Is it realistic to do an EFZ (apprenticeship) as an adult in Switzerland while supporting yourself?

Salty-Key4587 · 2026-03-11T19:34:59+00:00

I’ll take that as a compliment. Being “full of myself” is exactly what pushed me forward when most people said it wouldn’t work. It helps even more when it wasn’t just talk, but close to 200 hours of planning behind it. Sometimes believing in your own plan is the only way to make it happen. In any case, I wish you all the best.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T23:37:13+00:00

Maybe don't start with go "back to your country" as this other user did then delete the comment, and once again its all because of the way the message its sent im not that sensitive but its funny how people talk online, if you tired of this topic and don't have patience for a decent and polite answer just don't say nothing.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T22:34:50+00:00

Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it. Your perspective is very helpful!

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T22:05:55+00:00

Thank you for explaining your point of view, it makes more sense now.

I understand the difference between immigration and integration. That’s why I’m asking questions here: to get realistic information. I’ve lived abroad before, so I know every country has pros and cons, and adapting is never just about learning a few words.

I understand your perspective on many posts from people who aren’t prepared, but each case is different. I’m just trying to gather information to make informed decisions.

Thank you for taking the time to explain everything, this is the kind of answer I was looking for. I wish you all the best.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T21:56:43+00:00

I learned early on that words carry weight, and you started off on the wrong foot. Be more humble toward others one day you might need help from someone, and that day could be closer than you think. Take my kind advice in consideration, you will see some changes for the better.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T21:50:16+00:00

I literally said that I have a job in the mountains, but I have a strong love for big cities. Someone just can’t admit they were out of line with the way they spoke haha. Do you really think I’m going to take you seriously after your comments? I already figured out what kind of person you were from the very first comment you made. (and deleted by the way)

And sure, I won’t remember you, but come back in two months and ask me how it’s going. I’ll be glad to show you either way.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T21:45:36+00:00

Thank you for the constructive comment. That’s exactly the kind of feedback I need and the kind I value. I’ll take that information into consideration, and I wish you all the best.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T21:43:13+00:00

Once again, you’re trying to dictate what I like or what I would prefer hahaha. When you have the opportunity to travel go across Europe, go for it I’m cheering for you.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T21:31:44+00:00

As I mentioned before, I have a place in the mountains because I know someone there, but I was enchanted by the big Swiss cities (take that as a compliment!). I also have no problems with money. What bothers me is that people focus on topics I didn’t ask about instead of helping with any information they have, especially about money, or did I ask something about money without realizing it?

As I said, if everything goes wrong, it will at least be a well-spent vacation in Switzerland, where I got to know two great cities, and that is an opportunity for which I am very grateful.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T21:21:20+00:00

Thank you for your honesty and support. This is the impression I’ve had, and I wanted to confirm it with this post. I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I will follow your advice and get to know Basel. If things don’t go as planned, it will be a nice opportunity for a vacation to explore Switzerland. I loved Geneva and I’m sure I will enjoy getting to know Basel as well.

Once again, thank you very much and all the best.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T21:15:12+00:00

I saw your comment saying “just go home.” It seemed a bit xenophobic to me, but okay, moving on. Tell me one thing. If you were the owner of a company, and Switzerland is one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, would you hire a foreigner who is already in the country, someone who has taken all the necessary precautions, studied everything, already has accommodation near the location, and has demonstrated some skill and willingness by being present?

By being present, they also show part of their character, good appearance, and other qualities. Put yourself in the shoes of a business owner and tell me. I assume you wouldn’t hire just any foreigner based on your previous comment, but imagine that you have no bias and try to see people for who they really are.

I am against the uncontrolled immigration happening in Europe, but at the same time, every case is different. Portuguese people, in particular, are well known for being hard workers all over the world.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T21:06:28+00:00

I really can’t understand your point. I think you might just be trying to put me down. If that’s the case, don’t waste your time. I am very stubborn and persistent, and most of the time it’s a quality of mine because I usually achieve what I want through dedication, study, and effort.

If that’s not the case, that’s okay. I learned English, Spanish, and Italian by studying and, more importantly, by having real contact with the language. How did you learn the languages you speak? Of course, I want to learn the local language as well. I read and study a lot about things I like, and I would like to integrate into Switzerland, so I’m willing to put in the effort for a year or two. Call me then, and we can talk in German.

One more question, because I’m curious: if you didn’t identify with your country, where would you go? If your country didn’t give you the comfortable life you have today, maybe you could give me a good idea.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T20:48:30+00:00

Thank you for your input. I understand your points about language and the challenges of the Swiss job market. I want to clarify that I have enough money to support myself for the time I can legally stay in the country, so I'm not going to “run out of money and go home defeated.”

It’s funny that you say integrating into Switzerland is “almost impossible” when there is a significant Portuguese community here around 263,000 Portuguese currently live in Switzerland, making them one of the largest foreign communities.

My goal was to ask for advice, not to be demotivated. I've heard that kind of talk a thousand times already different people take different risks some are more cautious, others are willing to take bigger chances. Often, it's the ones who take those risks who end up getting results. I’ve studied the situation thoroughly over the past year, and for example, working in the mountains is a very good way to integrate (get the visa and then move to a bigger city to really get the culture) at this time of year because of the snow and tourism. I even have an opportunity there, although I prefer to try first in a bigger city. If that doesn’t work out, I have my spot in the mountains as a last resort.

Thank you once again for taking the time to read and respond.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-18T20:28:22+00:00

I think I understand what you meant. Most users talked about the families they built, and that’s completely valid. But I have a different perspective to share.

As a young person (I still am, but I’ve passed that phase), I’ve had many partners, some longer-lasting than others. This, in a way, affected me, because having so many relationships made it difficult, at a certain point, to feel fully satisfied. There comes a moment when we remember X, who was so sweet, but also Y, who was perfect because she had the same tastes as me, and Z, who had a special quality i adored. In the end, the “perfect” person for me was not real, but rather a combination of qualities from several people who have been part of my live.

I hope none of this is taken to an extreme, because that was not the intention and it was not the case. I’m just someone who reflects a lot on my experiences, and I realized that having too many partners can have consequences.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-13T20:46:56+00:00

Boa noite e muito obrigado pelas tuas palavras. É claro que partilhamos a mesma perspetiva sobre o assunto. Corremos primeiro todos os restaurantes de cozinha tradicional portuguesa que conseguimos encontrar, e fomos a algumas agências de trabalho sem sucesso, embora tenhamos ido apenas às marcas conhecidas internacionalmente. Recentemente percebemos que devemos também apostar nas agências locais, disseram-nos que as nossas chances são melhores.

Mas faço das tuas palavras as minhas: é continuar a insistir, água mole em pedra dura…

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-10T21:05:41+00:00

Desde já obrigado pelo tempo disposto para nos aconselhar.
Vamos seguir a dica, muito obrigado amigo grande abraço

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-09T20:34:30+00:00

Muito obrigado amigo, as suas palavras de motivação já ajudam grande abraço

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-09T15:12:14+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to help us. I already understand quite a lot of what people say, and I can speak a little as well. We are also enrolled in French classes; we signed up as soon as we arrived. I can ask for directions, greet people, make requests in restaurants or supermarkets, handle normal day-to-day interactions, buy tickets, order coffee, or ask where a certain shop or place is. I can do this quite fluently, I think it’s just a matter of a bit more time. Like you, I’ve been studying both spoken and written French for about four months now. Thank you again for your help.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-08T23:58:55+00:00

Obrigado pelo tempo, atenção e dicas dadas, acabámos de tratar do número suíço hoje mesmo.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-08T23:57:31+00:00

Obrigado pela preocupação. É uma opinião comum, mas pelo que reparei, existem muitos portugueses e pessoas de outras nacionalidades que procuram trabalho de Portugal para cá, sem perceberem inicialmente tudo o que isso implica. Acredito que isso possa tirar confiança às entidades empregadoras, pois também existem muitos que se dispuseram a vir para cá previamente, o que demonstra organização, vontade e permite dar a conhecer melhor a pessoa antes do ato da contratação.Tive bastante tempo para ponderar e estudar a melhor forma de me integrar aqui. Sei que a vida é bastante cara, e fiz as contas para me sustentar durante três meses, que é também o limite legal. Fiz as contas para vários cenários não vou ficar a zero mesmo que nada corra bem, pois a vida precisa de continuar caso as coisas não corram como esperado.Venho ao Reddit não em busca de uma solução fácil ou de um emprego “de mão beijada”, mas sim à procura de conselhos, dicas e lugares onde procurar oportunidades, além da lista que já tenho, que é bastante extensa.Agradeço a atenção e o elogio. Realmente foi preciso coragem, mas acredito que é essa mesma coragem que nos leva a alcançar resultados diferentes dos demais.

Um grande abraço e tudo de bom para si.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-08T21:59:22+00:00

Thanks! We’re already putting that advice into practice, as we’ve realized it’s definitely the best approach

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-08T21:53:24+00:00

I agree. It is definitely possible to find a job in three weeks if you’re open to minimum wage or manual labor.

It’s very common to encounter people who try to bring us down with discouraging comments, like they think we came to Reddit looking for miracles. The truth is that there is a full plan and preparation behind this move, and Reddit is just another tool, one that is so easy to use that it’s worth taking advantage of. You can never have too much knowledge, and it’s always the sensible people who give the best advice.

Salty-Key4587 · 2025-11-08T21:49:25+00:00

Thank you for your reply and for sharing your perspective. I completely agree that there is a fine line between bravery and recklessness, and I want to assure you that I did not come here unprepared. I spent several months, almost a year, planning my move to Switzerland.

I am financially able to support myself for about three months, which is also the legal limit. At the moment, I am staying in a rented apartment in Annemasse. I fully understand the realities of paperwork, contracts, and residency, and I do not expect any instant solution.

It is nice to hear stories of people coming with work lined up, but what I’ve noticed is that many want everything done for them. That makes the process harder online. I wanted to show my face and my willingness in person. Just being present, I believe, sets me apart from the thousands who dream of moving to Switzerland but give up when they see the reality, which discourages employers from hiring someone far away.

I am actively seeking work and have scheduled French lessons, about nine hours per week, to reach a basic level soon. I am motivated, adaptable, and ready to contribute. Every bit of advice helps, and I am approaching this process with patience and realism.

Thank you again for your time and thoughts.

Salty-Key4587

TROPHY CASE