WORKING IN SWITZERLAND

Work Permits

Switzerland hosts more than 20% foreigners and operates as one of the most international economies in the world. It is not part of the European Union, and has strict controls on foreign workers administered through the work/residence permit system. Due to the lack of IT specialists in Switzerland, it is a simple and straightforward procedure to bring experienced individuals into the country to work, with permits usually obtainable within 2-4 weeks if required.

As from the 1st June 2002, the permit system has been greatly eased by the Swiss and EU Bilateral Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, which aims to gradually introduce the free movement of employed persons between the countries.

This agreement also means that individuals from outside of the European Union will find it increasingly difficult to secure permits and to work in Switzerland.

Categories of residence permits

The Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons essentially adopts the categories of residence permits, as they exist within the European Union. Stays of less than three months' duration need not be declared.

Short-term residence permit (L-EC)

• Gainfully employed EU nationals who have an employment contract of less than four months' duration will be granted a short-term residence permit with a maximum validity of 120 consecutive days.
  
  
• Gainfully employed EU nationals in possession of an employment contract of between three and less than twelve (but more than four) months' duration will be entitled to a short-term residence permit limited to the duration of the employment contract within the framework of the available quotas. It can be extended.

Holders of this permit will profit from geographical and professional mobility and from the fact that their families will be able to stay together.

Residence permit CE (B-EC)

This permit is basically valid for five years and can be extended. It primarily concerns salaried employees who are in possession of an employment contract of one or more than one year's duration. Holders of this permit will profit from geographical and professional mobility and from the fact that their families will be able to stay together.

Cross-border commuter permit (G-EC)

This is a special certificate which is issued for cross-border commuters.
During the first five years of the Agreement, holders of this permit will be entitled to change jobs and occupations in all the border areas of Switzerland. At the end of the first five years, the border areas will be abolished.
The validity of this permit for salaried cross-border commuters is mirrored with the duration of their employment contracts, provided it does not exceed twelve months. If an employment contract has been concluded for one year or more than one year, the permit will be valid for five years.

Settlement permit (C-EC)

This permit is not affected by the Agreement - as before, it will be granted on the basis of settlement agreements or considerations of mutuality. It is not restricted by a time limit and goes further than the EU settlement permit in accordance with the acquis.
In principle, European nationals are granted a settlement permit after five years' residence in Switzerland.