Work Permits for Non-EU/EFTA Nationals

Every non-EU/EFTA citizen who starts a new employment or wants to start a business in Switzerland has to be granted a Swiss work permit (L permits, B permits, C permits, G permits). Quotas limit the number of available work permits, and successful applicants have to make sure that the extensive legal criteria are fulfilled.

In short, the applicant must be:

• a highly qualified worker,
• have graduated from a higher education institution,
• have several years of relevant work experience,
• and demonstrate abilities to integrate well in Switzerland on both professional and social levels.

Any person wanting to start a company in Switzerland will in addition have to demonstrate the legitimacy of the business the applicant plans to establish.

The procedure takes up to three months as the application is processed by both Cantonal and Federal authorities.

The following permits are available in Switzerland: If possible with

Permit L – Short work permit
Duration – Up to a year but for the duration of the employment contract or for a duration of 6 months to allow students who graduated from a Swiss University to apply for jobs.

Permit B – Work Permit
Duration – First for 1 year and then a prolongation for 2 years is possible every 2 years.

Permit C – Permanent residence permit
Duration – Indefinite.

Permit G – Work permit for border workers
Duration – 5 years or the duration of the employment contract if it lasts for less than 1 year.