Photo on a CV in Switzerland: rules and professional standards

The CV photo in Switzerland: a strong cultural norm

Unlike many English-speaking countries where photos are discouraged to prevent discrimination, Switzerland maintains a tradition of including a photo on the CV. In 2026, approximately 85 % of CVs received by Swiss recruiters include a photo. Omitting one may raise questions, especially in traditional sectors such as banking, insurance, law or hospitality. For a full overview of Swiss CV standards, see our main guide: https://www.cv-builder.ch/en/swiss-cv

Technical specifications for a CV photo

• Portrait format, ideal dimensions: 35 x 45 mm (3.5:4.5 ratio)
• Minimum resolution: 300 dpi for a sharp print
• Plain neutral background (white, light grey, light blue)
• Natural or studio lighting, no harsh shadows
• Framing: face and top of shoulders, looking at the camera
• Professional attire appropriate to your industry
• JPEG or PNG file, recommended maximum size: 2 MB

Regional differences across Switzerland

CV photo practices vary by linguistic region. In German-speaking Switzerland (Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne), the photo is virtually mandatory — recruiters expect to find one on every application. The influence of the German Bewerbungsfoto tradition is strong. In French-speaking Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, Neuchatel), the photo is very common but slightly less systematic, particularly in Geneva-based international organisations. In Ticino, the Italian tradition applies and photos are customary. For international positions at organisations such as the UN, WHO or ICRC in Geneva, it is preferable not to include a photo, in line with international anti-discrimination norms. For more on formatting, see: https://www.cv-builder.ch/en/swiss-cv#format

Common mistakes to avoid

Swiss recruiters see thousands of CVs and certain errors recur frequently. Avoid selfies, cropped holiday photos, group shots and images with social media filters. The photo should be no more than two years old. Do not wear sunglasses, hats or distracting accessories. The background should be neutral — no landscapes or visible interiors. Ensure the image quality is sufficient: a blurry or pixelated photo conveys carelessness. For more common Swiss CV mistakes, see: https://www.cv-builder.ch/en/swiss-cv-example

Official sources and references

• SECO — State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, application advice: https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/en/home/Arbeit.html
• Orientation.ch — Swiss career guidance portal: https://www.orientation.ch/dyn/show/2800
• Arbeit.Swiss — Labour market information platform: https://www.arbeit.swiss/secoalv/en/home.html