, the steps include: Start looking for work now and keep proof; Sign on with the regional employment centre (RAV/ORP); Choose an unemployment insurance fund.
Sign on with the regional employment centre (RAV/ORP): what is the deadline?: At the latest on the first day you claim benefits. arbeit.swiss: signing on.