If you plan to work in Switzerland for an extended period, you'll need a work permit, even if you're a citizen of the European Union. The requirements for obtaining a work permit depend on your nationality and the type of job you will be doing. Here's what you need to know about Swiss work permits.
Working in Switzerland: understanding visas, residence permits and work permits
It's common to confuse these three terms. A visa is an official document required to enter a country. It must be obtained before you travel and allows you to enter for a specific purpose and duration, such as tourism, study, or business. However, having a visa doesn't replace the need for a residence permit if you plan to stay in Switzerland for an extended period.
A residence permit is an authorization allowing you to stay legally in a country for a specific period, such as for study, work, or family reasons. This permit is issued by local authorities after you arrive and may come with various conditions, depending on your country of origin.
A work permit is a specific authorization that allows a foreigner to work legally in a country. While residence and work permits are often interconnected, having a residence permit does not automatically grant you the right to work. To get a work permit, you must meet certain conditions related to the job type, contract duration, and other factors.
In summary, the type of residence permit you hold will determine whether or not you are allowed to work in Switzerland.
Good to know:
A work permit alone does not allow you to enter Switzerland. Depending on your nationality, you might also need a visa to enter the country.
You are a citizen of the European Union (EU)/European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
You are coming to work in Switzerland for less than three months
You don't need a work permit if you're employed in Switzerland for up to three months or if you're providing services in Switzerland for up to 90 days per calendar year. However, if a work permit isn't required, your employer must declare your activity by the day before you start work.
Good to know:
Switzerland occasionally imposes temporary restrictions on certain countries, including those in the EU and EFTA. For more details, please check the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) website.
Coming to work in Switzerland for more than three months
If you're coming to work in Switzerland for more than three months, you must apply for a residence permit from your local commune. For EU/EFTA nationals, this permit allows you to work and must be obtained before you start your job.
The residence permit is valid throughout Switzerland and lets you switch employers. Its validity depends on the length of your employment contract.
The following documents are generally required:
- Valid identification;
- An employment statement from the employer or an employment contract.
Moving to Switzerland to look for work
As an EU/EFTA national, you can move to Switzerland and search for work for up to six months.
No authorization is needed for the first three months. After that, you'll need a short-term residence permit, which is valid for an additional three months each year. You'll also need to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially. For more details, visit the .
You are self-employed and wish to work in Switzerland
You must declare your arrival within 14 days and apply for a residence permit from your local Swiss municipality.
You will need to present the following documents in particular:
- Valid identification;
- Documents proving that you will be self-employed and able to support yourself (and your family, if applicable).
UK citizens moving to Switzerland for work
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, its citizens are subject to the rules for third-country nationals.
However, if you were already authorized to live and work in Switzerland before 2021, you might be eligible for special conditions under the UK-Switzerland Agreement on Citizens' Rights.
There is also an agreement on the mobility of service providers. Until the end of 2025, UK service providers can register electronically for short-term activities (up to 90 days per calendar year).
For more details, UK nationals should consult the .
You are not an EU/EFTA national
Can you work in Switzerland?
You'll need a work permit even for short-term employment, and there is a limited number of permits available.
In general, only highly qualified foreigners, such as executives, specialists, and university graduates with significant professional experience, are eligible to work in Switzerland.
Good to know:
Self-employed individuals also need authorization to work.
What are the conditions for working in Switzerland?
Your future employer must demonstrate that they could not find suitable candidates in Switzerland or the EU/EFTA countries.
The employer will need to apply for your work permit directly through the cantonal migration authority by providing the following:
- The work permit application form;
- Valid identification;
- Proof that the employer has first looked for a qualified candidate on the Swiss and EU/EFTA markets (e.g., copy of job advertisement on the local market; copy of mandate given to a recruiter);
- Potential employee's CV;
- Qualifications;
- A justification of the need for recruitment;
- An employment contract, etc.
For detailed information on the conditions needed to obtain a work permit for non-EU/EFTA nationals, please visit the .
Good to know:
If you plan to be self-employed in Switzerland, you'll need to handle all the necessary arrangements yourself.
Additionally, your employer must offer you the same working conditions and pay as Swiss nationals.
Other arrangements for working in Switzerland
Obtaining a visa
In addition to applying for a work permit, you may also need to apply for a visa, depending on your nationality and Swiss requirements.
You should submit your visa application to the relevant Swiss authority in your place of residence, such as a consulate or embassy.
Mandatory registration
After arriving in Switzerland, you must register with your local residents' registration office within 14 days. Note that you should not start working until this registration is complete. You can find all the office addresses .
Compulsory insurance
If you work in Switzerland, you are required to contribute to the social insurance system, although not all contributions are automatically deducted from your salary.
Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland and must be arranged privately. You should secure a health insurance policy for yourself and your family with a private insurer within three months of arriving or starting work in Switzerland.
Which residence permits entitle you to work in Switzerland?
As we've seen, EU/EFTA nationals have an easier time living and working in Switzerland. For third-country nationals, while the types of permits are the same, the conditions for obtaining them and the restrictions on geographical and professional mobility are more stringent.
(residence permit): For residents who may or may not be employed and are staying in Switzerland for a specific purpose.
(settlement permit): For individuals who have lived in Switzerland for more than five or ten years. This permit is valid indefinitely and has no conditions attached. While it is issued by the cantonal authorities, it requires approval from the federal government.
(border authorization): for people living in a border area and working in Switzerland.
(short-term authorization): For short-term employment (usually less than a year) or other temporary stays.
If you're a European national doing an internship in Switzerland, you'll need a valid residence permit if it lasts more than 90 days. For more information, consult the .
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
