Switzerland Work Visa Requirements

A work visa by definition is where an individual is required to obtain authorisation in order to undertake employment in a country where they would not normally be eligible to work in. The approval and issue of a work visa must come from the relevant authority in the country he/she intends to work in (typically the Governmental immigration department or the Ministry of Labour and Social affairs). Generally a work visa will be in the form a standard document or a stamp in your passport. It must be noted that some individuals are not required to obtain a work visa. Generally all jurisdictions with reciprocal treaty agreements do not stipulate that an individual must obtain a work visa for undertaking employment in those countries. Each jurisdiction will lay down conditions which need to be satisfied in order to be approved a work visa.

Switzerland Work Visa

Switzerland adopted a ‘dual priority system’ in 1998 which ensures priority is given to all EU citizen employees with regards to the issuance of work permits compared to applications by Non-EU citizens. For an applicant to be eligible to seek a work permit, he/she must first obtain a residency permit. Switzerland entered into a bilateral agreement with the EU in 2002, this agreement was principally adopted to provide easier entry, residency and employment for individuals of EU citizenship (and individuals of EFTA citizenship) in Switzerland.

At present Switzerland has very strict work permit quotations due to the high demand of work permit applications, however by 2014 these quotas are expected to be relaxed making the chance of obtaining a work permit (provided you satisfy the pre-requisites) will be a lot higher.

In general there are two principal schemes in Switzerland with regards to residence and work permits. The first scheme is targets at EC nationals and the second is for third country nationals.

Types of Swiss Work Visas

There are 3 primary types of Swiss work visas applicable to foreign nationals seeking work in Switzerland. Before any of the following permits can be granted to the individual, the individual must possess an ‘assurance of residency permit’. An assurance or residency permit is issued by the Cantonal Aliens Police Department and sent to the applicants home address prior to entering Switerzland.

1) Seasonal Permit (A Permit)

This type of Work permit is suitable for applicants undertaking work in the construction, hotel or holiday industries. These types of permit are normally issued with a validity period of 5 months however it can be granted to a maximum time frame of 9 months,

2) Standard 1 year Permit (B Permit)

This permit is applicable for those who are relocating to Switzerland to undertake a previously agreed employment contact with a Swiss company. The validity period for this type of permit is up to 1 year and renewable on the condition that the employment contract is still valid.

3) Permanent Residence Permit (C Permit)

This type of permit is granted where the applicant was been in possession of a B Permit for a period of 5-10 years in Switzerland; however approval of this permit is dependant on the applicant’s nationality. The main benefit of this type of work permit is that the holder is eligible to reside and work freely in Switzerland in any form of legitimate employment (with the exception of Medicine and Law).
Application

The Swiss Employer (Sponsor Company) must send you can official employment contract. Once you have formally accepted the job offer the sponsor company must then start the application process for your residence permit on your behalf. On approval and receipt of your residence permit, your work permit will be applied for. Approval of your initial residence permit will depend primarily on your educational background, professional qualifications, work experience, type of job you will undertake, nationality and age. Swiss work permits are required for employed, self employed, unpaid and volunteer workers.

The application and administration of a obtaining a work permit can be a lengthy experience taking up to several months to be issued. For A and B permits the average application time takes between 6-8 weeks.

EU Citizens Work Rights in Switzerland

- Right to change jobs

- Right to work for alternative employers

- Right to bring their spouse and dependants to reside with them

- Applicants family have the right to work also

Requirements of Job Seekers in Switzerland

Where the applicant intends to undertake in a job search in Switzerland and is of EU nationality, he/she will not require a residence or work permit for the duration of this initial job search. Where the job search is extended beyond 3 months, the applicant is required to obtain both a residence and work permit.

Requirements for Non-EU Citizens Seeking Work in Switzerland

If you are a Non-EU citizen you are only eligible to obtain a work permit where your sponsor (employer) provides evidence that the position could not be filled by a Swiss or EU citizen. If the Non-EU citizen is a highly skilled individual, or possess specialist skills and knowledge then the employer may be exempt from proving the position could not be filled by an EU national. All Non-EU nationals seeking work in Switzerland are required to personally apply at the their Swiss Consulate/Embassy in their country of domicile at the same time as their sponsor applies for their work permit.

Requirements of Non-EU citizens intending to work for an International company based in Switzerland

- Employees of an international organization based in Switzerland are not required to obtain a work permit

- Employees of international business corporations are required to attain a ‘Carte de Legitimation’ (ID Card).

- Swiss ID Cards provide for the holder to enjoy preferential treatment and priority with respect to customs, housing and immigration in Switzerland.

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