Switzerland Work Visa Requirements and Types 2023 The Switzerland work visa requirements are straightforward. If you wish to work in Switzerland, you must obtain a Switzerland work visa. Switzerland offers three types of work permits, each depending on the nature of the work. If your stay in Switzerland exceeds 90 days, you must also apply for a residence permit, which requires a Switzerland long-stay visa as a prerequisite.
In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about the Switzerland Work Visa process and its requirements. The application process for a Swiss work visa varies based on your nationality. EU countries and EFTA citizens do not need a work visa, but non-EU countries’ citizens must obtain a work permit and visa before entering Switzerland. Further details and the types of Switzerland work visas are provided below.
Switzerland Work Visa Requirements 2023
If you are a non-EU/EFTA citizen, to be eligible for a Switzerland work visa, you must fulfill the following requirements before applying:
- You are a skilled and qualified worker (manager, specialist, educated).
- You possess a university degree, several years of work experience, and specific expertise.
- You have a job offer waiting for you.
- The annual quotas for Swiss work visas allow it.
Switzerland Work Visa Quota for 2023
As of January 2023, the table below shows the number of work visas to be issued:
| Countries | No of Short-term L permit – up to 24 months | No of Long-term B permit – over 24 months |
|---|---|---|
| Non-EU/European Economic Area (EEA) nationals | 4,000 | 4,500 |
| EU/EEA nationals (including Bulgarian / Romanian nationals) | 3000 | 500 |
| Croatian nationals | 1007 | 1150 |
| UK nationals | 1400 | 2100 |
Types of Switzerland Work Visa and Stay Duration
There are three types of Switzerland work visas based on the duration of stay:
- Permit L for Short-term Residence: Initially issued for one year, Permit L requires a contact letter from your Swiss employer, and changing jobs/employers is not allowed during this period. It can be extended for a second year, but the maximum stay with a Permit L is 24 months.
- Permit B for Long-term Residence: Permit B is also issued for one year and can be renewed annually. If you live in Switzerland with a B Permit for 10 continuous years, you become eligible for a permanent residence permit (Permit C).
- Permit C for Permanent Residence: After residing in Switzerland for ten continuous years, you can apply for Swiss permanent residence. Permit C allows you to work for any employer, change jobs as you like, and live anywhere in Switzerland as you desire.
How to Apply for a Switzerland Work Visa?
To apply for a Switzerland work visa, follow these steps:
- Find a job in Switzerland, and if the employer is willing to help or sponsor your work visa, proceed to the next step.
- Complete the Swiss work visa document file.
- Your employer applies for your residence permit in Switzerland.
- You apply for a Switzerland work visa in your home country.
Where to Apply for the Switzerland Work Visa?
People from non-EU countries can apply at the Switzerland Embassy, consulate, or VFS Global in their home country.
Switzerland Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Many companies, hotels, and organizations in Switzerland sponsor work visas and are open to hiring foreign workers. For example, CERN is a popular organization in Switzerland offering many visa sponsorship jobs for foreign workers.
You may read CERN Switzerland Visa Sponsorship Jobs 2023
