Work Permit - Switzerland

Switzerland is known for towery mountains, alpine lakes, fine watches, and chocolates. There are grassy valleys and farms, and booming cities that make a beautiful blend of old and new Switzerland. it is a federated country of central Europe. the country has a modest population size. the country has diversified culture, food, and lifestyles, attracting thousands of tourists every year to explore.

When it comes to career advancement and job opportunities there is a scope for growth in Switzerland but also it can be exciting or challenging when it comes to looking for a job.

Eligibility Criteria for Non-EU/EFTA citizens

• Only professionals, qualified workers, and specialists are allowed to work. Qualified workers means the employee must qualify- skills which are required for a particular job position.
• Applicant must have a skill and qualification (degrees, work experiences, expertise knowledge) as recruiters consider skillful people so that they can add more to the company and grow with their desired company.
• Authorization to work in Switzerland is only granted if it is in the economic interest.
• The employer is authorized to hire from a third country only if in case the member of the EU/EFTA is not equivalent for that position.
• Applicants must have a job offer before applying for a visa

Types of Work Permits and Their Validity

The following categories of work permits are issued in Switzerland:

Permit L (Short-term Residents)

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Switzerland for three months to a year may apply for this permit. The duration of stay is the same as the contract for employment.

Permit B (Resident Foreign Nationals)

This permit is intended for Foreign nationals who wish to work in Switzerland for a maximum of five years while maintaining a job contract that lasts at least a year. This permit may be extended for an extra five years.

Permit C (Settled Foreign Nationals)

Foreigners who have been in the nation for five or ten years will be granted this settlement permit.

Permit G (Cross-border Commuters)

The permit is granted to citizens who reside in other EU/EFTA member states and work in Switzerland. Cross-border commuters typically have to go back to their home location once a week or every day. This permit is valid for 5 years.

Permit F (Provisionally Admitted Foreigners)

This permission is for foreign persons who have been given an order to leave Switzerland, but the enforcement of that order has proven to be unlawful or unfeasible for various reasons. The permit has a one-year expiration date and may be renewed once. This permit holder is able to work anywhere in the nation.

Permit S (People in need of Protection)

By presenting the document to a potential employer, the permission that permits holders to enter the country temporarily also permits them to work there. The permission must be turned in to the relevant cantonal authority before its two-week expiration date, without their request.

Who needs to Apply for Work Permit?

EU/EFTA nationals are allowed to live and work in Switzerland for a maximum of three months without a permit under the terms of the free movement agreements. However, they need to obtain a short-term permit if they intend to work in the nation for longer than three months.

Even for temporary employment, non-EU/EFTA nationals must fulfill specific standards and obtain a work visa. UK nationals who acquired a residency permit in Switzerland before January 1, 2021, are eligible to keep it.

Cost of Switzerland Work Permit

The following table shows the cantonal fees associated with Switzerland Work Permit:

Service	Fees (CHF)
permission to grant a visa or confirmation of authorization	Fr.95
short-term stay, residence or border authorization, or its renewal	Fr.95
authorization to take employment, change canton, place, or profession	Fr.95
granting a business permit	Fr.95
extension of the short-term stay, residence or border authorization	Fr.75
extension of the validity of the authorization for established foreigners	Fr.65
extension of the residence permit for people admitted on a provisional basis	Fr.40
confirmation of the announcement of a worker or self-employed person	Fr.25
establishment of a duplicate residence permit	Fr.40
establishment, replacement, and any other modification of a biometric residence permit	Fr.22
establishment, replacement, and any other modification of a non-biometric residence permit	Fr.10
recording and entry of the biometric data necessary for the biometric residence permit	Fr.20
recording and entry of the photograph and signature intended for the non-biometric residence permit	Fr.15

Steps to Applying for Switzerland Work Permit

Employer Beginning the Application Process

The employer must start the application process. The Swiss employer compiles all application documents and submits them to the local immigration or employment office. Employees who require an entry visa must simultaneously apply for one from the Swiss embassy overseas that is in charge of their domicile.
Documents Required While Applying for Work Permit

• A valid passport
• Completed and signed application form
• Verification from an appointed employment agent confirming that the job has been advertised by the regional employment office
• Copy of the job posting
• Curriculum vitae
• Evidence of credentials
• Job description and corporate details
• Proof of a work contract or an order deed confirming a foundation contract of employment

Waiting for the Decision

After screening the application, the cantonal employment or immigration authority makes a preliminary determination. The canton will forward the application to the Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for a final determination if it is accepted. The employer must pay a charge to receive the SEM's decision, which is delivered to the employee, employer, and cantonal.

The electronic visa will be forwarded to the Swiss embassy overseas upon clearance. The visa must be picked up by the applicant at their local Swiss representative.

Upon Arrival in Switzerland

Within 14 days of entering the nation, the applicant must register with the appropriate authority at their place of residency. It is only once they register that the person can begin working.

In addition, an applicant needs to secure health insurance within three months of entering the nation.

Renewing the Work Permit

A legal notice will be sent to the holders of permits C and B one month prior to their expiration. The measures that the holder must take are outlined in the expiration notice. However, the applicant must mail the Form K to the relevant authorities if they don't receive a notice.

Conversely, one month before the worker's permit expiring, employers of permit G holders will receive a notice. Employees must fill out an online form to submit their renewal application at least 15 days before expiry if their employer does not receive the notice.

If a permit L or conditional permit B holder's stay is about to expire, it is their employer's responsibility to apply for a renewal at least 15 days in advance.

Entry of Dependents

Depending on the worker's nationality, dependents of work permit holders may be able to enter the country. A specific approval is required before holders of permit B can bring dependents into the nation.
Following family members of EU/EFTA nationals are considered as dependents:

• Spouse or registered partner
• Children or grandchildren under the age of 21
• Dependent parents or grandparents

However, for non-EU/EFTA citizens, the regulations are slightly different. In their instance, the ensuing family members are permitted entry into the country as dependents:

• Spouse or registered partner
• Unmarried children under the age of 18

Conditions to be fulfilled for entry of dependents

• Switzerland must acknowledge the worker's marriage or registered partnership.
• The candidate needs enough space to accommodate their family.
• The candidate must not be dependent on social assistance.

Documents Required for Dependent's Permit

• A valid passport
• Proof of language proficiency
• Certificate from home country proving their relationship with work permit holder in Switzerland

Some Things to Remember

• Health Insurance is compulsory but private in Switzerland
• The documents to be submitted must be duly translated into German, French, Italian, Romansh, or English language.
• Children of work permit holders are entitled to free compulsory education until the age of 16.
• The EFTA member countries are Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.