Foreign job for Asians
Switzerland
Living, working or studying in Switzerland?
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Which permits do you need to live in Switzerland?
If you come to live, work or study in Switzerland, you might be required to obtain a visa, residence permit and/or work permit.
Whatever you need, be prepared to spend a lot of time assembling your documentation and waiting for responses. Since some permits have to be applied for from your home country, you should start this process well in advance of your move to Switzerland.
For many foreigners, Swiss immigration laws are complex and confusing (the Swiss often think so too!) In this section, we give an overview of the most important legal aspects and application procedures to consider. As this is a complex subject, we cannot provide detailed information about every regulation or different personal circumstances. Nevertheless, this guide should help get you started and move in the right direction.
If you’re not familiar with European politics, Switzerland is one of the few European states that is not part of the European Union. However, in 2002 a bilateral agreement with the EU has changed considerably the laws on work and residency permits. In reality, this means things are now easier for EU-citizens and more difficult for citizens from other countries.
When coming to live Switzerland, you will probably need some or all of the following documents and registrations:
Residence permits
Regulations for EU-citizens and Non-EU-nationals
If you want to live, work or study in Switzerland, you will probably need a residence permit. Regulations depend on your country of origin and other factors.
The following chapter gives you an overview of the regulations both for EU citizens and Non-EU nationals. For the information for Non-EU nationals, just have a look at the end of the chapter.
EU nationalsThe bilateral agreement on the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the EU entered into force on 1 June 2002 and facilitates entry, residence and employment in Switzerland for EU-nationals as well as citizens from Norway, Iceland (EFTA members) and - conditionally - Liechtenstein.
EU-citizens have complete freedom of movement within Switzerland and Swiss citizens within EU-countries. Since the 12th of December 2008 the Swiss Confederation is a full member of Shengen.
Self-employmentYour status as a European citizen, theoretically gives you the right to settle in Switzerland and to set up your own business, provided that you do so assuming full responsibility and at your own risk. For more information, go to the website of the Federal Office of Immigration, Integration and Emigration.
Non-EU residentsSince the Swiss-EU bilateral agreement for free labour movement, non-EU-citizens can only get a Swiss work permit if their future employer proves there is no Swiss or EU national available to do the job.
However, there are exceptions to this rule for highly qualified specialists and top executives. If you do get a work permit, this will usually be defined in your residence permit.
The types of residence permits for non-EU citizens are very similar to the permits given out to EU nationals, only that they are harder obtain and to renew.
(1) Short-term residence permit (L-Permit)
A short-term residence permit L (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung EG) is valid for up to one year and can be renewed. It is linked to a specific job and company and you may not be granted a new permit if you change jobs. After 24 months the residence permit ends definitively.
(2) B residence permit (B-Permit)
A B-Permit is normally valid for one year and can be renewed. To Non-EU-nationals, it is only issued in specific circumstances (i.e. if you’re a highly trained specialist in a profession where there’s currently a shortage of qualified people from Switzerland or the EU).
(3) Settlement C permit (C-Permit)
A C-Permit is given out for permanent residency in Switzerland and can be renewed indefinitely. To Non-EU-citizens, it is normally only given out after 10 years of residency in Switzerland. There are some exceptions for spouses of Swiss citizens and other groups. The C-Permit allows you to freely change jobs, employers and/or become self-employed.
(4) Border crossing G permit (G-Permit)
A G permit (Grenzgängerbewilligung/permis frontalier) is issued to people living in another country but working in Switzerland. There are many people commuting to Switzerland for work, as the cost of living in neighbouring countries is significantly lower than in Switzerland. Unlike L, B and C permits, a G permit doesn’t entitle you to any residential rights in Switzerland. A G permit is renewed annually and cannot be converted into a residential permit.
The job market
Job chances for foreigners in Switzerland
For most foreigners, Switzerland appears to be a paradise for working conditions. Swiss employees enjoy some of the highest salaries in the world. Despite widespread job losses in Switzerland during the early 1990s recession, unemployment is still among the lowest in Europe.
Regarding the employment of foreigners, Switzerland is known for restrictive immigration policies and work permit quotas. Even though the system may seem complicated at first glance, finding a job in Switzerland isn’t as difficult as official Swiss policy may lead you to believe. And the good news is that, according to Swiss law, foreign workers have to be employed under the same salaries and work conditions as Swiss citizens.
In reality, the number of foreigners working in Switzerland has increased continuously during the last decade. In Switzerland, there are now over 1.5 million foreigners resident in the country. This adds up to some 20% of the total population and a significant contribution to the country’s economic success story.
From 2002, a Swiss/EU bilateral agreement guarantees the free movement of EU citizens in Switzerland. There are some provisions and quotas that remain until 2007, but basically this agreement facilitates entry, residence and employment in Switzerland. After 2007, a European citizen will have complete freedom of employment in Switzerland. At the same time, requirements for non-EU-citizens wishing to work in Switzerland have become stricter.
When looking for a job, it is important to bear in mind that there are significant regional differences in the Swiss labour market. Geneva is the area with the highest percentage of foreign workers (almost 50%) - many work in one of the international institutions, such as the U.N., based there. The banking industry is centred mainly in and around Zurich.
LanguagesAs in any foreign country, speaking the local language is a definitive advantage. For your job search, consider the main local language in the area where you wish to work. Switzerland has four official languages: German (spoken by 64% of the population), French (19%), Italian (8%) and Rhaeto-Roman (1%). If you’re aiming to work in an international institution or large multinational company, much of the work may be conducted in English with other non-Swiss nationals. However, for national or smaller Swiss companies, you will almost certainly be required to have a basic command of the local language. The level of language required will depend on the nature of the position and what sort of work you will be doing.
If you’re a native English-speaker, don’t expect this to be a big advantage in the job market (unless you want to teach it, of course). The Swiss are a very polyglot nation and many happily speak at least two of the national languages and English.
Recognition of diplomasMany professions and jobs in Switzerland are regulated and/or require some formal qualifications. For many trades and professions, foreign qualifications are recognized as equivalent if the training is similar to the Swiss qualification. Swiss/EU agreements meant that Switzerland now recognizes most EU diplomas and qualifications.
Work permits
Who needs a work permit? And how do you apply for it?
Since 1998, Switzerland has a dual priority system for the issuance of work permits: this means priority is given to workers from EU member states and a more restrictive admission policy is operated for non-EU citizens.
Work permits are usually linked to residency permits. There are different types of residency permit - depending on nationality, type of employment contract, the industry in which you work and demand in the Swiss labour market. See the residency permits section in this guide for more details for further details.
EU citizensSince 2002, a Swiss/EU bilateral agreement has enabled easier entry, residency and employment in Switzerland for EU nationals as well as citizens from Norway, Iceland (EFTA members) and - conditionally - Liechtenstein.
EU citizens now have:
Eventually, EU citizens will have complete freedom of movement within Switzerland and likewise for Swiss citizens in EU states. However, there will be a fixed quota for work permits until the 31st May 2007 of a maximum of 15,000 new long-term residence permits per year and 115,500 new short-term residence permits a year.
On the 31st May 2007, quotas for EU citizens wishing to work in Switzerland will be suspended. As of June 2009, Switzerland will decide whether or not to extend the agreement. If the response is positive, freedom of movement will be fully introduced between Switzerland and the EU as of June 2014.
Job searches: For job searches lasting up to 3 months, EU citizens don’t need a permit for residence or work. If your search lasts longer, you have to apply for a residence permit for a further 3 months. These permits are not subject to quotas, and provide no access to the social security system in Switzerland.
Non-EU citizensNon-EU-citizens can only get a work permit if their employer proves that they could not fill the respective position with a Swiss or EU citizen. This can become a complex and bureaucratic process for both employer and employee. There are some exceptions to this rule for highly qualified/specialised and/or top executive management positions.
If an employer wants to hire you, he must send you an official offer of employment. If you accept the offer, your employer then applies for a residence permit in the local canton’s police section for foreigners. If a residence permit is approved, your employer sends you a ‘pre-authorisation for a residency permit’ ( Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Autorisation de Séjour) in addition to your employment contract. On arrival in Switzerland, you present this document in the formal application for the actual residency permit.
The process of work permit application can take several months and there are no guarantees that a permit will be issued. An employer might say they will be able to get a permit, but the ultimate decision will be made by the Swiss authorities. The decision on whether or not a permit will be granted depends on a variety of changing criteria such as the type of job, your qualifications, nationality etc. Within the limits prescribed legally, individual cantonal authorities have a large degree of freedom, so the ultimate decision could depend on the mood an official is in when your application is examined.
Employees of international organizationsEmployees of international organizations don’t need a Swiss work permit (if the United Nations would have to go through the nightmare of permit approval for every employee, it would probably immediately move to another country). Instead of a work permit, a special identity card ( Identitätskarte - Carte de Légitimation) is issued. Holders enjoy preferential treatment in customs, for immigration and for housing.
Working illegallyDue to the restrictive immigration laws and the comparatively high salary level, there are quite a few foreigners that work in Switzerland illegally (e.g. without an official residence permit). However, we do not recommend you to work without a respective permit under any circumstances. Illegal workers are under constant threat of deportation and are often exploited by employers. As you have no legal right to work, your employer cannot even be forced to pay you for any work you have done.
Job applications
How to impress a Swiss employer
Your job application acts as your ‘business card’ for your job search as well as being your passport to a first contact with potential employers. Job applications and the selection process in Switzerland might look and work differently than what you’re used to at home.
If you want to maximise your opportunities and responses from potential employers, it is advisable to follow certain rules and advice given by professionals and recruiters.
Make sure that your application is as complete as possible (letter of application, CV, copies of certificates, etc.) and that it reaches the person for whom it is intended in good condition (employers are not keen to receive messy or torn forms). Don’t forget that first impressions are critical!
Cover letter: The cover letter of your application is an essential tool to announcing yourself, your educational and professional experience and availability to a potential employer. You should therefore express your interest in the post for which you are applying as briefly and precisely as possible.
The aim of a cover letter is to convince the person you are writing to that you are the best person for the job advertised. What you write should therefore be informative, convincing, show genuine motivation and make the person to whom it is addressed want to know more about you. Don't forget to add a personal touch.
Feel free to express your expectations regarding the job you apply for. Show your strengths in relation to this job and, if the occasion arises, explain why you want to change jobs. Finally, do not write more than one A4 page (a letter of application should only be written by hand if the employer expressly requests this) and make sure to check your grammar and spelling very carefully. Careless errors will not make a potential employer motivated to find out more about you.
Curriculum vitae: Simplicity, conciseness and precision are the key words for a CV. A good CV should include the following:
If you come to live, work or study in Switzerland, you might be required to obtain a visa, residence permit and/or work permit.
Whatever you need, be prepared to spend a lot of time assembling your documentation and waiting for responses. Since some permits have to be applied for from your home country, you should start this process well in advance of your move to Switzerland.
For many foreigners, Swiss immigration laws are complex and confusing (the Swiss often think so too!) In this section, we give an overview of the most important legal aspects and application procedures to consider. As this is a complex subject, we cannot provide detailed information about every regulation or different personal circumstances. Nevertheless, this guide should help get you started and move in the right direction.
If you’re not familiar with European politics, Switzerland is one of the few European states that is not part of the European Union. However, in 2002 a bilateral agreement with the EU has changed considerably the laws on work and residency permits. In reality, this means things are now easier for EU-citizens and more difficult for citizens from other countries.
When coming to live Switzerland, you will probably need some or all of the following documents and registrations:
- Visas: EU citizens and some other nationalities don’t need a visa for visits to Switzerland. If you do need a visa, you have to apply for it in your home country (visas are never issued in Switzerland). This is also the case if you later apply for a residency permit in Switzerland. More information on this subject can be found in our chapter on visas.
- Residence permits: Foreigners living in Switzerland receive a residence permit ( Aufenthaltsbewilligung/autorisation de séjour), which is issued in a plastic cover printed with ‘foreigners permit’ ( Ausländerausweis/livret pour étrangers). There are different types of residence permits according to length of stay, status (i.e. student or work permits) and other rights.EU citizens can look for work in Switzerland for up to three months without a residence permit. Non-EU nationals are required to obtain pre-authorisation for a residency permit ( Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung/assurance d’autorisation de séjour) before coming to Switzerland. This documents states that you will receive a residency permit after arrival. You need to apply for pre-authorisation before coming to Switzerland and applying for the actual residence permit.
- Residence registration: Within 8 days of arrival in Switzerland and before starting to work, you must register (anmelden/s’inscrire) in the local town hall ( Gemeinde/commune) where you’re living. Residency registration is obligatory for both foreigners and Swiss citizen. If you get a residence permit, the commune will pass on your documents to the cantonal authorities who will process your request and send you your permit.
- a passport valid for the entire period to be spent in Switzerland (preferably yours!)
- a healthy supply of passport-size photographs
- For students, a notification of admission or confirmation of application (i.e. from your university, college, etc.)
- For professionals, an employment contract or job offer letter
- For non-EU citizens, your pre-authorisation for a residency permit
- proof of financial resources
- visa (not a tourist visa), if applicable
- originals and certified (!) translations of your birth certificate, secondary school leaving certificate
- marriage certificates and birth certificates of all your family members (if applicable)
- possibly your academic qualifications and your insurance documents. Certifications abroad can be obtained at Swiss diplomatic and consular missions
- possibly confirmation of health insurance cover in your home country
- book of vaccination certificates, if you have one. Check at the Swiss missions whether you need any vaccinations
- possibly an international driving license
Residence permits
Regulations for EU-citizens and Non-EU-nationals
If you want to live, work or study in Switzerland, you will probably need a residence permit. Regulations depend on your country of origin and other factors.
The following chapter gives you an overview of the regulations both for EU citizens and Non-EU nationals. For the information for Non-EU nationals, just have a look at the end of the chapter.
EU nationalsThe bilateral agreement on the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the EU entered into force on 1 June 2002 and facilitates entry, residence and employment in Switzerland for EU-nationals as well as citizens from Norway, Iceland (EFTA members) and - conditionally - Liechtenstein.
EU-citizens have complete freedom of movement within Switzerland and Swiss citizens within EU-countries. Since the 12th of December 2008 the Swiss Confederation is a full member of Shengen.
Self-employmentYour status as a European citizen, theoretically gives you the right to settle in Switzerland and to set up your own business, provided that you do so assuming full responsibility and at your own risk. For more information, go to the website of the Federal Office of Immigration, Integration and Emigration.
Non-EU residentsSince the Swiss-EU bilateral agreement for free labour movement, non-EU-citizens can only get a Swiss work permit if their future employer proves there is no Swiss or EU national available to do the job.
However, there are exceptions to this rule for highly qualified specialists and top executives. If you do get a work permit, this will usually be defined in your residence permit.
The types of residence permits for non-EU citizens are very similar to the permits given out to EU nationals, only that they are harder obtain and to renew.
(1) Short-term residence permit (L-Permit)
A short-term residence permit L (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung EG) is valid for up to one year and can be renewed. It is linked to a specific job and company and you may not be granted a new permit if you change jobs. After 24 months the residence permit ends definitively.
(2) B residence permit (B-Permit)
A B-Permit is normally valid for one year and can be renewed. To Non-EU-nationals, it is only issued in specific circumstances (i.e. if you’re a highly trained specialist in a profession where there’s currently a shortage of qualified people from Switzerland or the EU).
(3) Settlement C permit (C-Permit)
A C-Permit is given out for permanent residency in Switzerland and can be renewed indefinitely. To Non-EU-citizens, it is normally only given out after 10 years of residency in Switzerland. There are some exceptions for spouses of Swiss citizens and other groups. The C-Permit allows you to freely change jobs, employers and/or become self-employed.
(4) Border crossing G permit (G-Permit)
A G permit (Grenzgängerbewilligung/permis frontalier) is issued to people living in another country but working in Switzerland. There are many people commuting to Switzerland for work, as the cost of living in neighbouring countries is significantly lower than in Switzerland. Unlike L, B and C permits, a G permit doesn’t entitle you to any residential rights in Switzerland. A G permit is renewed annually and cannot be converted into a residential permit.
The job market
Job chances for foreigners in Switzerland
For most foreigners, Switzerland appears to be a paradise for working conditions. Swiss employees enjoy some of the highest salaries in the world. Despite widespread job losses in Switzerland during the early 1990s recession, unemployment is still among the lowest in Europe.
Regarding the employment of foreigners, Switzerland is known for restrictive immigration policies and work permit quotas. Even though the system may seem complicated at first glance, finding a job in Switzerland isn’t as difficult as official Swiss policy may lead you to believe. And the good news is that, according to Swiss law, foreign workers have to be employed under the same salaries and work conditions as Swiss citizens.
In reality, the number of foreigners working in Switzerland has increased continuously during the last decade. In Switzerland, there are now over 1.5 million foreigners resident in the country. This adds up to some 20% of the total population and a significant contribution to the country’s economic success story.
From 2002, a Swiss/EU bilateral agreement guarantees the free movement of EU citizens in Switzerland. There are some provisions and quotas that remain until 2007, but basically this agreement facilitates entry, residence and employment in Switzerland. After 2007, a European citizen will have complete freedom of employment in Switzerland. At the same time, requirements for non-EU-citizens wishing to work in Switzerland have become stricter.
When looking for a job, it is important to bear in mind that there are significant regional differences in the Swiss labour market. Geneva is the area with the highest percentage of foreign workers (almost 50%) - many work in one of the international institutions, such as the U.N., based there. The banking industry is centred mainly in and around Zurich.
LanguagesAs in any foreign country, speaking the local language is a definitive advantage. For your job search, consider the main local language in the area where you wish to work. Switzerland has four official languages: German (spoken by 64% of the population), French (19%), Italian (8%) and Rhaeto-Roman (1%). If you’re aiming to work in an international institution or large multinational company, much of the work may be conducted in English with other non-Swiss nationals. However, for national or smaller Swiss companies, you will almost certainly be required to have a basic command of the local language. The level of language required will depend on the nature of the position and what sort of work you will be doing.
If you’re a native English-speaker, don’t expect this to be a big advantage in the job market (unless you want to teach it, of course). The Swiss are a very polyglot nation and many happily speak at least two of the national languages and English.
Recognition of diplomasMany professions and jobs in Switzerland are regulated and/or require some formal qualifications. For many trades and professions, foreign qualifications are recognized as equivalent if the training is similar to the Swiss qualification. Swiss/EU agreements meant that Switzerland now recognizes most EU diplomas and qualifications.
Work permits
Who needs a work permit? And how do you apply for it?
Since 1998, Switzerland has a dual priority system for the issuance of work permits: this means priority is given to workers from EU member states and a more restrictive admission policy is operated for non-EU citizens.
Work permits are usually linked to residency permits. There are different types of residency permit - depending on nationality, type of employment contract, the industry in which you work and demand in the Swiss labour market. See the residency permits section in this guide for more details for further details.
EU citizensSince 2002, a Swiss/EU bilateral agreement has enabled easier entry, residency and employment in Switzerland for EU nationals as well as citizens from Norway, Iceland (EFTA members) and - conditionally - Liechtenstein.
EU citizens now have:
- free choice of residency and employment between the cantons (geographic mobility)
- the right to change jobs and employers (job mobility)
- the right to bring their family to Switzerland
- a right to work for their family members.
Eventually, EU citizens will have complete freedom of movement within Switzerland and likewise for Swiss citizens in EU states. However, there will be a fixed quota for work permits until the 31st May 2007 of a maximum of 15,000 new long-term residence permits per year and 115,500 new short-term residence permits a year.
On the 31st May 2007, quotas for EU citizens wishing to work in Switzerland will be suspended. As of June 2009, Switzerland will decide whether or not to extend the agreement. If the response is positive, freedom of movement will be fully introduced between Switzerland and the EU as of June 2014.
Job searches: For job searches lasting up to 3 months, EU citizens don’t need a permit for residence or work. If your search lasts longer, you have to apply for a residence permit for a further 3 months. These permits are not subject to quotas, and provide no access to the social security system in Switzerland.
Non-EU citizensNon-EU-citizens can only get a work permit if their employer proves that they could not fill the respective position with a Swiss or EU citizen. This can become a complex and bureaucratic process for both employer and employee. There are some exceptions to this rule for highly qualified/specialised and/or top executive management positions.
If an employer wants to hire you, he must send you an official offer of employment. If you accept the offer, your employer then applies for a residence permit in the local canton’s police section for foreigners. If a residence permit is approved, your employer sends you a ‘pre-authorisation for a residency permit’ ( Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Autorisation de Séjour) in addition to your employment contract. On arrival in Switzerland, you present this document in the formal application for the actual residency permit.
The process of work permit application can take several months and there are no guarantees that a permit will be issued. An employer might say they will be able to get a permit, but the ultimate decision will be made by the Swiss authorities. The decision on whether or not a permit will be granted depends on a variety of changing criteria such as the type of job, your qualifications, nationality etc. Within the limits prescribed legally, individual cantonal authorities have a large degree of freedom, so the ultimate decision could depend on the mood an official is in when your application is examined.
Employees of international organizationsEmployees of international organizations don’t need a Swiss work permit (if the United Nations would have to go through the nightmare of permit approval for every employee, it would probably immediately move to another country). Instead of a work permit, a special identity card ( Identitätskarte - Carte de Légitimation) is issued. Holders enjoy preferential treatment in customs, for immigration and for housing.
Working illegallyDue to the restrictive immigration laws and the comparatively high salary level, there are quite a few foreigners that work in Switzerland illegally (e.g. without an official residence permit). However, we do not recommend you to work without a respective permit under any circumstances. Illegal workers are under constant threat of deportation and are often exploited by employers. As you have no legal right to work, your employer cannot even be forced to pay you for any work you have done.
Job applications
How to impress a Swiss employer
Your job application acts as your ‘business card’ for your job search as well as being your passport to a first contact with potential employers. Job applications and the selection process in Switzerland might look and work differently than what you’re used to at home.
If you want to maximise your opportunities and responses from potential employers, it is advisable to follow certain rules and advice given by professionals and recruiters.
Make sure that your application is as complete as possible (letter of application, CV, copies of certificates, etc.) and that it reaches the person for whom it is intended in good condition (employers are not keen to receive messy or torn forms). Don’t forget that first impressions are critical!
Cover letter: The cover letter of your application is an essential tool to announcing yourself, your educational and professional experience and availability to a potential employer. You should therefore express your interest in the post for which you are applying as briefly and precisely as possible.
The aim of a cover letter is to convince the person you are writing to that you are the best person for the job advertised. What you write should therefore be informative, convincing, show genuine motivation and make the person to whom it is addressed want to know more about you. Don't forget to add a personal touch.
Feel free to express your expectations regarding the job you apply for. Show your strengths in relation to this job and, if the occasion arises, explain why you want to change jobs. Finally, do not write more than one A4 page (a letter of application should only be written by hand if the employer expressly requests this) and make sure to check your grammar and spelling very carefully. Careless errors will not make a potential employer motivated to find out more about you.
Curriculum vitae: Simplicity, conciseness and precision are the key words for a CV. A good CV should include the following:
- Personal details
- Education
- Language proficiency
- IT knowledge
- Special skills
- Employment history / career path
- Hobbies
- References
