Work permits
Information and practical advice about work permits across Europe.
Basel immigration officer accused of wrongly refusing hundreds of permits
A department head in Switzerland's Office for Migration, Integration, and Citizenship in Basel-Country has been accused of illegally denying hundreds of EU citizens the right to reside in Switzerland, in many because they had previously committed minor criminal offences.
Swiss authorities sound alarm over increased number of fake work permits
For certain foreigners, obtaining a Swiss B permit is a complicated task, and many are resorting to illegal means of obtaining one.
Why do B permit holders in Switzerland earn more than permanent residents?
Government figures reveal that wages of some foreign residents who hold permit B are quite a bit higher than those with C permits – and even exceed the income of Swiss citizens.
Who determines what kind of Swiss work permit you receive?
Switzerland has several different types of work permits. Which one you are eligible to obtain depends on various factors.
Do you need a lawyer to help get a Swiss work permit or citizenship?
There are a number of ads on the internet from law firms offering their assistance in obtaining a work permit, or even citizenship, in Switzerland. Do you really need a legal specialist to help you do that?
Can a non-EU national secure a long-term work permit in Switzerland?
People who come from third countries face more restrictions in Switzerland than their European counterparts do – including with work permits.
How much do Switzerland's work permits cost in 2026?
Fees for Swiss work permits are set by both federal and cantonal governments, but the exact amount is determined primarly by the cantonal migration authorities.
Do I need to speak a local language to get Switzerland's C Permit?
Switzerland has rules for holders of long-term or permanent permits —and for a good reason: language proficiency proves you can live and work in the country with a (relative) ease.
What the mobility deal between the EU and India will mean for skilled workers
As part of the landmark trade agreement announced on January 27th, the EU and India adopted a ‘mobility framework’ that aims to make it easier for Indian students, researchers and young professionals to move to the EU.
REVEALED: Switzerland's 2026 permit quotas for non-EU nationals
Unlike citizens of the EU and EFTA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) who have an unlimited access to Switzerland’s labour market, people from so-called third countries are subject to special quotas, the number of which are determined by the government each year.
Why do so few Britons take up available work permits in Switzerland?
Even though thousands of post-Brexit permits are made available each year for British nationals to work in Switzerland, very few are snapped up. Do Brits just not want to work in Switzerland?
Work permits: The ways foreigners in Switzerland can lose their jobs
If you have a good job, you want to hold on to it for dear life. But sometimes redundancies do happen and other bureaucratic problems emerge, putting your employment and longterm prospects in Switzerland at risk.
How UK citizens can obtain a Swiss work permit set aside for Brits
British nationals who want to work in Switzerland can access permits intended specifically for them — provided they meet the strict eligibility requirements.
EXPLAINED: How the EU's new Talent Pool for non-EU jobseekers will work
The launch of the ‘EU Talent Pool’ has moved a step closer. It will be the first digital platform that will match vacancies in shortage occupations in EU countries with non-EU jobseekers.
Do I risk losing my Swiss C permit if I become unemployed?
When it comes to Swiss work permits, some of them offer more benefits than others in case of job loss.
How Switzerland's language rules for residency can depend on your job
The general requirement for all foreign nationals working in Switzerland is to have a certain level of proficiency in a national language to qualify for their residency permit. The Local asked Swiss officials whether this rule is applied equally to all.
Does my work permit let me move from one Swiss canton to another?
Swiss work permits are canton specific, but does this mean you can never change your place of residence?
Two top foreign chefs forced to leave Switzerland after failing language test
After three years of cooking for guests at the luxury resort on the Bürgenstock, top Thai chefs, twin sisters Vilai and Virat Kanjan, have had to leave Switzerland after failing to master German. They now work in... Germany.
What are your rights if you move to Switzerland with your partner?
If you are planning to follow your significant other to Switzerland, there are some important things you should know about the move.
What happens to your Swiss work permit if you lose your job?
If you are a foreign national, your ability to work in Switzerland is often tied to your permit. But would you be allowed to remain in the country if you become unemployed?
Who should you contact in Switzerland when you have an admin problem?
Like other countries, Switzerland too is a bureaucracy, where various government agencies oversee different functions of public and private life.
Can I change jobs under the rules of my Swiss work permit?
If you are a foreign national employed in Switzerland, you may want to, at one time or another, find a new job. But can you do so?
How long can I leave Switzerland for without losing my work permit?
If you are planning to leave Switzerland for a while, it is good to ensure that being out of the country won't affect your residency and working rights. This is what you should know.