Switzerland has restricted quotas for foreign workers, and everyone will need authorization to legally work in Switzerland. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a Switzerland work visa.

You may need a visa if you come to Switzerland for work purposes, and you will definitely need a residence permit if you stay in the country for more than three months. This guide to the Switzerland work visa covers the following topics:

Working in Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the world’s strongest economies and it boasts a highly-skilled workforce. However, the Swiss government strictly controls the number of workers coming into the country. In recent years, the government has reduced the number of Switzerland work visas issued to those from outside the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA, which consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).

The Swiss immigration authorities have also tightened application practices, such as closer scrutiny of applications, increased salary requirements, and stricter extension rules. Only those that meet the conditions or work in a shortage industry usually get a Swiss work visa.

There were around 1.7 million foreign workers in Switzerland at the end of 2019 – that accounts for roughly 20% of the national workforce. Many work in high-skilled jobs in leading sectors such as banking, pharmaceuticals, and food retail.

The quotas for Swiss work visas for 2021 are:

• 8,500 permits for non-EU/EFTA nationals (4,500 long-term B permits and 4,000 short-term L permits)
• 3,500 permits for British workers (2,100 long-term B permits and 1,400 short-term L permits)

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) in Switzerland is responsible for Swiss visas and immigration, although the local cantonal migration offices issue residence permits and deal with much of the administration.

Who needs a work visa for Switzerland?

Switzerland operates a dual system when it comes to the right to seek employment in the country, with rules depending on whether or not you are an EU/EFTA citizen.

Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it is part of the EFTA and thus grants freedom of movement to those from EU/EFTA countries. EU/EFTA citizens can freely enter Switzerland and look for work without a visa. They can stay for three months (sometimes extended to six months) while looking for work. If they find a job that means they will stay in Switzerland for longer than three months, they must get a Swiss residence permit. Rules are slightly different for Croatian citizens.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals will need to obtain a Switzerland work visa before coming to Switzerland. You will need to first have a job offer from a Swiss employer. In addition to this, you will need to meet other requirements, such as being highly qualified.

Exceptions to this rule are students and family members of C settlement permit holders. Students can work a certain number of hours while studying on a student visa, while certain relatives of Swiss residents can work on their Swiss family visa. For more information, see our guides on studying in Switzerland or moving to Switzerland to join a partner.

Why you should apply online

• • No courier fees or mail delivery time – we get your application instantly.

• Online applications may be processed more quickly.
• Avoid processing delays. Incomplete applications are returned to you. Applying online helps ensure your application is complete before you submit it.
• If we need to ask for more documents, you can quickly submit them online.
• You don’t need to submit your passport until we ask for it.
• Get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.

Online Application Form. Click Here To Apply.