Switzerland has a dual system for the admission of foreign workers. Gainfully employed
nationals from EU/EFTA States can benefit from agreements on the free movement of
persons. They can choose where they want to live and work. They must, however, register
with the Swiss authorities. Only a limited number of management level employees,
specialists and other qualified employees are admitted from all other countries.
For nationals from the new EU member states Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia,
Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, as well as Bulgaria and Romania, wishing
to work in Switzerland, the following entry restrictions are in place: Priority
to indigenous workers, labor market controls on wages and working conditions, and
annual quotas for residence permits. From other countries (so-called Third States)
only skilled labor needed by Switzerland is admitted.
Young professionals from Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic,
Hungary, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia,
South Africa, Ukraine and the USA, who wish to extend their occupational and linguistic
skills in Switzerland can qualify as trainees.
On June 1, 2007 the ceiling for immigrants from the previous EU15 countries was
lifted. Nationals from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
are granted the same treatment as Swiss nationals with regard to residence provisions
and access to the labor market. This regulation also extends to nationals from Lichtenstein,
Norway and Iceland, but not yet to all the new EU countries.
All persons (except for those from one of the EU/EFTA member countries) who intend
to stay in Switzerland for more than three consecutive months, will need authorization
from the cantonal authorities and a visa from the responsible Swiss visa desk. The
same rule applies for all persons who intend to engage in gainful activity in Switzerland.
The Swiss Government has very restrictive immigration policies. As a rule, only
individuals who have been offered jobs which cannot be filled by Swiss nationals
will be granted residence permits. These vacancies are usually only in an occupation
of a highly specialized nature.
The processing of a work permit normally requires following steps:
- Approval by the cantonal labor market authority
- Approval by the Federal Office for Immigration
- Approval of the cantonal immigration authority
- Issuance of an entry visa
- Issuance of the work permit
The work authorization is tied to the validity of the residence permit, and foreign
nationals must extend their work authorization when they extend their residence
permit.
The Long-term Residence Permit (B Permit) is generally valid for an initial period
of one year and can generally be extended for a duration of one year; however, it
can be extended in two-year increments in the discretion of Swiss authorities.
The Short-term Residence Permit (L Permit) is generally valid for one year. Extensions
may be granted for a maximum aggregate duration of up to two years.
The entry visa for work purposes is generally valid for 3 months.
Business Visa is granted to an applicant who can demonstrate the purpose of his
trip to Switzerland is for business. Example of Business activities includes making
sales visits, establishing contacts on behalf of a company outside of Switzerland.
Business Visas can be issued for multiple entries; however the maximum duration
of each stay is six months only.
A Student Visa is granted for the purpose of studying in Switzerland. Students belonging
to EU/EEA nations will not require obtaining Swiss visa to stay up to 90 days in
Switzerland. Students from some other nations including Australia, Canada, Japan,
United States, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Malaysia,
and South Africa also will not require obtain Swiss visa to stay up to 90 days in
Switzerland. Other nationals from Latin America, Africa, and Asia will have to obtain
Swiss student visa before entering Switzerland, even if the duration is less than
90 days. Students are not permitted to finance their studies through work, although
they can normally work to earn extra money. There are restrictions on the number
of hours students are allowed to do this. The precise rules depend on the canton.
Switzerland joined the Schengen visa scheme on December 12, 2008. Therefore all
foreign nationals who require a Schengen visa will from that date onwards also require
a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland. A short-term Schengen visa is granted for
the purpose of tourism; for example sightseeing or visiting family/friends or for
other personal affairs. American Citizens do not need a visa when they travel to
Switzerland for business or for personal travel. The stay in the Schengen area should
not exceed 90 days in a 6 month period. EU nationals (Europe of 25 countries) who
are resident in the European Community do not normally require a visa to visit Switzerland
for the purpose of tourism, business trips and visits for a maximum stay of three
months (work - paid or unpaid - or gainful activities not permitted) if they travel
with the national passport and/or with the European ID card.
We are currently updating the information for this visa type. VISANOW can assist you with your application, please click the button below to initiate the process.
We are currently updating the information for this visa type. VISANOW can assist you with your application, please click the button below to initiate the process.