Work permits

Working and obtaining a residence permit in Switzerland can be difficult, unless you have us to help you obtain:

  • Short – term permits (3 to 12 months)
  • Initial residence permits (1 to 5 years)
  • Permanent residence permits

Switzerland is applying a restricted quota system for foreign citizens who want to obtain work permits. The annual quota is divided and released on a quarterly basis and expected to be full by the middle to end of each quarter, which means applications from citizens who want to obtain a work permit can be delayed until the quotas for the next quarter are released. To avoid rejections due to the quota, foreign nationals should submit work permit applications well in advance in make sure that they have all the necessary documents prepared in advance.

Individuals are not allowed to work in Switzerland if they entered the country as tourists or on business trips. It is necessary to have a previously signed contract with a Swiss company in order to be able to obtain a valid work permit.

STAX AG - Treuhand und Steuerberatung is able to help you obtain a work permit in Switzerland, by handling all the necessary paperwork and authorizations. Non – EU citizens are required to obtain a special residence permit with authorization to work in Switzerland. Obtaining a valid work permit depends on the existing work quotas, educational level and previous work experience.

A short – term residence permit (L permit) enables you to work in Switzerland for a period of time varying between 3 months and one year. This permit can be extended for one more year, in some cases.

An initial residence permit (B permit) is valid for up to 5 years. These permits are based issued on quota basis and are tied with work contracts offered by the same employer. These permits are often issued for a specific Swiss canton and you are not able to move to another canton.

Permanent residence permits (C permits) are issued to individuals who have been living in Switzerland for 10 years, continuously and it allows them to live and work in any Swiss canton.