Non-EU/EFTA nationals

If you come from a non EU/EFTA state and would like to work in Switzerland, you may only do so if you are highly qualified, i.e. if you are a manager, specialist or other skilled professional. This means, essentially, that you should have a degree from a university or an institution of higher education, as well as a number of years of professional work experience.

If you are planning to stay in Switzerland for several years, you will also have to fulfil certain other criteria that will facilitate your long-term professional and social integration. The key factors are your professional and social adaptability, language skills and age.

Your future employer must prove that there is no suitable person to fill the job vacancy from Switzerland or from an EU/EFTA state. Also, the salary, social security contributions and the terms of employment for foreign workers must be in accordance with conditions customary to the region, the profession and the particular sector.

Under the various headings, you will find detailed information on employment market access requirements, (permit) procedures and the competent authorities, and on selected national and international topics concerning employment market access.