Switzerland operates a twin-track application system. This became necessary owing to the bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the European Union and its member states (Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons). This involves priority access for employed persons from EU member states, and at the same time the implementation of a non-restrictive immigration policy for specialists and qualified staff from non-EU states.

The employer is responsible for obtaining the work permit for all foreign employees. Forms can be ordered direct from BEDA. The employer can expect it to take 2 to 3 weeks for an application for an EU citizen to be approved. Processing applications for non-EU citizens is likely to take longer.

For EU nationals

1. EU short-stay residence permit for employment contracts in Switzerland of less than one year
2. EU residence permit is valid for 5 years and can be extended
3. EU cross-border commuter’s permit for all border regions, valid for 5 years
4. EU permanent residence permit can be applied for after at least 5 years’ residence in Switzerland

For non-EU nationals

1. Short-stay residence permit
2. Annual residence permit, valid for 1 year, can be extended