Residing in Switzerland with gainful employment

People working in Switzerland during their stay in the country or people staying for more than three months need a permit from the cantonal migration office. A distinction is made between short stays (less than one year), temporary stays (of limited duration) and permanent stays (of unlimited duration).

The employer is responsible for obtaining a work permit from the cantonal migration office.

Since the bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons and the revised EFTA convention have entered into force, different conditions apply to EU/EFTA nationals than to people from other countries. EU/EFTA citizens are on equal footing with Swiss employees.

Other countries are subject to immigration restrictions and the rule of priority for Swiss nationals. Foreign asylum seekers may stay in Switzerland in accordance with the provisions of asylum legislation.

The cantons are responsible for deciding on whether foreigners may stay and reside in the country. However, the federal government has the right of veto. The cantonal migration authorities are responsible for alien control. Foreigners must register with the Residents Registration Office in the community in which they reside within one week.

For anyone intending to relocate to Switzerland, it can be advantageous to bundle the permit applications and to discuss them beforehand. The cantonal economic development agencies provide advice on how to proceed and how long the process takes.