Working in Switzerland as a foreigner

In Switzerland, foreign workers are subject to specific laws and regulations. Swiss employers must adhere to these when hiring foreign workers to ensure they enjoy the same rights and protections as Swiss workers.

Foreigners can work in Switzerland if they have a valid work permit and residency permit. The Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (LEI) and the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (ALCP) regulate the issuance of work permits. The LEI differentiates between EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals, including UK citizens post-Brexit. EU/EFTA nationals generally have priority in the Swiss job market.

Work permits

EU/EFTA nationals don’t need a residency permit for short-term work (up to three months). However, for work exceeding three months, they must obtain a residency permit before starting. Requirements include a valid ID or passport and proof of employment (e.g., work contract or employer’s attestation). The permit’s validity spans the entire Swiss territory, allowing foreign workers to change jobs and employers. The permit duration aligns with the employment engagement.
EU/EFTA nationals can mainly obtain the following permits:

Permit L: For short-term stays in Switzerland with employment contracts ranging from three months to one year.
Permit B: For foreign nationals residing and working in Switzerland for at least one year. It’s valid for up to 5 years and renewable.
Permit C: Granted to foreigners residing and working in Switzerland for 5 or 10 years. It allows unrestricted work duration and offers greater stability.
Permit G: For cross-border workers living in neighboring countries and working in Switzerland. They must return to their primary residence abroad at least once a week.
For third-country nationals, only qualified individuals, like executives or specialists, can work in Switzerland. They require a work authorization even for short-term employment. Employers must demonstrate that their recruitment serves Switzerland’s economic interests and that hiring an EU/EFTA or Swiss national wasn’t feasible.

Regulations for foreign workers

Foreign workers in Switzerland have the same rights as Swiss workers regarding minimum wage, working hours, and work safety. Swiss employers must comply with maximum work hours, break times, vacation days, and social security benefits.
Foreign workers also have access to special integration measures, such as professional training programs, language courses, and continuing education. They might face immigration quotas depending on nationality and occupation. Like resident workers, foreign workers are subject to taxes and social security contributions.

Citizens from third countries can work in Switzerland if it aligns with the country’s overall economic interest. This assessment considers several factors, including the labor market situation and the foreign worker’s integration capability.

In summary, foreign workers in Switzerland are subject to specific regulations to ensure they enjoy the same rights and protections as Swiss workers, and Swiss employers must adhere to these regulations.

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Boulevard Georges-Favon 26

1204 Genève

T. : +41 22 348 32 35