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Switzerland is divided into 26 Cantons - each canton has it's own ruling on which nationalities can enter but generally applicants from EU States, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia can enter.

The basic rule for working out whether you can work in a particular canton is:

If you speak the cantons regional language then you will not be able to work.
For example Geneva is a French speaking canton and therefore does not accept French speakers i.e.
French, Belgium, Luxembourg, French Canadians.

For aupairs requiring further information on visa and work permit requirement please visit:

www.eda.admin.ch/cairo_emb/e/home/travch/visagen/visawork.html

Which provides you with a list of documents required and a copy of the work permit application form.

The prospective employer in Switzerland must apply to the Cantonal Aliens Police for a WORK PERMIT for the foreign national.

If such a permit is granted, then an "Assurance of a Residence Permit"· in German: "Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung".

In French :"Assurance d'autorisation de séjour"·

In Italian: "Assicurazione di rilascio di un permesso di dimora" is sent to the employee's address outside Switzerland.

For Families requiring additional information please visit: http://www.eda.admin.ch/london_emb/e/home/trach/resid/visemp.html.

Working conditions vary from canton to canton but in general:

1- You will receive room and board with a host family in exchange for approximately 30 to 40 hours of weekly work (housework, baby-sitting, etc.).
2- You have the right to one day off per week (at least one Sunday a month) and 4 weeks vacation per year (5 weeks if you are less than 20 years old).
3- You will be paid at least 700 Swiss francs net per month (this may be more, depending on the canton).
4-Your employer is also obliged to enrol you in a language school.
5- Employers pay your health and accident insurance, as well as your language courses, although they can deduct up to 10% of your salary to cover the costs.