With everything from short- and long-term residence permits, special work permits, and self-employment visas available, it can be challenging to determine which visa employees need to work in Switzerland.

Types of work visas in Switzerland

Before delving into the different types of work permits, companies should know that the requirements differ based on nationality. Citizens from European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries generally face fewer hurdles and no work-permit quotas. In 2026, annual quotas apply to Croatian nationals seeking new L or B permits.

Switzerland is part of the Schengen area; therefore, a Swiss Visa enables free travel to other member countries. If you’re hiring EU/EFTA nationals, they can apply for one of the following options:

  • Permit L: This permit suits short-term residents who want to live in Switzerland for less than a year. Applicants will need an employment contract longer than three months and shorter than 12 months, and the visa will match the contract’s duration.
  • Permit B: EU/EFTA nationals can generally apply for a B permit with an employment contract lasting at least 12 months or an indefinite-term contract.
  • Permit G: Cross-border commuters who work in Switzerland but live in a border zone are eligible for a G permit. Permit G holders must return to their main residence at least once per week. Daily return is not required.

Requirements to obtain Switzerland work visas

When it comes to non-EU/EFTA nationals as well as Croatian nationals, the government in Switzerland has put quotas in place that limit the number of permits distributed each year. Once the quota is reached, expats have to wait another year to apply for the permit. Since Switzerland comprises 26 cantons, or member states, requirements also vary among locations.

Non-EU/EFTA citizens face many requirements. For example, non-Swiss nationals have to be fluent and literate at a certain level in their canton’s dominant language.

Other qualifications and requirements include:

  • Holding a skilled position
  • Possessing a university or similar degree from a higher education institution
  • Having several years of professional work experience
  • Completing the application form
  • Providing 2 passport photos
  • Presenting the original passport and copies of previous visas
  • Ensuring 2 blank passport pages

Employers also need to fulfill certain requirements. First, companies must prove that it wasn’t possible to find a qualified local employee from Switzerland to fill the position. Companies will also need to explain the need for the job vacancy and proof that it was advertised to citizens of Switzerland.

Application process

Switzerland leaves much of its governmental decisions up to each canton. This changes the application process and cost by region and is also impacted by the employee’s originating country. You can find the application form for each specific canton authority on the cantons’ websites.

Other important considerations

EU and EFTA nationals holding a Swiss residence permit or short-stay permit may bring:

  • Their spouse, their children, or their spouse’s children who are under 21 or, if older, financially dependent
  • Their own parents or their spouse’s parents who receive support (this option is not available for students)

This provision applies regardless of the nationality of the family members.

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For this particular location, G-P may offer support processing certain work visas and permits.