What are Swiss work permits (Arbeitsbewilligungen) for temporary work?

In Switzerland, a work permit (Arbeitsbewilligung) is a required authorization that enables foreign nationals to work in the country. These permits are essential for non-Swiss citizens or non-residents, particularly for employees posted to Switzerland by foreign companies. Work permits are regulated by the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (FNIA) and managed by the cantonal migration offices and the Office of Economic Affairs (AWI).

In this article, we explore when a work permit is necessary, what is the process and timeline to obtain it, and how WorkFlex can help you to do it efficiently.

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Who needs a Swiss work permit and when?

For EU/EFTA nationals

• Employees traveling to Switzerland for short work trips, also known as postings (under 90 days per year), typically only require notification under the Posting of Workers Directive (PWD). Business activities that require a posted worker notification include client meetings and client acquisition activities (for example, presentations, trade fairs), project assignments, and more (find a full list of activities here). WorkFlex helps companies to obtain PWD notifications effectively, and you can explore the process here.
• If employees from EU or EFTA countries are posted to Switzerland for more than 90 days within a calendar year, a Swiss work permit is required. We discuss the permit application steps below.
• Swiss authorities monitor compliance at both the company and employee level. This means that if either an individual employee reaches the 90-day threshold or the company as a whole reaches 90 days (e.g., 10 employees have each spent 9 days in Switzerland, totaling 90 days), a work permit is required.

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For third-country nationals (Non-EU/EFTA citizens)

• Companies from outside the EU or EFTA must submit a formal work permit request for any employee they post to Switzerland, starting from day one of their work trip.
• Permit approval requires clearance from both the Office of Economic Affairs (AWI) and the local Migration Office.
• Additionally, entry visas are typically required, which may extend processing times due to consulate appointments and documentation needs. Thus, it’s important to allocate sufficient time for both, visa and work permit processing, before the trip to Switzerland.

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How to get a work permit for a business trip to Switzerland?

To ensure timely processing, we recommend starting the work permit application process 3–4 weeks before the employee’s intended start date. For third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA citizens), additional time may be necessary to accommodate consulate appointments and visa issuance.

The process can be relatively lengthy and complex, involving several steps and interactions with the authorities:

1. Document gathering: Each canton requires different documents, such as an “Entsendegesuch” (posting application), CV, diploma, passport copy, employment contract copy, etc. Make sure to check the specific requirements of the canton your employees plan to visit.
2. Submission of documents: Depending on the canton, documents can be submitted by email or by post.
3. Waiting for approval: The Office of Economic Affairs (Amt für Wirtschaft) in the selected canton reviews the application and, if approved, forwards it to the Immigration Office (Amt für Migration) to continue processing.
4. Receiving approval: Once approved by both the Amt für Wirtschaft and the Amt für Migration, the employee is authorized to work in Switzerland. A fee is required, varying by canton, from 200 to 600 CHF.
5. Personal visit: After arriving in Switzerland, some cantons may require the employee to visit the Amt für Wirtschaft in person.

Common challenges in obtaining Swiss work permits

Navigating Swiss work permit requirements can be complex due to unique cantonal procedures and administrative nuances. Here are some common obstacles:

1. Cantonal variability: Each canton has specific documentation and procedural requirements, which can vary widely.
2. Language barriers: Forms are often only available in German or French, with limited resources in English.
3. Procedural complexity: Administrative practices are locally influenced, making local contacts valuable to smooth the process.
4. Inconsistent online information: Some cantonal websites lack current or detailed information, complicating the application process.
5. Extended timelines for non-EU/EFTA nationals: Additional steps, including consular appointments, may delay the permit process.

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How WorkFlex helps employers to obtain Swiss work permits without the administrative burden

WorkFlex’s team is deeply familiar with cantonal variations and Swiss administrative procedures. Having a partnership of contacts within each Swiss canton, WorkFlex has the capability to obtain Swiss work permits for your business trips efficiently.

At WorkFlex, we offer a complete, hassle-free solution to the Swiss work permit application process, letting you focus on business while we handle the details. Here’s how we make it easier:

1. Step-by-step guidance: We guide you through every phase, from document preparation to form submission.
2. Direct liaison with Swiss authorities: WorkFlex manages all interactions with Swiss authorities, ensuring clear and efficient communication.
3. In-depth expertise: With extensive knowledge of Swiss administrative practices, we handle complexities and provide tailored advice based on cantonal requirements.
4. Real-time updates: We keep you informed at every step, from initial application to approval.
5. Effortless compliance: Our team ensures all documentation meets local standards and deadlines, so you stay compliant without the stress.

Our goal is to streamline the work permit process, providing reliable timelines, expert guidance, and complete administrative support to help your employees start work in Switzerland without delays.

Reach out to the WorkFlex team today to get started and let us handle the Swiss work permit process for you!