Visas & Customs Requirements

Employment:

The very restrictive immigration policy of the Swiss Government has made it extremely difficult to obtain residence permits for employment. As a rule, only individuals who have been offered jobs which cannot be filled by Swiss nationals have a chance of obtaining residence permits. Inevitably, these vacancies are usually only in an occupation of a highly specialized nature.

The Swiss Embassy or Consulates General are unable to assist anyone in finding employment in Switzerland. No lists of Swiss or foreign companies, agencies or organizations are available. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, but a bilateral Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) has been signed and entered into force on June 1, 2002. The provisions of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons only apply to nationals of the member states of the EU. The new EU member countries do not yet benefit from the free movement of persons with Switzerland.

Procedure for formal employment: It takes approx. 6-8 weeks, and the prospective employer in Switzerland must apply for a work permit at the immigration authority. If such a permit is granted, the "Assurance of a Residence Permit" (German: "Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung", French: "Assurance d'autorisation de séjour", Italian: " Assicurazione di rilascio di un permesso di dimora") is sent to the employer as well the employee.

Nationals who require a visa to work in Switzerland (most non-Europeans, including American citizens) must file a personal application at the responsible Swiss visa desk at the same time as the employer applies for the work permit in Switzerland. An authorization to issue the visa is sent to the responsible Swiss visa desk after the work permit has been authorized and the appropriate visa has to be issued in your passport prior to your departure.

After arrival, every person must register with the immigration authority within 8 days of arrival and, at all events, before starting work.

Work Visa for US-citizens and other nationals for which an authorization has been given directly in Switzerland

If your employer has applied for your work permit in Switzerland and it has been granted, you still must apply for a visa to enter Switzerland with the competent Swiss representation abroad.

To apply for the visa, you must submit the following documents to the competent Swiss representation:

• One application form which is fully completed and signed by the applicant. Applications which are not duly completed, dated and signed will not be accepted. Please also indicate your e-mail address and a contact phone number in case additional information is required.
• Two passport photos per applicant (very strict requirements, please consult the details on the webpage)
• Applicant’s valid original passport
• Visa fee (only money order or cash)
• If applying by mail: one prepaid, self-addressed, return envelope with a tracking number

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