How to Apply For A Swiss Work Visa
- Find a Job in Switzerland. Before anything, the first step is to get a job. ...
- Download and Fill Out A Swiss Work Visa Application Form. Now that you have a job offer go ahead and apply for a Swiss Work Visa. ...
- Gather Your Documents. Three completed National Visa Application Forms. ...
- Make an Appointment. ...
Full Answer
How do apply for a Switzerland work visa?
To be eligible for a work visa in Switzerland, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- Have a job offer in place in Switzerland
- Be either a manager, specialist, or highly qualified worker (i.e., have degree-level qualifications and several years of professional experience)
- You are applying at a time when annual work permit quotas are not full
- There is nobody available in Switzerland or any EU/EFTA country for the job
How do you get a work permit in Switzerland?
You must:
- Be a highly qualified worker. This means you are a manager, specialist, or other skilled professional.
- Possess a university degree, or an equivalent degree from a higher education institution.
- Have several years of professional work experience.
- Have proof that you will improve your professional and social development while in Switzerland. ...
Is there a post study work visa in Switzerland?
You can also apply to extend your residence permit if you want to continue to study in Switzerland for postgraduate studies, but you must have an official offer. The maximum extension period, in this case, is two years. Work and Study. Working while studying is an option for many foreign students in Switzerland.
Where to find jobs in Switzerland?
jobs.ch is Switzerland's leading online job portal. Job seekers can consult thousands of new employment ads every day, save interesting job ads, and send their applications directly on the website and/or with the mobile app. jobs.ch assists job seekers in their job search, thanks to various services.
Is it hard to get a work visa in Switzerland?
Obtaining a work permit or employment visa in Switzerland has become increasingly difficult. Non-EU/EFTA nationals who intend to live and work in Switzerland should be aware that the Swiss government has permit quotas in place, which only allow a certain number of permits to be distributed every year.
How can I get Switzerland work visa?
You can apply for the Switzerland work visa at your country's Swiss embassy/consulate. When the FOM makes their decision on your residence permit, they inform you, your employer, and the cantonal offices. If the FOM approves your residence permit, the cantonal offices inform the Swiss embassy/consulate.
How do you become eligible to work in Switzerland?
Who can work in Switzerland? Only qualified non-EU/EFTA nationals, for example managers, specialists or university graduates with several years of professional experience, may work in Switzerland. Non-EU/EFTA nationals require a work permit, even for short-term employment. The number of permits issued is limited.
How much does a Swiss work permit cost?
about $100On average, a work permit in Switzerland costs around 100 CHF, or about $100. You can find the application form for your specific canton authority on the cantons' websites. Since Switzerland uses a quota system, applications will be judged by certain criteria.
Can I move to Switzerland without a job?
If you wish to settle in Switzerland without taking up gainful employment, you must apply for a residence permit from the cantonal immigration and employment market authorities. Depending on your nationality, you must also obtain a visa from the Swiss representation abroad.
How long does it take to get Swiss work visa?
Both permits take 3 to 8 weeks to get. They can't be extended. You may be able to convert them to a long-term permit if you need to work in Switzerland for longer.
What jobs are in demand in Switzerland?
Most In-Demand Jobs in Switzerland in 2022:Various engineers: civil, mechatronics and electrical engineers.Skilled technicians.Welders and mechanics.Software developers and other IT-related jobs.Legal jobs.Nurses.Doctors.Other medical staff.More items...•
How much bank balance is required for Switzerland work visa?
Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Switzerland. You must be able to attest owning at least 100 CHF or 92.34€/day on your disposition during your stay in Switzerland, while, in case you are a student this amount reduces to 30 CHF or 27.70€/day. A cover letter.
How much money do I need to immigrate to Switzerland?
The average cost of a move from the U.S. to Switzerland is $3,450. International moves tend to be more expensive as items need to travel a long distance, safely and quickly. However, this cost will significantly vary depending on your specific factors.
What jobs are in demand in Switzerland?
Most In-Demand Jobs in Switzerland in 2022:Various engineers: civil, mechatronics and electrical engineers.Skilled technicians.Welders and mechanics.Software developers and other IT-related jobs.Legal jobs.Nurses.Doctors.Other medical staff.More items...•
How much money do I need to immigrate to Switzerland?
The average cost of a move from the U.S. to Switzerland is $3,450. International moves tend to be more expensive as items need to travel a long distance, safely and quickly. However, this cost will significantly vary depending on your specific factors.
How do you get from Nepal to Switzerland?
Step 1 : Nepalese citizens need to get a visa for Switzerland by going to the nearest embassy. Step 2 : Fill the application form for Switzerland. Step 4 : Once the visa application for Switzerland is approved, you will be notified by e-mail.
How can I go to Switzerland from India for job?
If you're looking to get hired in Zurich, check out this quick guide to find out how to go about it.Make sure you're eligible to work in Zurich. ... Consider the types of available jobs. ... Look online. ... Find a recruiter to help with your job hunt. ... Do some networking. ... Get your CV Zurich ready. ... Be prepared for your job interview.More items...•
Who needs a work visa for Switzerland?
Switzerland operates a dual system when it comes to the right to seek employment in the country, with rules depending on whether or not you are an EU/EFTA citizen.
How long can you stay in Switzerland on a work visa?
The Switzerland work visa is the Schengen category D visa for stays of more than 90 days.
What is a work permit in Switzerland?
This differs from your work visa, which is the document you need to enter Switzerland and present to border control. Whereas you are responsible for making your visa application, your Swiss employer applies to the cantonal migration authorities for your work permit.
How long do you have to report to Swiss immigration?
Although your employer sorts out your Swiss permit before you arrive in Switzerland, you will need to report to the cantonal immigration office that issued your permit before you start working for your Swiss employer and no later than 14 days after your arrival.
How many foreigners work in Switzerland in 2019?
There were around 1.7 million foreign workers in Switzerland at the end of 2019 – that accounts for roughly 20% of the national workforce. Many work in high-skilled jobs in leading sectors such as banking, pharmaceuticals, and food retail. The quotas for Swiss work visas for 2021 are:
How long does a B permit last in Switzerland?
For contracts lasting longer than 12 months , you get a B permit, which can be renewed each year. After ten years in Switzerland (or five years if you’re from the EU/EFTA, the United States, or Canada), you can apply for a settlement permit if you want to. You cannot enter Switzerland as a tourist and then take on work.
What countries are Switzerland training?
This program is open to citizens of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Tunisia, Ukraine, and the US.
How long does it take to get a Swiss visa?
The processing time for a Switzerland short-stay visa may take up to 15 days. Still, according to your specific situation, this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptional cases may take up to 60 days, since the Swiss embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.
Where to apply for a visa for Switzerland?
If Switzerland is the only country you plan on visiting within the Schengen Area, you should apply to the Switzerland representative body responsible for visa admission, located in your country of residence.
What Documents Are Required for a Switzerland Visa Application?
As a traveller in need of a visa, you will have to meet several Switzerland visa requirements in order to complete your application. The statutory Switzerland visa requirements are as follows:
How to Apply for a Swiss Short-Stay Visa?
In order to complete the application process to obtain a short-stay visa to Switzerland, you must follow these steps:
Can My Swiss Schengen Visa Be Revoked?
Yes, your Switzerland visa can be revoked, in case the competent Swiss authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.
Can a Swiss national come to Switzerland?
If you are the spouse (husband/wife) of a Swiss national, and you wish to come to Switzerland for a short-term visit, then you will need to apply for a special visa established solely for this category of visa applicants.
Do you need a visa to enter Switzerland?
You will need a short-stay visa to enter Switzerland and any other member country of the Schengen zone, if you belong to one of the following categories:
1. Check the Status of Visa Acceptance
Covid-19 has disrupted our lives in a multitude of ways. In this circumstance, there are often restrictions as to how many Switzerland work visas can be approved for safety reasons, and in some cases, governments have completely halted allowing visas at all to ensure that the virus remains contained.
2. Fill Out Your Application
First, fill out your Switzerland work visa application letter online, or you may download it and print off a hard copy. Either way, make sure that the information you provide is accurate and thorough. Sometimes the smallest mistakes can cause the longest delays, and you want to be swiftly on your way to your new job with minimal complications.
3. Provide Your Passport
Your passport has to not only be valid but must remain valid for the duration of your stay plus an additional three months. It should not be more than ten years old, either. You will need to photocopy all of the pages for submission with your application, which includes two blank pages.
4. Two Recent Photographs
All Schengen countries follow the same guidelines for how to present your photographs. They must be within the last several months and have a size ratio of 35 X 44. The photos must be in color, with a grey or neutral background. Your face needs to fill the majority of the space and be looking at the camera with a neutral expression.
5. Work Documentation
To get your work visa for Switzerland, you will have to provide a cover letter introducing the reason why you need a work visa for Switzerland. You also need to have a copy of your job offer letter, and information about your job, including your role in the business, salary, and what your work involves.
6. Residence Verification
Verifying your living accommodations is standard procedure for all visas; after all, you need to have a prepared place to stay.
7. Insurance Requirements
Travel insurance is required to ensure that you have coverage for any medical emergencies during your stay in Switzerland. This insurance needs to cover a minimum of 30,000 Euros, which should be designated on your documentation.
How to get a work permit in the EU?
He must then send an application to the local cantonal authorities, with further approval required from the State Secretariat for Immigration. They will need to prove that there were no citizens of other EU states who could have been eligible for the job, in order to have the application approved.
How long do you have to live in Switzerland to get a settlement permit?
This permit is for those who have been living for ten consecutive years in Switzerland; U.S. and Canadian citizens are an exception – they only have to live for five continuous years to apply for a settlement permit.
Is it hard to get a work permit in Switzerland?
If you are in the process of getting a work permit in Switzerland, then you must know that it’s no walk in the park. In fact, obtaining a work visa in Switzerland has become increasingly difficult since 2015.
Is a Swiss work permit restricted by a quota?
Also, if an EU/EFTA worker is on a local CH contract and full Swiss payroll (including social security contributions) their work permit is not restricted by quota. Cantons get a quota entitlement per visa class.
Can non-Swiss nationals speak the language of Switzerland?
Non-Swiss nationals must now speak and write, at a minimum, at an A1 level in the dominant language of their Swiss canton. Whereas if you are applying for a B-level visa and you don’t speak any of the four official languages, you must at a minimum provide proof of enrollment in a language course.
Can non-EU citizens live in Switzerland?
Non-EU/ EFTA nationals who want to live and work in Switzerland should be aware that the Swiss government has permit quotas in place. What this means is that the government only allows a certain number of permits to be distributed every year. Each canton is distributed with a certain number. When the quota is already met, expats must wait another year to apply for the permit. The Swiss government releases a report of these quotas every year.
How to apply for a Swiss visa?
Assuming that your application is successful in Switzerland, the immigration authorities will notify your local Swiss embassy. You can then make an appointment and go to complete your application there. At your local embassy you'll need to present documents such as proof of your identity and employment - you should be told what you need when you make an appointment. The visa you'll be issued with allows you entry into Switzerland, but you can not take up work until you have registered with the cantonal authorities (as described above for EU citizens). This must be done within two weeks of arriving in Switzerland.
How do I get a Swiss work visa as an entrepreneur?
You can apply for a self employed work permit following much the same process as outlined above for employed people. As for employed people, the procedure is different for EU and third country citizens.
How might my Swiss work visa affect my spouse and family members?
If you have a residence permit, your application for family reunification is dealt with by the cantonal authorities, and depends on the specific circumstances.
How long do you have to stay in Switzerland to get a work permit?
You simply need to register with your local canton (member state) in Switzerland. If you'll be staying longer than 90 days you’ll have to get a work permit, although this is subject to far fewer restrictions for EU citizens compared with those from outside the EU.
How many hours can a student work in Switzerland?
Students from outside the EU are usually able to work after they've been in Switzerland for 6 months, again for up to 15 hours a week.
How long can EU citizens stay in Switzerland?
EU citizens can go to Switzerland without worrying about a visa, and stay for up to 90 days, working or seeking work. However, during this time you must still register with the local canton. In many cases this can be done online.
What is the largest city in Switzerland?
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland, and home to huge numbers of businesses across sectors like life sciences, IT and financial services. The strong...
How to apply for a Swiss visa?
Assuming that your application is successful in Switzerland, the immigration authorities will notify your local Swiss embassy. You can then make an appointment and go to complete your application there. At your local embassy you'll need to present documents such as proof of your identity and employment - you should be told what you need when you make an appointment. The visa you'll be issued with allows you entry into Switzerland, but you can not take up work until you have registered with the cantonal authorities (as described above for EU citizens). This must be done within two weeks of arriving in Switzerland.
How do I get a Swiss work visa as an entrepreneur?
You can apply for a self employed work permit following much the same process as outlined above for employed people. As for employed people, the procedure is different for EU and third country citizens.
How might my Swiss work visa affect my spouse and family members?
If you have a residence permit, your application for family reunification is dealt with by the cantonal authorities, and depends on the specific circumstances.
How long do you have to stay in Switzerland to get a work permit?
You simply need to register with your local canton (member state) in Switzerland. If you'll be staying longer than 90 days you’ll have to get a work permit, although this is subject to far fewer restrictions for EU citizens compared with those from outside the EU.
How to apply for a job in Switzerland?
The following is a model list of documents you might need to support your application: 1 Application form - in some cantons this stage is done online 2 Valid passport 3 Proof that the vacancy was advertised and there were no EU citizens suited to it (using print and internet job adverts for example) 4 Resume, proof of qualifications and suitability for the role 5 Reason for vacancy, such as business expansion, and the detailed description of the role being filled 6 Work contract and terms agreed, which must be at least you comparable to those which might be offered to a Swiss national offered the same position
How many hours can a student work in Switzerland?
Students from outside the EU are usually able to work after they've been in Switzerland for 6 months, again for up to 15 hours a week.
How to get the most money in Switzerland?
To get the most of your money in Switzerland, you'll want to open a bank account in Switzerland, which you can do before you arrive.
What do you need to fill a Swiss job?
Employers also need to fulfill certain requirements. First, you must prove you could not find a qualified Swiss local to fill your position. You will also need to explain why you have the job vacancy and proof you advertised it to Swiss citizens. Plus, it’s important to list the expected salary and social security contributions compared to the common salary and benefits in your canton and job sector.
What are the criteria for applying for Swiss citizenship?
Since Switzerland uses a quota system, applications will be judged by certain criteria. This includes age, knowledge of the local language and other languages, and the applicant’s plans to adapt to Swiss culture.
How many cantons are there in Switzerland?
Since Switzerland comprises 26 cantons, or member states, requirements also vary among locations. Non-EU/EFTA citizens face many more requirements. For example, non-Swiss nationals have to be fluent and literate at a certain level in their canton’s dominant language. The longer someone intends to stay in the country, the more fluent they need to be.
Can employees sponsor family members in Switzerland?
Other Important Things to Consider. If your employees have family members, they may want them to come to Switzerland, as well. To do so, they will need Swiss citizenship or a permanent residence visa. Then, with the canton’s approval, they can sponsor their own family members.
Can Swiss employees travel through Schengen?
When your employees apply for a Swiss visa, they are actually getting a Schengen visa. This document allows employees to travel through any Schengen country. If you’re hiring EU/EFTA citizens, they can apply for one of the following options:
