How to Apply for a Swiss Employed Work Permit (Swiss Work Visa)

If you are a non-EU/EFTA national who has secured a job offer in Switzerland, the Swiss Employed Work Permit—commonly known as the Swiss Work Permit—offers a viable route to living and working in the country on the basis of skilled employment. This permit is designed for professionals in roles that require specific qualifications and experience, particularly in high-demand sectors such as finance, engineering, education, healthcare, and technology.

The permit is typically granted in the form of a B Permit, which is valid for one year and renewable on an annual basis. Subject to nationality and integration efforts, permit holders may become eligible to apply for permanent residence (the C Permit) after five or ten years of lawful residence in Switzerland.

Step One: Securing a Job Offer

The first step towards obtaining a Swiss Work Permit is to secure a confirmed job offer from a Swiss employer. This must be for a role that requires specialist knowledge or qualifications that are difficult to source from within the local or wider EU/EFTA labour market. The Swiss immigration system is designed to prioritise local and regional candidates, so employers must be able to justify the need to hire a non-EU/EFTA national.

The job offer should be based on a long-term employment contract and must provide a level of salary and benefits that meet the prevailing standards for the profession, taking into account the region in which the job is located. Employers are expected to offer remuneration that enables the employee to be financially self-sufficient and to support any accompanying family members.

Step Two: Confirming Eligibility for a Swiss Work Visa

Applicants must meet a series of eligibility requirements to qualify for a Swiss Work Permit. These include being a national of a country outside the EU or EFTA, possessing qualifications and professional experience relevant to the proposed role, and having a clean criminal record. In some cases, language proficiency in one of Switzerland’s national languages—German, French, or Italian—may also be necessary, particularly where the role involves regular communication or integration into local teams.

Health insurance cover is mandatory for all residents in Switzerland, including those entering on a work permit. Therefore, applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate insurance arrangements in place.

A key element of the eligibility assessment involves the employer’s ability to comply with the so-called labour market test. This means the employer must prove that efforts have been made to recruit from within Switzerland and the EU/EFTA region, and that no suitably qualified candidates were found. Documentation of the recruitment process and advertising efforts is typically required as part of the application.

Applicants should also be aware that Swiss work permits for non-EU/EFTA nationals are subject to annual quotas. This means that even applicants who meet all eligibility requirements may face delays or refusals due to quota limitations.

Step Three: Preparing the Swiss Work Permit Application

Once the job offer is in place and eligibility confirmed, the next step involves gathering the necessary documentation. This will typically include a valid passport, a copy of the employment contract, evidence of educational qualifications and professional experience, proof of health insurance, and details of the proposed salary and working conditions.

The application must be submitted by the employer to the relevant cantonal migration authority. The cantonal authorities will conduct an initial review of the application, assessing compliance with immigration and labour regulations. If satisfied, they will forward the application to the Swiss federal authorities for final approval.

The dual-layered approval process—first at the cantonal level and then at the federal level—can take several weeks and sometimes longer, particularly if additional documentation or clarifications are requested.

Maintaining the Swiss Work Permit

Once the application is approved, the employee will be issued a B Permit, allowing residence and employment in Switzerland for an initial period of one year. This permit can be renewed on an annual basis, provided the employment continues and all regulatory conditions remain satisfied.

To maintain a Swiss Work Permit, it is necessary for the holder to reside primarily in Switzerland. In practice, this means being physically present in the country for at least 183 days per calendar year. Long absences without justification can jeopardise the validity of the permit and may adversely affect future immigration or permanent residence applications.

Long-Term Options and Family Reunification

The Swiss Work Permit can serve as a pathway to long-term residence. After five or ten years—depending on nationality and level of integration—permit holders may become eligible to apply for a C Permit, which grants permanent residency in Switzerland.

In addition, those who hold a Swiss Work Permit may be able to sponsor close family members to join them in Switzerland under family reunification rules. This is subject to financial and accommodation requirements, and family members may also need to demonstrate basic language skills and integration potential.

Final Thoughts

The Swiss Employed Work Permit is an attractive option for skilled professionals who have secured employment with a Swiss company and are looking to contribute to the Swiss economy. However, the process is highly regulated and can be challenging to navigate, particularly due to strict eligibility requirements, labour market protections, and annual permit quotas.

For these reasons, individuals considering a Swiss Work Permit application are strongly encouraged to seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer who specialises in Swiss immigration law. Professional guidance can help ensure that all aspects of the application are properly addressed, maximising the prospects of success.

To discuss your potential application for a Swiss Work Permit with one of our immigration lawyers in Switzerland, please call us on +41 21 588 07 70, email info@richmondchambers.ch or complete our online enquiry form.