Immigration to Switzerland: Visa and Permits | Essential Guide

For most people, starting a new life in Switzerland comes with a lot of paperwork and decisions: from figuring out which visa you need to understanding the work permit process, the steps of immigration to Switzerland may seem endless. Faced with all the rules and paperwork, it’s easy to feel lost in the details.

This guide simplifies Swiss immigration for you: clear steps with information on visa types, work permits, and residence requirements.

With practical advice and answers to common questions, you’ll be equipped to handle every stage of your move to Switzerland with confidence.

What you'll find in this guide ⤵︎

🔎 1. Overview of Switzerland’s Immigration System

✅ 2. Do You Need a Visa for Switzerland?

🏡 3. Swiss Residence Permits and Work Permits Explained

📌 4. What to Do before Moving to Switzerland. Step-by-Step Process

👩‍💻 5. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration to Switzerland

🤝 6. Get Support for YOUR Immmigration Process

1. Overview of Switzerland’s Immigration System

Switzerland has a dual system for immigration, with a different immigration policy for EU/EFTA citizens and non-EU/EFTA citizens.

EU and EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, allowing them to move to Switzerland for work or residency with minimal bureaucracy.

In contrast, Switzerland's immigration laws impose quotas and stricter criteria on non-EU nationals in order to protect the local labour market. However, there are bilateral agreements between Switzerland and other countries, such as the U.S., which help prevent double taxation for foreign workers.

🇪🇺 EU/EFTA Citizens

No entry visa needed to enter or live in Switzerland.
Can freely come to Switzerland, but must register and obtain a residence permit if staying longer than 90 days or working.
Cantonal authorities handle the registration upon arrival.

🌎 Non-EU/EFTA Citizens

Generally require prior authorization to live and work in Switzerland, i.e. securing a work contract and an approved work permit before moving.
A residence permit is required for non-EU/EFTA citizens planning to work for employment longer than three months.
Many non-EU nationals also need an entry visa (Type D national visa) to enter Switzerland for long-term stays.

How to proceed when immigrating to Switzerland

Scenario 1 ◇ You are being transferred by your company or hired to a new employer in Switzerland: Contact your HR department for required procedures.

Scenario 2 ◇ You are researching the possibility of finding a job in Switzerland: Contact a Swiss immigration specialist to clarify your immigration status before your start your job search.

Scenario 3 ◇ You are relocating with an independent business activity: Contact a Swiss immigration specialist to clarify your immigration status.

Scenario 4 ◇ You are relocating for non-professional reasons: Contact a Swiss immigration specialist to clarify your immigration status.

🔑 Key point

Anyone (EU or non-EU) planning to stay over 90 days must obtain a Swiss residence permit. The process and requirements just vary based on nationality and purpose of stay.

In the next sections, we’ll break down Switzerland’s visa requirements, work and residence permit types, as well as the step-by-step process to immigrate to Switzerland for work or family reasons. While EU/EFTA citizens enjoy certain privileges, Switzerland is not an EU country and has its own unique visa and residency requirements.

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2. Do You Need a Visa for Switzerland?

As noted above, the answer depends on your citizenship and the length or purpose of your stay. New residents must provide specific documents to the municipality's residents' registration office.

🎒 Tourists and Short Visits (under 90 days)

If you are just visiting for tourism or business for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, you may not need a visa at all. Because Switzerland is part of Schengen, many nationalities benefit from visa-free entry for short stays (including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and most of Europe).

If your country is not on the visa-waiver list, you need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Category C) before your trip. Check here Switzerland’s official visa requirements by nationality.

You can apply for a short-term visa up to 6 months in advance and ideally file it at least 2 months before travel.

🏡 Long Stays - Immigration (over 90 days)

If you plan to move to Switzerland for more than 90 days (for work, study, family reunification, or other long-term stays), you will need a national visa (Category D) in addition to a residence permit. They are usually filed as soon as your work permit is approved.

The national visa is practically an entry visa for long-term residency. You can get it from a Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel.

While EU/EFTA citizens can enter with just a passport and then register locally, non-EU/EFTA citizens will typically require a Category D visa unless they are from a country with a special agreement.

✍️ Keep in mind

Securing a work permit or residence authorization is usually the first step for non-EU nationals. The entry visa (if required) will only be issued after the Swiss authorities have approved your work/residency authorization.

That means you need to plan ahead - the visa process can take several weeks after your permit is approved.

Video © 'Welcome To Switzerland'

3. Swiss Residence Permits and Work Permits Explained

While the passport or the visa in your passport is a travel document, the work permit and the residence permit are your actual permission to live and work in Switzerland.

When people talk about a 'Swiss visa' for long-term stay, they often actually mean the Swiss residence permit. Here we clarify the types of permits and how Swiss immigration authorities handle them.

3.1. Types of Swiss Residence Permits

Short-Term Residence Permit (L permit)

This permit is for short-term stays, usually up to one year. It is often given to non-EU/EFTA nationals on temporary work assignments or probationary employment contracts, and sometimes to job seekers.

L permits can sometimes be renewed for a limited duration (up to 24 months in some cases), but they are considered temporary.

Spouses of L permit holders can join as dependents, but they must apply for permission to work separately (Application for family reunification in Switzerland). The G permit is designed for cross-border commuters from adjacent countries with a work contract lasting at least three months.

Long-Term Residence Permit (B permit)

The standard residence permit for non-EU immigrants with a longer-term or indefinite employment contract, or EU/EFTA nationals staying beyond 90 days.

For non-EU citizens, B permits are subject to annual quotas and typically issued for one year at a time (renewable). B permits tied to employment usually allow you to work for the specified employer (changing jobs or cantons might require approval).

EU/EFTA citizens receive a B permit valid for five years (renewable) when they move to Switzerland for work or if they have sufficient financial means.

Spouses of B permit holders (including non-EU spouses) usually receive a dependent B permit and have the right to work in Switzerland without a separate work authorization (Application for family reunification in Switzerland). This family-friendly policy means HR departments can reassure international hires that their accompanying partners can seek employment in Switzerland as well. B permits are typically granted to individuals seeking to relocate for longer durations.

Settlement Permit (C permit)

This is a permanent residency status. It’s not something you get upon your initial move, but rather after living in Switzerland for some years. This typically means 5 years for EU/EFTA and US/Canadian citizens, 10 years for other third-country nationals, subject to integration and language requirements.

A C permit allows you to reside in Switzerland indefinitely and gives more freedom (e.g., to change jobs, live in any canton, etc.). While beyond the scope of an initial relocation, it’s useful to know that Switzerland offers a path to settlement and eventually citizenship (which can be applied for after usually 10+ years of residence, among other conditions).

Other permit types

There are a few special categories, such as Ci permits (for family members of diplomats or international organization staff, with the right to work), G permits (for cross-border commuters who live in a neighboring country but work in Switzerland), F permits (provisional admissions, e.g., refugees).

For the purposes of work and standard residence, L and B (and eventually C) are the main ones to understand. Temporary residents should also be aware of specific customs regulations regarding the import of vehicles.

3.2. Swiss Work Permits

🌎 For non-EU/EFTA nationals

Obtaining a work permit is typically the biggest hurdle. Swiss law mandates that employers must prove that they cannot find a suitable candidate locally or within the EU/EFTA before hiring a third-country national. In practice, this means the job should be for a highly skilled position, and the employer often works with cantonal authorities to justify the hire. Quotas also apply, so employers compete within these quotas and early planning is crucial.

🇪🇺 For EU/EFTA Citizens

Thanks to free movement, do not face these hurdles. They don’t need an advance work permit; they can take up employment freely and just register for a residence permit B within 14 days of arriving.

✍️ Keep in Mind

Any foreign national working in Switzerland, even for a short stint, must have permission. If you are working in Switzerland for more than 8 days in a calendar year, you need to have a work permit or use the online notification procedure for short-term work.

Some exceptions exist for certain services or emergencies, but generally, more than 8 days of work triggers the permit requirement. Simply being on a tourist status does not allow you to work. HR departments should be aware of this 8-day rule for business travelers or remote workers to avoid legal issues.

4. What to Do before Moving to Switzerland. Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Research Eligibility and Requirements

It's essential to start with research before making any concrete plans because this step will help you understand how long your process will take. At this stage, check visa requirements for entry (as discussed above) based on nationality.

If you are an EU/EFTA citizen, the main requirement is a valid passport and a job contract (or sufficient funds if job-seeking).

If you are a non-EU citizen, ensure you have an employer willing to sponsor your work permit, or another basis for residency (such as a Swiss spouse or university admission).

HR departments should verify that the your role meets the criteria for a work permit (usually a skilled position with appropriate salary) and that the yearly quota is available.

💡 It’s also wise to gather information on the specific canton’s procedures because details can vary by canton (for example, some cantons might have online portals for registration, specific document requirements, etc.). Self-employed individuals must demonstrate their ability to support themselves to the Swiss authorities.

Step 2: Secure a Job Contract or Sponsorship (if applicable)

For most people, moving to Switzerland will be tied to employment.

Non-EU nationals almost always need to have a job offer first – it is extremely difficult to move to Switzerland first and then find a job due to the work permit rules. Swiss employers (with help from HR or immigration specialists) will apply to their cantonal immigration office for your work permit. This application includes forms, your CV/qualifications, the job contract, and often a justification why you were hired over local candidates.

EU nationals have more flexibility: you can move to Switzerland without a job and look for work for up to 3 months freely, and even extend your job search to 6 months by getting a short-term residence permit if you can show proof of sufficient financial means. Nonetheless, having a job lined up will streamline your relocation.

If you’re moving as a family member (e.g., joining a spouse who has a permit, or a Swiss citizen spouse), you won’t need a job to get your residence permit, but you will need to show marriage certificates and proof of relationship under the family reunification rules.

The processes and requirements for family reunion allow spouses, parents, and children to relocate, emphasizing the importance of legal permits for family reunification. In all cases, having your paperwork (passports, birth/marriage certificates, diplomas, etc.) up to date is essential.

Step 3: Apply for Work Permit Approval

Non-EU citizens: once the job offer is signed, the employer will submit a work permit application to the cantonal authorities. This step is something HR departments should handle for the employee, often in coordination with an immigration lawyer or specialist. The application goes through cantonal review and then the federal State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for approval.

Processing times vary by canton and time of year, but generally expect a decision in about 4 to 8 weeks for simple cases. Complex cases or peak times can take up to 12+ weeks. It’s recommended to start this process 2–3 months before the intended move date.

EU/EFTA citizens do not need to do this step; they can skip directly to moving and registering (Step 5). However, if an EU citizen is being hired, HR should still provide them with an employment contract or confirmation letter for the registration.

During this stage, prepare any required special documents. For example, non-EU citizens over 18 may be asked to provide a police clearance certificate (criminal record report) from their home country if staying in Switzerland over a year. It’s wise to obtain this in advance so you have it ready. Additionally, it is necessary to submit various supporting documents alongside the work permit application.

Step 4: Apply for Entry Visa (if required)

📆 Timeline: ~2–4 weeks, concurrent with or after Step 3

Application for the Category D visa can be submitted at the Swiss embassy/consulate in your home country. The visa processing can take a couple of weeks after your permit is approved, so factor that in.

You may start the visa application while your work permit is being processed, but the embassy will typically issue the visa only after receiving confirmation that your permit is approved.

Visa-exempt nationals (e.g., Americans, Australians), should get the D visa, as it formally indicates you are entering for long-term residency.

A common practice is HR guides relocating employees through this step, often by coordinating with relocation agents or directly with Swiss consulates.

Step 5: Prepare for the Move (Documents & Logistics)

Now is the time to gather all your important documents: passport, entry visa (if applicable), the work permit approval letter, birth and marriage certificates (if family is accompanying), academic certificates (sometimes needed for registration or later on for things like validation of foreign diplomas), and your Swiss rental contract or address confirmation.

HR departments may assist with finding housing, since having at least a temporary address is required for registration. Also, if you’re bringing pets or personal belongings through customs, ensure you know the rules for importing pets, vehicles, etc.

If you plan to drive once in Switzerland, keep in mind that liability insurance on vehicles must be provided by a Swiss insurance company.

If you’re a non-EU citizen going through the work permit process, avoid making frequent trips in and out of Switzerland before your permit is finalized. While your permit is in process, you should maintain your primary residence outside Switzerland until you officially move.

Do not pack essential paperwork with your shipped household goods – keep them in your carry-on luggage.

Step 6: Arrival in Switzerland

Now comes the exciting part – moving day! If asked at the border control, make sure to mention that you are coming for long-term residence or work and have the documentation handy.

Border officers are familiar with the process if you have the permit approval letter or visa – they may remind you to register with local authorities.

Step 7: Local Registration and Residence Permit Application

📅 Timeline: Must be done within 14 days of arrival

Once on Swiss soil, every new resident is required to register with the local authorities within 14 days of arriving (and for workers, before actually starting work).

In most places, you start at the commune (municipality) or at the town hall (Gemeindehaus). You’ll present your passport, visa (if you had one), and all those documents you carefully prepared: work permit approval letter, rental lease or address proof, passport photos, etc.

EU/EFTA workers will need to show their employment contract or offer letter to get a work/residence permit issued.

Non-EU workers will show the letter from the canton that approved their permit (sometimes called an 'authorization to issue visa' or similar). At registration, you’ll fill out a form for your residence permit and pay an initial registration fee. The officials will register your address and issue a confirmation of registration.

HR should ensure the employee is aware of this and often will accompany or arrange assistance for this step as part of relocation support.

Step 8: Receiving Your Swiss Residence Permit

📅 Timeline: ~2–4 weeks after registering

After you’ve registered, your Swiss residence permit card will be processed. The permit card is a wallet-sized biometric ID card with your photo and details. It typically takes a few weeks to get this card because it’s printed centrally and mailed.

In the meantime, your registration confirmation acts as proof of residence.

With the residence permit in hand, you are fully set as a Swiss resident! Make sure to carry it when needed (for example, when traveling in Europe it’s good to have as proof of your status upon re-entry). The permit will have an expiry date, so it's a good practice to mark the expiry in your calendar – renewals are typically a formality for B permits as long as you still meet the conditions (employment, etc.), but you need to file a renewal application a month or two before expiration.

Step 9: Post-Arrival Tasks

📅 Timeline: First 1–3 months in Switzerland

After settling in, there are a few additional tasks to complete as a new resident:

Obtain Health Insurance: Switzerland requires all residents to have valid Swiss health insurance within 3 months of arrival (Application for family reunification in Switzerland)). You’ll need to purchase a private health insurance plan (the system is regulated but provided by private insurers). Failing to do so can result in the canton assigning you an insurer, so don’t delay. HR often provides guidance or even insurance enrollment support for employees.
Open a Bank Account: Having a Swiss bank account is practical for receiving salary. You can open an account once you have proof of address and your residence permit or at least the registration attestation.
Tax and Social Insurance Registration: If you’re on a work permit, your employer will handle registering you with social security (AHV/AVS) and for tax at source (most non-EU B permit holders are taxed at source from payroll). EU nationals with B permits may also be tax-at-source if on a limited permit and not yet C permit. Again, HR will typically ensure all of this is done.
Driver’s License Exchange: If you have a foreign driver’s license and intend to drive in Switzerland, note that you must convert most foreign licenses to a Swiss license within one year of moving. The process is straightforward for most countries (especially if you’re from an EU or a country with reciprocity – no test required in many cases).
Integration steps: If you’re coming from abroad, you might want to sign up for language classes (if you don’t speak the local language yet – German in much of Switzerland, French in the west, Italian in Ticino). Also, register your kids for school if you have children (public schools are free and high quality; schooling is managed at the cantonal/local level).

✍️ Keep in Mind

Every canton provides a checklist for newcomers to Switzerland, which is often available on the cantonal immigration website or given to you at registration.

Following that will ensure you don’t miss any important steps. Be aware of customs regulations, such as the monetary limit on the total value of gifts that individuals can bring into Switzerland duty-free.

Swiss Immigration Step-by-Step Timeline [Table Included]

The expected timeframe for the immigration process is 2 to 3 months before move date for Non-EU/EFTA citizens, while EU/EFTA citizens with a local permanent contract will only need to register upon arrival.

Local registration upon arrival is the final step of the immigration process. It will only be successful if the correct immigration process for each individual family member has been followed.

The final work permit document will be issued between 2 and 4 weeks after your registration date.

A simpler way to immigration steps and estimated timeframes for moving to Switzerland:

STEP

ESTIMATED TIME

1. Eligibility & Job Offer

Variable. Job search could take months.

2. Work Permit Approval

~4–12 weeks for approval (for non-EU nationals)

3. Entry Visa (Visa D)

~2–4 weeks for visa processing (for non-EU nationals)

4. Travel to Switzerland

Travel on planned move date.

5. Local Registration

Immediately upon arrival (appointment may take a few days).

6. Permit Issuance

~2–4 weeks after registration for permit card.

7. Post-Arrival Formalities

1–3 months post-arrival to get health insurance, local ID, spouse and family can also register.

Must-Have Documents

Birth certificates and marriage certificates
Work contract, or for students, a confirmation of admission to a higher education institution
Swiss lease contract or rental agreement
Non-EU/EFTA citizens are advised not to travel in and out of Switzerland during the permit application process
Do not pack your immigration documents with your household goods shipment as you will need them upon arrival

5. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration to Switzerland

«Is it hard for a non-EU citizen to get a work visa for Switzerland?»

👨‍🦱

It can be challenging because Switzerland has strict limits on immigration from outside the EU and the law prioritizes hiring from the local and EU talent pool first. Employers must prove a business need for hiring non-EU workers and navigate quotas, which means competition is stiff and the immigration process implies careful planning and a strong job offer.

The yearly quota for new non-EU work permits is 8,500. Typically, highly skilled professionals or managers receive these permits. However, thousands of non-EU professionals do move to Switzerland each year.

«Do I need to speak German/French/Italian to work in Switzerland?»

👩🏽

It depends on the job and region. Switzerland has four national languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh), with English commonly used in multinational companies. In Zürich or Geneva, many large employers use English as the corporate language and you can get by in daily life with basic local language skills.

However, for jobs that are customer-facing or in smaller local companies, speaking the local language is a requirement.

HR professionals relocating an employee should often consider providing language training as part of the package.

An important note: for family reunification, spouses might need to show basic language proficiency or enroll in a language course (A1 level) in some cases as part of integration measures.

«Can my spouse/partner work if they move with me to Switzerland?»

👩🏻‍🦱

In general, yes, with some conditions depending on the situation:

If you (the primary applicant) have a B residence permit, your non-EU spouse will get a dependent B permit and has the right to work without a separate permit. They may need to register their employment with the canton, but it’s a formality.
If you have an L permit (short-term), your dependent spouse must request authorization to work. The employer hiring them needs to file for work permit, though it’s generally granted since they are already a resident.
EU citizen spouses or spouses of EU permit holders can work freely as well. Always notify the local canton when a spouse starts working so they can issue the appropriate documents.

«What are the most important documents to have for the immigration process?»

👱‍♀️

Key documents include: a valid passport and copies, birth certificates for each family member, marriage certificate if applicable, your employment contract or university acceptance letter, proof of housing in Switzerland (lease agreement or housing confirmation), and financial proof (like bank statements) if you’re an EU job-seeker or self-sufficient applicant.

For non-EU, a police clearance certificate from your home country is often required for stays over a year, so obtain that in advance.

Make sure all documents are in order, and get official translations of any documents that are not in a Swiss official language or English.

«Can I move to Switzerland first and then look for a job (for non-EU)?»

🧑🏻‍🦰

For non-EU nationals, you can’t move without a permit and start job hunting.

EU citizens, however, can move to Switzerland without a job and search for one on-site (for up to 3 months, extendable to 6 months with a short-term permit). This EU flexibility is not afforded to non-EU folks due to Switzerland’s immigration quotas and work permit restrictions.

««What if my Swiss work permit application is rejected?»»

👱🏼‍♂️

When a work permit is denied (usually for non-EU nationals), the decision letter will state the reason: exhausted quota, missing paperwork, or job could be filled by someone locally. Employer or applicant can both appeal the decision, but appeals are rarely successful unless a clear error was made.

A practical approach is adjusting the application and reapplying in the next quota period, or rephrasing the justification or job description.

In some cases, companies might try to hire the person at a later time or explore if the candidate has other options (like another citizenship that is EU, or a spouse with EU citizenship which might ease entry).

6. Get Support for YOUR Immigration Process

Contacting an immigration specialist is highly recommended for non-EU/EFTA citizens and for EU/EFTA citizens arriving without a permanent local work contract.

If you do not already have access to a professional immigration services provider through your employer or your relocation services provider, we recommend that you locate and contact the leading Swiss immigration provider Sgier + Partner before proceeding.

Sgier + Partner offers an immigration case assessment for CHF 99, meaning you get clarity quickly about your immigration status.

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