Work permit and registration process

The matter of a work permit is usually clarified when the residence permit is issued. Normally, people with a right of residence in Switzerland are also allowed to work. However, for some people (e.g. refugees or temporarily admitted persons), a special permit procedure is required. Usually, the employer will apply for this permit. 

You can find more information on the Canton of Lucerne website: Access to the labour market – Canton of Lucerne

Looking for and finding a job

There are various job portals that you can use when looking for a job. WAS Wira Luzern also helps people find jobs by working together with the regional employment centres (RAVs). You can find their location and contact details here: Finding a job – Canton of Lucerne 

LernLounge Lucerne

At LernLounge Lucerne, specialists offer advice and help with everyday issues. They provide information about inexpensive and feasible courses and/or help visitors to the centre with filling out forms, writing letters and applications, and with questions about using computers and smartphones.

LernLounge is located at Birkenstrasse 1. You can find more information about their opening and consultation times here: LernLounge

TIPP-IN

TIPP-IN, the open advisory service for unemployed people seeking advice, is held every Thursday afternoon  at Sentitreff. TIPP-IN – Get-together for unemployed people

Recognition of qualifications

Different bodies are responsible for the recognition of foreign diplomas, depending on the profession or type of education. You can find further information and the link to the National Contact Point for Diploma Recognition here: Recognition of qualifications – Canton of Lucerne

We recommend the BIZ Counselling and Information Centre for Education and Careers of the Canton of Lucerne, which is located at Obergrundstrasse 51 in Lucerne, as your first point of contact. You can get free advice there.  

Bank accounts 

You can open a bank account in Switzerland with a confirmation of place of residence and a passport or other proof of identity. It is usually free of charge to open an account. Account maintenance fees vary depending on the bank. 

Tax office and taxes

Depending on your residence status, you pay your taxes directly via your employer through deductions from your wages or you pay your taxes regularly via a tax return. This must be received by the tax office of the municipality of Lucerne by 31 March of the following year. An extension of the deadline until 31 August of the following year is free of charge for private individuals and can be done online: 
Deadline extensions – Canton of Lucerne

The tax office counter is open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tax office employees can also be contacted on: 

Tel. +41 41 208 84 66
E-mail: steuern@stadtluzern.ch

You can calculate an initial estimate of your tax burden using calculators: Calculators – Canton of Lucerne

You can find all additional information here: City of Lucerne – Taxes

Lucerne Estate Division Office

The Lucerne Estate Division Office is the assessment authority for the inheritance taxes of the city and canton. It is located in the Stadthaus, Hirschengraben 17.