Switzerland has one of the most powerful economies globally and a highly-skilled workforce. On the other hand, the Swiss government rigorously limits the number of workers entering the nation. The number of work visas awarded to people from outside the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) has decreased in recent years (EFTA, which consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
Swiss immigration officials have also tightened application procedures, including enhanced application scrutiny, higher salary criteria, and stricter extension regulations. A Swiss work visa is usually only granted to people who meet the requirements or operate in a shortage industry.
Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is in charge of visas and immigration; however, local cantonal migration offices issue the residence permits and handle much paperwork.
Who can work in Switzerland?
Only qualified non-EU/EFTA citizens with several years of professional experiences, such as managers, specialists, or university graduates, can work in Switzerland.
Even for short-term employment, non-EU/EFTA nationals require a work visa. There are a limited amount of permits available.
Self-employment may also require a work permit. Work permits are not necessary for spouses of Swiss nationals or those possessing a settlement permit.
Who all need a work visa?
When it comes to the right to work in Switzerland, there are two systems, one for EU/EFTA citizens and one for non-EU/EFTA citizens.
Croatian citizens are subject to slightly different rules. Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it is a member of the EFTA, allowing EU/EFTA citizens to roam around the country freely. EU/EFTA people do not need a visa to enter Switzerland and look for a job. They are allowed to stay for three months (extended to six months in some cases) while looking for work. They must obtain a Swiss residency permit if they find a job that requires them to stay in Switzerland for more than three months.
Requirements for a Swiss work permit
The Swiss government has increased the work permit quota for non-EU/EFTA citizens and enhanced the language requirement. Non-Swiss nationals must now speak in the dominant language of their Swiss canton at an A1 level. If you’re applying for a B-level visa and don’t speak any of the four official languages, you’ll need to show documentation that you’ve enrolled in a language course. The more time you spend in Switzerland, the more fluency you’ll need.
Application process
Once you’ve landed a job in Switzerland, your company will apply for your work visa with the immigration department in their local Swiss canton. The application gets subsequently sent to the SEM for approval; this entitles you to work and live in Switzerland.
As soon as you find a job, you can start applying for a Switzerland work visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country. However, before your visa can be issued, you must first obtain a work permit. If your work permit application is approved, the cantonal migration authority will contact the embassy/consulate with visa approval.
Whether your employer processes your Swiss permission before you arrive in Switzerland, you must report to the cantonal immigration office that issued your permit before you begin working for your Swiss employer and no later than 14 days following your arrival.
You are usually responsible for renewing your permit with the cantonal authorities at least two weeks before the expiration date. The cost of a work permit varies by canton, but usually around CHF 160. Employers in Switzerland occasionally agree to subsidise the expense of obtaining a permit.
Work visas for self-employed and freelancers
To become self-employed in Switzerland, you must have lived here for at least five years and, in many cases, ten years. Self-employment visas are not available. A settlement permit is required for those intending to start their own business or work as self-employed. There are two primary exceptions:
Individuals married to Swiss citizens or permanent residents who can use their family visa to work for themselves and are willing to pay an annual lump-sum tax payment of at least CHF 150,000 can acquire an investment visa and a settlement permit.
Cost of work visa permit
The basic registration fee varies by company type and ranges from 120 to 600 CHF (130 to 660 USD). Other administrative costs will add roughly 300 CHF to the total (330 USD).
Work visas for students
If you are under 35, you are eligible to volunteer or work in Switzerland. Volunteer and work-experience programs get classified as equal to paid jobs in terms of visa requirements. In other words, if you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Switzerland and your stay is for 90 days or less, you will need a Schengen C visa suitable to the aims of your trip.
Conclusion
Working in Switzerland comes with fun and other perks like the excellent quality of lifestyle and the elaborate healthcare system. You can also easily find cheap health insurance by making a health insurance price comparison. Apply for your work permit visa and join a community of people with great opportunities.
