Residence and Work Permits
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Would you like to employ workers from abroad? As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that the necessary work permits are in place. This page explains which permits are required and what you need to keep in mind.
Table of contents
Key Points at a Glance
- Foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Switzerland.
- The type of permit required depends on the country of origin and the length of stay.
- Employing foreign nationals without a valid permit is illegal and results in fines and penalties.
What permit is required?
The required permit depends on where the person is from. EU/EFTA nationals need a residence permit from the Office of Migration. Third-country nationals need a work permit from the Office of Economic Affairs (AWI) in addition to the residence permit from the Office of Migration.
Employees from the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
Thanks to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, citizens of EU/EFTA countries are entitled to a residence permit if they have an employment contract with a Swiss employer .
Reporting requirement:
- Up to 90 days per year: You must register the employment online.
- More than 90 days per year: Employees must register with their municipality of residence and apply for a residence permit.
Employees from non-EU/EFTA countries
Individuals from a non-EU/EFTA country generally require a work permit. In particular, they must be highly qualified. Further information on the requirements and conditions can be found here.
How to proceed
Use the accordion controls to toggle the visibility of each panel (below the controls).
Gather all relevant documents. Different documents are required depending on the person’s country of origin.
Submit the application for a residence permit.
For EU/EFTA nationals, your employees submit the application for a residence permit through their municipality of residence.
For third-country nationals, submit the application for a work permit online via the cantonal portal.
EU/EFTA nationals may begin working once the application has been submitted.
Non-EU/EFTA nationals may only begin working after receiving their work permit and registering with their municipality of residence.
Note: The information on this page is for general guidance only and is not exhaustive. Specific questions should be clarified as early as possible with experts or the relevant authorities.
Contact
Amt für Wirtschaft – Arbeitsbewilligungen
9 bis 11 Uhr und
14 bis 16 Uhr
