Secondment

At EPFL, secondment allows researchers and other staff categories to carry out temporary assignments abroad while retaining their employment status. This arrangement promotes international collaboration and enhances the institution’s scientific visibility.

Conditions

A seconded employee is an EPFL staff member temporarily sent abroad while remaining under a Swiss public contract. To be eligible, they must:

  • Have resided in Switzerland for at least 3 months prior to departure (residence permit + LAMal health insurance)
  • Obtain approval from their HR Manager
  • Return to EPFL at the end of the assignment
  • Commit to respecting the laws and customs of the host country

Social Insurance

The employee remains affiliated with the Swiss system:

  • AVS/AI/APG/AC (Old-age and survivors’ insurance / Disability insurance / Loss of earnings / Unemployment insurance)
  • PUBLICA (pension fund)

Health Insurance:

  • Maintaining Swiss health insurance (LAMal) is mandatory for the employee and their family
  • Double coverage may be required depending on the host country
  • The host institution may require local insurance

Accident Insurance:

  • SUVA coverage (if working more than 8 hours per week) is valid abroad:
    • EU + certain countries*: reimbursement according to local rates
    • Other countries: reimbursement up to twice the Swiss rate
  • Recommendation: check local coverage and consider additional insurance

* Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro, Norway, Principality of Liechtenstein, Republic of San Marino, Turkey, United Kingdom

Family Allowances:

  • Entitlement to family allowances is maintained
  • Adjustments may apply depending on the host country (full entitlement maintained within Europe)

Residence and Work Permits

In Switzerland:

  • < 6 months: no impact, but check permit validity upon return
  • > 6 months:
    • EU/EFTA – Permit B: expires after 6 months of absence. Return = new arrival
    • EU/EFTA – Permit C: request an official leave of absence (max. 4 years)
    • Non-EU/EFTA – Permit B: request an official leave of absence + return certificate

Abroad:

  • The employee must check permit requirements in the host country, in coordination with the host institution

Leave and Absences

Taxation