Work Restrictions Switzerland

For details on working in Switzerland, it jobs in Switzerland or indeed any Swiss jobs please call our dedicated consultants who can talk you through the details.

EU nationals

Candidates from EU member countries have the right to entry, residence and employment in Switzerland. Same applies to citizens from Norway, Iceland (EFTA members) and - conditionally - Liechtenstein.

Since 12th of December 2008 the Swiss Confederation is a full member of Shengen and EU-citizens have complete freedom of movement within Switzerland and Swiss citizens within EU-countries.

Nationals from the new EU member states such as Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, as well as Bulgaria and Romania, seeking work in Switzerland will meet certain restrictions. Priority will be given to indegenous workers, there are labour market controls on wages and working conditions, and annual quotas for residence permits. Only skilled labour needed by Switzerland will be admitted from other countries (so-called Third States).

Non-EU residents

A residence permit is not needed if the planned visit (and not work) in Switzerland is for fewer than three months. However, a non-Western European will be required to have a current passport
with a visa. No foreigner is permitted to stay longer than a total of six months in residence per one year.

Switzerland does not use the term "work permit" like in other countries in Europe. The Swiss residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung, autorisation de séjour), which is difficult to obtain, is a combination residence-work permit. This permit only allows one individual to live in a particular residence in a particular Canton and to work for only one specified employer. If the residence, employment or Canton is changed, it will require re-application and re-approval. Approval is not
guaranteed.

Once the future employer receives government approval to hire, the planning for move can began. A letter that accompanies the employment contract and a start date is sent to the government by prospective employer. These documents and the passport have to be brought to Switzerland. The Residence Permit (Auslanderausweis, livert pour etrangers) must be carried at all times.Swiss Immigration