If you’re looking to work and live in Switzerland, you may need to secure a VISA, depending on your current country of residency, if you’re deemed as a specialist worker, or if you have Swiss family members but, regardless of these factors, you’ll ALWAYS need a residence permit if you stay in the country for more than three months.
The Swiss immigration authorities have tightened application practices, are placing closer scrutiny on applications, and have increased the salary requirements. They’ve also implemented stricter extension rules.
The number of migrant VISAs approved each year is heavily controlled by the immigration authorities and in 2022, the quotas are:
- 4000 “L” short-term permits for non-EU/EFTA nationals;
- 4500 “B” long-term permits for non-EU/EFTA nationals;
- 3000 “L” short-term permits for service providers/seconded workers based in the EU/EFTA;
- 500 “B” long-term permits for service providers/seconded workers based in the EU/EFTA;
- 1400 “L” short-term permits for British nationals;
- 2100 “B” long-term permits for British nationals.
There is a dual system in place, with regards to the right to seek employment in Switzerland, depending on whether or not you’re an EU or an EFTA citizen.
Switzerland isn’t a member of the EU but it is part of the EFTA and, as a result, allows freedom of movement to anyone from EU/EFTA countries, looking to live and work in Switzerland, without obtaining a visa. These individuals can stay for three months whilst looking for work. If they secure a job, they’ll stay be able to stay for longer than three months but will need to secure a Swiss residence permit. Please be aware that the rules differ slightly for residents of Croatia.
Non-EU/EFTA nationals will need to obtain a Swiss work visa before traveling to Switzerland. You’ll need to secure a job offer from a Swiss employer, and meet additional requirements, such as being highly qualified, obtaining a high salary, and/or being responsible for other qualified/skilled personnel.
There are some exceptions to this rule for students and family members of C settlement permit holders. Students are permitted to work a certain number of hours whilst studying on a student visa. Certain relatives of Swiss residents can also work on their Swiss family visa.