Relevant legal framework
Recognition of foreign social-work qualifications
- FZA, Annex III and Directive 2005/36/EC, Arts. 10–14 — general recognition system for EU/EFTA qualifications where the intended social-work activity is regulated.
- V-HFKG / HEdO, Art. 55 ff. and, depending on the Swiss reference qualification, BBV / VPETO, Art. 69a ff. — national-law recognition routes for third-country qualifications.
- Regulated-field analysis — the need for formal recognition can depend on the specific function, institution, canton and population served; a general academic title and access to a regulated activity are not the same question.
Professional practice in Switzerland
- Cantonal and institutional law — may prescribe a recognised social-work or social-education qualification for particular functions.
- Professional experience — may be legally relevant in the equivalence analysis and for compensatory measures.
Competent bodies
- SBFI — recognition authority for relevant foreign social-work / social-education qualifications within its competence.
- Cantonal or institutional authority — determines additional access requirements for the concrete regulated field.
Need a case-specific assessment?Request a legal opinion, a recognition application or representation where permitted.
Request legal assistance ↗Independent private legal guidance. Recognition requirements and the competent authority depend on the precise professional activity. This detailed guidance is in English; requests are accepted in EN, DE, FR, IT and ES.