Guidance

Travel to Switzerland for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Switzerland and how to get one if you do.

From:
Department for Business and Trade
Published
30 April 2021
Last updated
27 September 2023 — See all updates

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Swiss embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Switzerland to work (or the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Switzerland is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Swiss authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with the Swiss embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Switzerland. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Swiss embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

  • translated
  • ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
  • originals, or if copies are acceptable
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
  • dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Switzerland, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Swiss authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Switzerland for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

  • running or attending job interviews
  • going to court as a witness
  • attending trade fairs or conferences (but not presenting)
  • meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
  • meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
  • fact-finding visits
  • negotiating, signing and executing deals or contracts
  • touring a company facility
  • leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

These activities are covered by the Schengen waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
  • health insurance that covers your stay
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay
  • enough money for the duration of your trip
  • an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Switzerland’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

You may not need to go through Switzerland’s full work permit application process if you’re a:

You may have to get some approvals so make sure you check.

Service providers

Self-employed and employed service providers and workers transferred (posted) temporarily to a company in Switzerland can work for up to 90 days without a permit. You must notify the authorities via the online notification procedure. The UK employer (company), or you if self-employed, needs to notify the local cantonal authorities at least 8 days before the work starts.

The 90-day rule applies to the UK company, not the worker. It may be better to apply for a short-term work permit in some circumstances.

Professional athletes

You do not need a work permit if you’re taking part in an international sports tournament.

Stage artists

Stage artists may be able to work in Switzerland for up to 8 days without a visa or permit. This includes those working in literature, performance or visual arts, such as the circus or vaudeville theatre.

Employers can only allow so many employees to make use of this 8-day rule. You would need to check with the cantonal authorities if it’s possible for your work trip.

You can apply for a permit to work for up to 8 months. There’s a simplified application process for stage artists. The cantonal authorities can give you more information on the process and requirements.

Further checks

Exemptions are handled differently depending on the canton and your circumstances.

You should always check with the cantonal authorities before you start working in Switzerland.

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit you can get advice from the Swiss embassy or immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit. The application forms and documents the Swiss authorities need to see can vary by local authority.

You’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the:

Taking your family

For the short-term permits listed in this guide your family will not be able to get dependant visas. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver rules.

Your family can get dependant visas if you have one of the long-term permits in this guide. Check with the Swiss embassy or immigration authorities.

Short-term permits

You need a short-term work permit if you’re in Switzerland for up to 4 months because you’re:

  • providing services to a client in Switzerland
  • working at a Swiss branch of a UK company

You need to apply for one of the following:

The rules and application process are the same for both but the Schengen waiver rules only apply to the 120-day permit.

You may also be able to get a short-term permit if you’re signing a short-term employment contract with a Swiss company. You’ll need to check if this is possible with the Swiss authorities.

Long-term permits

You need to apply for a long-term work and residence permit if you’re working in Switzerland for more than 4 months because you’re:

  • transferring to the Swiss branch of a UK-based company
  • working for a Swiss company on a Swiss employment contract
  • providing long-term services to a client in Switzerland

You need either a:

120-day work permit

This permit allows you to work in Switzerland for 120 days in a 12-month period. You still need to make sure you follow the Schengen visa waiver rules.

4-month work permit

This permit allows you to work in Switzerland for 4 consecutive months. The Schengen visa waiver rules don’t apply.

For both short-term permits you must:

  • be paid a minimum salary that complies with the canton’s regulations
  • have any assignment-related costs, such as accommodation, travel and food, paid for by your employer (in addition to your minimum salary)
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • be on UK payroll

To qualify, the authorities usually want to see that you have:

  • 3 years’ relevant professional experience
  • a university degree
  • worked for your UK employer for at least 12 months

If you don’t meet these requirements you may still qualify as the Swiss authorities use their discretion when deciding, so it’s worth checking with them.

Both permits take 3 to 8 weeks to get. They cannot be extended. You may be able to convert them to a long-term permit if you need to work in Switzerland for longer.

How it works

You need to check with the Swiss authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer submits a work permit application to the Swiss cantonal authorities.

  2. You receive your work permit.

Application documents

Swiss authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • UK passport, valid for 6 months
  • degree certificate
  • CV
  • employment contract with your UK employer
  • contract or work order between the UK company and the Swiss client, if providing services
  • job description
  • assignment letter

L permit for up to 2 years

You need a L permit if you’re in Switzerland for up to 24 months because you’re:

  • transferring to a Swiss branch of a UK company
  • providing services to a client in Switzerland
  • working on a fixed-term employment contract for a Swiss company

If you’ve been offered a fixed-term contract your employer will need to complete a labour market test to make sure there are no other suitable candidates in Switzerland.

The number of L permits available is limited.

To qualify you must:

  • have several years’ relevant professional experience – you’ll need to check with your cantonal authority on the number of years
  • have a university degree
  • keep your UK employment contract, or have an offer of employment for a fixed-term contract with a Swiss company
  • be on UK payroll if you keep your UK contract
  • be on Swiss payroll for a fixed-term contract with a Swiss company
  • be paid a minimum salary that complies with the regulations in the canton where you’ll be working

If you’re keeping your UK employment contract you must also:

  • have worked for your UK employer for at least 12 months
  • have any costs for accommodation, travel and food paid for by your UK employer (as well as your salary) for the first 12 months

You’ll be able to start working in Switzerland within 4 to 6 weeks of applying. The L permit is valid for the duration of your employment, or assignment contract, for up to 1 year (or 2 years) and you can extend it.

If you have a spouse or any children under 18 they may be able to join you as dependants. Check with the Swiss embassy or immigration authorities.

How it works

You need to check with the Swiss authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. If you’re on a fixed-term contract your employer completes a labour market test before you sign the contract.

  2. Your employer submits your L permit application to the Swiss cantonal authorities.

  3. Once approved, you register with the local inhabitant’s office within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland. You can start working after this.

  4. You attend a biometric data appointment.

  5. You collect your L permit or you can receive it by post.

Application documents

Swiss authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
  • marriage certificate, if married
  • birth certificate for any children
  • degree certificate
  • CV
  • employment contract with your UK or Swiss employer contract or work order between the UK company and the Swiss client if providing services
  • job description
  • assignment letter
  • lease agreement for your accommodation in Switzerland

B permit for more than 2 years

You need a B permit if you’re working in Switzerland for more than 24 months.

The number of B permits available is limited.

To qualify you must:

  • have several years’ relevant professional experience
  • have a university degree
  • have an offer of employment with a Swiss company or an assignment letter from your UK employer
  • be on Swiss payroll if you’re employed by a Swiss company or on UK payroll if you’re working on an assignment
  • be paid a minimum salary that complies with the regulations in the canton where you’ll be working

If you keep your UK employment contract, any costs for accommodation, travel and food must be paid for by your employer (as well as your salary) for the first 12 months.

You’ll be able to start working in Switzerland within 4 to 6 weeks of applying. The B permit is valid for 1 to 2 years and you can extend it.

If you have a spouse or any children under 18 they may be able to join you as dependants. Check with the Swiss embassy or immigration authorities.

How it works

You need to check with the Swiss authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. If you’re on a fixed-term contract your employer completes a labour market test before you sign the contract.

  2. Your employer submits your B permit application to the Swiss cantonal authorities.

  3. Once approved, you register with the local inhabitant’s office within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland. You can start working after this.

  4. You attend a biometric data appointment.

  5. You collect your B permit or you can receive it by post.

Application documents

Swiss authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed application form
  • UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
  • marriage certificate (if married)
  • birth certificate for any children
  • degree certificate
  • CV
  • employment contract with your UK or Swiss employer
  • job description
  • assignment letter (if on assignment)
  • lease agreement for your accommodation in Switzerland

Self-employed work

There are very limited options for self-employed workers. Typically, a company needs to be legally established in Switzerland.

The authorities would only issue a permit if you can demonstrate that your company is going to have a positive impact on the Swiss market. For example, if it creates local jobs, tax revenue, or introduces new technology.

Swiss government guidance

Read official Swiss government information on visas, work permits and residence permits.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Switzerland, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

Updates to this page

Published 30 April 2021
Last updated 27 September 2023 + show all updates

  1. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

  2. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).

  3. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

  4. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

  5. Updated to clarify that there are exceptions to the right to dependant visas. You should contact the Swiss authorities to check if your family qualifies. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

  6. Content reviewed. No changes made. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

  7. Added information to exemptions for stage artists who want to work for up to 8 days.

  8. First published.

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