Get a Document
Payslip / Salary Statement
Annual Salary Certificate
Work Attestation
Access via SESAME â HR â My Space â My personal space â My documents and certificates
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Work Certificate
Can be requested at any time (intermediate or final). Drafted by the concerned Unit and validated by the People Experience Department. The unitâs HR Manager can advise and provide a template.
Internal Forms
Common administrative documents related to HR can be found in the Intranet section.
Report an Absence Due to Illness or Accident
Go to absences.epfl.ch
Authentication required. â ïž VPN needed off-campus.
- For illness, a medical certificate is required after 3 days.
- For accidents, consult SUVA Accident Insurance and Absence Guides.
Update Personal Data
Report a Change in Civil Status
- For marriage, divorce, etc., go to Updating Personal Data
- Send a copy of the official document to the Unitâs Payroll Manager
Administrative Formalities and Procedures
Paid and Unpaid Leave
- For personal events (marriage, moving, bereavement), see Special Leave
- For birth-related leave, see Leave for the Other Parent
- For long unpaid leave, see Unpaid Leave
Transport Subscriptions
- for free Half-Fare Travecard
- or subsidy for General Abonnement (GA Travelcard)
Internal Training and Language Courses
- See KeepLearning FAQ
- See Language Center FAQ
Response to a Job Application
If you applied to EPFL and havenât received a response, email [email protected] to inquire about your application status.
Data Protection
What personal data does EPFL collect and why?
See Data Protection pages.
Visiting Professors and Academic Guests
See Faculty Affairs (public website) and FAQ (Intranet).
Salary-Specific Questions
Do I need a Swiss bank account?
Yes, if employed for more than 3 months. Revolut accounts are not accepted.
When are salaries paid?
On the 25th of each month. If it falls on a weekend/holiday, payment is made the previous working day.
Can I get a salary advance?
Only for the first month to help with rent guarantees, etc. For other cases, contact your Unit’s HR Manager.
Why are there deductions on my salary?
Salaries are gross and subject to social security deductions (AVS/AI, Pension, Unemployment Insurance) and possibly Tax at source.
Why didnât I receive a full 13th month salary?
Itâs paid in November (11/12) and December (1/12). If you started mid-year, itâs prorated.
Why no “2nd Pillar” (Pension) contribution?
If you started on the 15th, contributions begin the following month.
Why is my PhD salary not at 2nd-year level?
Reference salaries apply at hiring. Increases occur in January only. If hired mid-year, the increase is prorated.
Tax-Specific Questions
What is âTax at Sourceâ?
If you’re not Swiss or donât hold a C permit (or married to someone who does), tax is deducted based on salary and family situation. See Tax at Source.
How can I recover Tax at source?
EPFL does not handle this. Contact the Tax Office by postal mail only:
Office dâimpĂŽt des districts de Lausanne et Ouest lausannois
Rue Caroline 11bis
Case postale 1142
1001 Lausanne
Do I need to file a tax return?
In Vaud, those taxed at source are not required to file. You can contest or request ordinary taxation until March 31 of the following year. This is personal and not EPFLâs responsibility.
Note: once initiated, ordinary taxation continues until the end of your tax liability. You may also file a simplified return for additional deductions. See official instructions (in French).
Planning Retirement
To start the process or ask questions, email [email protected].
Still Have Questions?
â Check the A to Z Topic Index
â Or email [email protected]