Visas, residence and work permits.
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6. Visas, residence and work permits.
Switzerland’s prosperity is partly due to the immigration of office in charge has granted approval to do so. The type of visa
foreign workers. Not only do they boost the economy, they and the documents required depend on the purpose of the stay.
also enrich the culture. Thanks to the free movement of One of the visa requirements is that applicants must prove that
persons between Switzerland and the EU, EU/EFTA citizens they have enough funds available or can legally obtain them to pay
can now remain in Switzerland without a lot of red tape. In for living expenses during their trip through or stay in Switzerland.
the labor market they have the same rights as Swiss workers. The Swiss consulate may require the submission of a letter of
For people from other countries who wish to work and live in sponsorship before it issues the visa if the applicant does not have
Switzerland, certain provisions apply. sufficient financial funds or if there is some doubt on this point. The
relevant authorities will require that travel insurance be concluded
regardless of whether a letter of sponsorship has been submitted.
Federal Office for Migration BFM The minimum coverage for this insurance is EUR 30,000.
www.bfm.admin.ch
Languages: German, English French, Italian Swiss consulates abroad
www.eda.admin.ch > Representations
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
6.1 Entering the country and visas.
Generally a valid travel document recognized by Switzerland is
sufficient to enter the country. Only citizens of certain countries Information on entering Switzerland
require an entry visa for stays of up to three months. A visa is
generally required for longer stays. The Federal Office for Migra- www.bfm.admin.ch > Topics/Entry
tion publishes the latest requirements on its homepage. Languages: German, English, French, Italian
6.1.1 Visa regulations
Foreigners who require a visa must obtain an entry visa from the
Swiss consulate where they live before they enter Switzerland. The
consulate can only issue the visa if the Swiss federal or cantonal
Handbook for Investors 2012 49Fig. 21: Do I need a visa?
I would like to travel to Switzerland.
Do I need a visa?
Are you a citizen of one of the following
countries? EU-25, EFTA, Andorra, Brunei,
No Yes
Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, New Zea-
land, San Marino, Singapore, Vatican city
Are you a citizen of one of the You do not need a visa.
following countries? Albania*, Yes Welcome to Switzerland!
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,
Australia, Bahamas, Barbados,
Bosnia-Herzegovina*, Brazil, Chile,
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guate- No Will you be staying more than three months? Yes
mala, Honduras, Israel, Canada,
Croatia, Mauritius, Mexico,
Montenegro*, Nicaragua, Panama,
Paraguay, Serbia*, Seychelles, Do you plan to work?
St. Kitts and Nevis, Uruguay,
Venezuela, USA
* Holders of biometric passports No Yes
No No For more than eight days per calendar year? Yes
In one of the following industries:
construction and construction-related
You do not need a visa.
No sectors, gastronomy, commercial and residential Yes
Welcome to Switzerland!
cleaning services, surveillance and security
services, erotic services?
You need a visa. Please contact the
Swiss consulate in your area for more detailed
information.
www.eda.admin.ch
Search under: Representations
* Information provided without a guarantee: please also consult the responsible Swiss consulate.
Source: Own diagram Generis AG, Schaffhausen
Fig. 22: Visa regulations for certain countries
Country Visa required for Visa required for Exceptions/comments
a stay of up to a stay of over
3 months 3 months
Brazil No (V1) Yes V1 Work visa requirement for:
t Construction and construction-related sectors, gastronomy, commer-
cial and residential cleaning services, surveillance and security services
and erotic services
t Work of another kind, if this lasts longer than eight days per calendar year.
A work visa is waived in the following situations:
t If the person holds a long-term residency permit issued by a Schengen
member state in connection with the possession of a valid passport.
50 Handbook for Investors 2012Country Visa required for Visa required for Exceptions/comments
a stay of up to 3 a stay of over 3
months months
China Yes (V) Yes V Third-country nationals with a valid long-term residence permit from
a Schengen member state along with a recognized travel document
do not require a visa.
EU-25/EFTA No No
India Yes (V) Yes V Third-country nationals with a valid long-term residence permit from
a Schengen member state along with a recognized travel document
do not require a visa.
Japan No No
Canada No (V1) Yes V1 Work visa requirement for:
t Construction and construction-related sectors, gastronomy, com-
mercial and residential cleaning services, surveillance and security
services and erotic services
t Work of another kind, if this lasts longer than eight days per calen-
dar year.
A work visa is waived in the following situations:
t If the person holds a long-term residency permit issued by a
Schengen member state in connection with the possession of a
valid passport.
Russia Yes (V) Yes V Citizens from third countries are exempt from the visa requirement
(M: D) if they have a valid long-term residence permit from a Schengen
member state in connection with a valid travel document.
M: D Holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from the visa require-
ment for the following travel purposes: the official mission and other
travel reasons, without performing work.
Kazakhstan Yes (V) Yes V Third-country nationals with a valid long-term residence permit from
a Schengen member state along with a recognized travel document
do not require a visa.
Hong Kong No (V1) Yes V1 Work visa requirement for:
t Construction and construction-related sectors, gastronomy, com-
mercial and residential cleaning services, surveillance and security
services and erotic services
t Work of another kind, if this lasts longer than eight days per calen-
dar year.
A work visa is waived in the following situations:
t If the person holds a long-term residency permit issued by a
Schengen member state in connection with the possession of a
valid passport.
The following documents are accepted for travel to Switzerland:
t Hong Kong Special Administrative Region People’s Republic
of China Passport (HKSAR-Pass); visa exemption (V1)
t Hong Kong British National Overseas Passport (BNO passport);
visa exemption (V1)
t Hong Kong Certificate of Identity; vise requirement (V)
t Document of Identity for visa purposes with the «Chinese»
entered under «Nationality». In this case the document is classed
as a Chinese passport (without entering the nationality of the
holder it is not accepted for entry into Switzerland;
visa requirement (V)
(The «Hong Kong British Dependent Territories Citizens Passport»
is no longer accepted.)
Handbook for Investors 2012 51Country Visa required for Visa required for Exceptions/comments
a stay of up to a stay of over
3 months 3 months
USA No (V1) Yes V1 Work visa requirement for:
t Construction and construction-related sectors, gastronomy, com-
mercial and residential cleaning services, surveillance and security
services and erotic services
t Work of another kind, if this lasts longer than eight days per calen-
dar year.
A work visa is waived in the following situations:
t If the person holds a long-term residency permit issued by a
Schengen member state in connection with the possession of a
valid passport.
Taiwan No (V14) Yes V14 There is a visa requirement:
t For owners of a passport, which does not contain a personal ID
number (see V)
t If work is performed (even if this lasts for less than eight days per
calendar year)
V Citizens of third countries with a valid residence permit from a
Schengen member state in connection with a recognized travel
document are exempt from the visa requirement.
Ukraine Yes (V), Yes (F: D, S, SP) M: D, S Holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from the visa
(M: D, S) requirement for the following travel purposes: the official mis-
sion and other travel reasons, without performing work.
F: D, S, SP Holders of diplomatic, service and special passports are
exempt from the visa requirement, who are travelling to take
on a position in Switzerland.
Source: Federal Office for Migration BFM – Visa instructions. List 1: permit and visa regulations per citizenship
6.1.2 Application procedure 5. The results of this check are presented to the consulate with-
1. Persons requiring a visa must submit the visa application to out delay, after which the consulate decides whether to issue
the Swiss consulate that is responsible for the area where they the visa.
live. Travel documents and any other requested documents
which explain the reason for the journey must be submitted If the visa is denied, the applicant can appeal to the Federal
along with the application. The consulate homepage provides Administrative Court in Berne within 30 days after notification
detailed information about the required documents and the by requesting the decision for a fee from the Federal Office for
relevant application forms. All documents, letters or certifi- Migration.
cates that are not in German, French, Italian or English must
be submitted with a translation.
2. If the consulate requires a letter of sponsorship, the foreign visitor Visa application form
must complete the relevant form and submit it to the sponsor.
3. The sponsor completes and signs the form and submits it www.bfm.admin.ch > Topics, Arrival
along with the required documents to the cantonal or munici- Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish,
pal authorities in charge. Portuguese, Russian, Chinese
4. The letter of sponsorship is checked by the relevant cantonal
or municipal authorities and is entered into the Central Migra-
tion Information System.
52 Handbook for Investors 20126.2 Residing in Switzerland.
Cantonal Migrations and Labour Market authorities
Residence and permanent residence permits are issued by the
cantonal and migration offices. Stays of up to three months do www.bfm.admin.ch > The BFM, Contact addresses
not require a permit, while stays of over three months do. It may Languages: German, English, French, Italian
be possible to work depending on the type of permit issued.
Foreigners who reside in Switzerland receive a residence permit
indicating which type of authorization has been granted.
Foreign nationals in Switzerland
www.ch.ch > About Switzerland, Foreign nationals
in Switzerland
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
Fig. 23: Types of permits
B permit For residents (foreigners who are in Switzerland for a specific purpose for a longer period of time
(residence permit) with or without employment)
C permit For permanent residents (foreigners who have received a permanent residence permit after
(permanent residence permit) living in Switzerland for five or ten years. There is no limit on the amount of time they may stay in
Switzerland.)
Ci permit This permit is issued by the cantonal authorities to the employed spouses and children of members
(residence permit with of foreign consulates or intergovernmental organizations
permission to work)
G permit For cross-border commuters (foreigners who reside near the Swiss border and work in
(cross-border permit) Switzerland)
L permit For a temporary position and other temporary stays
(short-term residency permit)
F permit For foreigners permitted to stay in Switzerland provisionally. This permit is issued by the cantonal
(provisionally received foreigners) authorities based on approval by the Federal Office for Migration.
N permit For asylum seekers. This permit is issued by the cantonal authorities based on approval by the
(asylum seekers) Federal Office for Migration.
S permit For people in need of protection. This permit is issued by the cantonal authorities based on
(people requiring protection) approval by the Federal Office for Migration.
Source: Federal Office for Migration
Overview of residency
www.bfm.admin.ch > Topics > Residence
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
Handbook for Investors 2012 536.2.1 Reunification of families 6.3 Residing in Switzerland without
Citizens of Switzerland and EU/EFTA citizens with a residence
permit or a short-term residence permit are allowed to have their
gainful employment.
families join them, regardless of their nationality. The following are 6.3.1. Stays of up to three months
classed as family: Switzerland has been an associate member of the Schengen
t Spouses and children who have not yet reached the age of 21, Agreement, and thus part of the Schengen Area, since December
or who are entitled to maintenance, 12, 2008. The provisions of the Schengen Agreement govern
t Parents and parents of the spouse, who are provided with entry and stays that do not require a visa for up to three months.
maintenance.
Generally, staying in Switzerland without employment (e.g. for a
Students are only allowed to be joined by their spouses and chil- visit, tourism) for up to three months does not require a permit.
dren who are entitled to maintenance. However, a visa is necessary for nationals of certain countries.
Foreigners may stay in Switzerland for no more than three months
People from third countries with permanent residence permits within a six-month period calculated from the first time of entry.
(permit C) have the right to allow their children and husband/ Persons requiring a visa must comply with the amount of time
wife to join them. People with residence permits (permit B) have they are permitted to stay as stipulated on their visa.
no legal right to this. The cantonal migration authorities can,
however, permit the move, if people from third countries can To enter the country, foreigners must have a valid travel docu-
prove that they have a sufficient apartment, sufficient income and ment that is recognized by Switzerland. For persons requiring a
an established residence (a residency which has not caused any visa, Switzerland issues Schengen visas, which are generally valid
complaints). Husbands, wives and children of Swiss nationals and for the entire Schengen Area for stays of up to three months.
people with permanent residence permits or residence permits
can take up self-employed or employed work all over Switzerland. 6.3.2. Longer stays
Stays of more than three months also require a permit for persons
who are not gainfully employed (retirees, students, job seekers
Reunification of families for EU/EFTA citizens and others). Permits are issued by the cantonal migration offices.
A distinction is made between short stays (less than one year),
www.bfm.admin.ch > Topics > Freedom of movement of temporary stays (of limited duration) and permanent stays (of
people, Switzerland - EU/EFTA > FAQ unlimited duration).
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
Non-EU/EFTA nationals must submit the application for a resi-
dence permit (together with the visa application) to the relevant
Swiss consulate before entering Switzerland. Depending on the
Reunification of families for third countries purpose of the stay (schooling, retirement, medical purposes,
etc.), different documents will be required. If the conditions for a
www.ch.ch > Individuals > Your life > Residence permits > permit are fulfilled, then a short stay permit (L permit) for a stay of
Immigrating to Switzerland less than one year will be issued, or a residence permit (B permit)
Languages: German, English, French, Italian valid for one year will be issued if the applicant is to stay longer
than one year. After entering the country, the permit holder must
register with the relevant municipality.
EU/EFTA nationals who are not gainfully employed are granted
the right to stay in Switzerland based on the free movement of
persons agreement. After arrival, a residence permit must be
applied for at the municipality and will be granted if the following
requirements are met:
54 Handbook for Investors 2012t The unemployed person must have sufficient financial funds to 6.4 Residing in Switzerland with
prevent them from becoming dependent on state aid so they do
not become a burden on their new country of residence.
gainful employment.
t They must have health insurance that covers all risks (even People working in Switzerland during their stay in the country or
accidents). people staying for more than three months need a permit from
the cantonal migration office. A distinction is made between short
The EC/EFTA residence permit is valid throughout Switzerland for stays (less than one year), temporary stays (of limited duration)
five years and is automatically extended by the relevant authorities and permanent stays (of unlimited duration).
if the above-mentioned requirements continue to be met. Unem-
ployed persons may bring their families with them, if they have The employer is responsible for obtaining a work permit from the
sufficient financial funds to care for them cantonal migration office.
6.3.3 Special case: Students Since the bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons
The procedure described in 6.3.2 also applies to students. The and the revised EFTA convention have entered into force, different
following conditions also apply: conditions apply to nationals of the EU-25/EFTA than to people
from other countries. EU/EFTA citizens are on equal footing with
Students who are citizens of EU or EFTA states, the US, Canada, Swiss employees. Other countries, and until May 31, 2016 at the
Australia or New Zealand must generally provide credible proof latest Romania and Bulgaria, are subject to immigration restric-
that they will not become a welfare case during stays of more than tions and the rule of priority for Swiss nationals. Foreign asylum
three months (at the relevant Swiss consulate or municipality upon seekers may stay in Switzerland in accordance with the provi-
registration). Students must also prove that they are enrolled at a sions of asylum legislation.
recognized school in Switzerland and will be attending general
instruction classes or a program preparing them for a profession. The cantons are responsible for deciding on whether foreigners
If these requirements are met, the student will receive a residence may stay and reside in the country. However, the federal govern-
permit for the duration of their studies or for the period of one ment has the right of veto. The cantonal migration authorities are
year if their studies last longer than one year. The permit will be responsible for alien control. Foreigners must register with the
extended until the student has received a regular degree if the Residents Registration Office in the municipality in which they
requirements for the permit continue to be met. reside within one week.
Students who are not citizens of EU or EFTA member states, the For anyone intending to relocate to Switzerland, it can be advan-
US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand must also include the fol- tageous to bundle the permit applications and to discuss them
lowing documents together with their personal entry application, beforehand. The cantonal economic development agencies pro-
which they submit to the relevant Swiss consulate: vide advice on how to proceed and how long the process takes.
t Letter of acceptance from the school
t Proof of payment of tuition fees
t Proof of sufficient financial funding for living expenses for the
duration of the course of study
t Diplomas/school certificates
t Written agreement to leave Switzerland after completion of
studies
t Additional sheet documenting language proficiency. Language
proficiency is judged based on a short interview at the consulate.
The Swiss consulate sends the entry application, including
documentation and assessment of language proficiency, to the
relevant cantonal migration authorities for their approval.
Handbook for Investors 2012 556.4.1 Recognition of professional qualification
Regulated professions / Recognition of foreign
Certain professions, particularly in the health, teaching and tech-
qualifications
nical sectors and in the administration of justice, are regulated. In
these cases it is necessary to possess a qualification, certificate www.bbt.admin.ch/diploma
or certificate of competence. Foreign qualifications have to be Languages: German, English, French, Italian
recognized by the responsible authorities. Different authorities
may be responsible for recognition, depending on the profes- www.crus.ch > Recognition / Swiss ENIC
sion, whereby in normal cases the authorities which regulate > Regulated professions
the education are also responsible for the recognition of foreign Languages: German, English, French
qualifications.
Within the scope of the Agreement on the free movement of per-
sons, Switzerland works closely with the EU and participates in
the European qualification recognition system. People from third
countries also have the opportunity to have their qualifications
recognized in Switzerland.
Fig. 24: Work and residence permits: rules and procedures
Regime for EU/EFTA citizens Regime for citizens of non-EU/EFTA
EU-25 EU-2: Romania and Bulgaria countries
Temporary residence permit Temporary residence permit Short-term residence permit
(L permit for EC/EFTA) (L permit for EC/EFTA) (L permit)
t Entitlement to permit, provided that em- t Entitlement to permit, provided that em- t For key positions (founding a company,
ployment in Switzerland for three months ployment in Switzerland can be proved. training new staff, specialists from inter-
to one year can be proved (employment national companies): 12 months, can be
For extensions of up to one year in case
of less than three months in one calendar renewed for 24 months
year: registration only) of secured work, subject to the quota t Possibility to bring family
t Possibility to bring family t Annual quota of 6,355 (2011/12) or 7,722 t Annual quota of 5,000 permits
(2012/2013) permits t Trainees (interns): valid 12-18 months,
t Priority to Swiss nationals, checks of no option of bringing family
salary and working conditions
t Possibility to bring family
Cross-border commuter permit Cross-border commuter permit Cross-border commuter permit
(G permit for EC/EFTA) (G permit for EC/EFTA) (G permit)
t No travel restrictions t Travel within all Swiss border zones t Valid for 12 months for border zones of
t Obligation to return home to main resi- t Priority to Swiss nationals, checks of the canton issuing the permit, must be
dence in EU/EFTA country every week salary and employment conditions renewed every year
t Self-employment possible t Rest same as for EU-25 t Resident at least six months with per-
t Validity based on employment contract, manent residence permit in the border
with maximum of five years, after which zone of a country neighbouring Switzer-
renewable land
t Weekly return to this residence
t Possible to change place of work or
profession with permit
56 Handbook for Investors 2012Regime for EU/EFTA citizens Regime for citizens of non-EU/EFTA
EU-25 EU-2: Romania and Bulgaria countries
Residence permits Residence permits Residence permits
(B permit for EC/EFTA) (B permit for EC/EFTA) (B permit)
t Valid for five years, after submission of t Annually rising quota on permits: 684 t Full-year stay in Switzerland with em-
confirmation of employment lasting a (2011/12) to 885 (2012/13) permits ployment and permanent home life and
residence in Switzerland
year or more or without time restriction t Switch from self-employment to employ-
t Priority to Swiss nationals, checks of
t Year-round purpose-related stay with ment at a company requires permit salary and employment conditions
permanent home life and residence in t Priority to Swiss nationals, checks of sal- t Possibility to bring family
Switzerland ary and employment conditions t Annual renewal of permit is a formality
t Possibility to bring family t Possibility to bring family t Annual quota of 3,500 permits
t Entitled to take up self-employment t Rest same as for EU-25
Permanent residence permit Permanent residence permit Permanent residence permit
(C permit for EC/EFTA) (C permit for EC/EFTA) (C permit)
t Basically issued after a stay of five t Same as EU-25 t Can generally be applied for after stay
years in Switzerland based on residence of 10 consecutive years in Switzerland
agreements or equivalent rights consid- (for US citizens: 5 consecutive years in
erations Switzerland)
t Basically equal to Swiss nationals on t The holder is generally no longer subject
labour market to labour market restrictions, entitled to
take up self-employment
Source: Own diagram Generis AG, Schaffhausen
6.4.2 Residence and employment of EU/EFTA citizens fields of construction, landscaping, cleaning and surveillance/se-
EU/EFTA nationals are treated the same as Swiss nationals in the curity, who still require a license.
labour market as a result of the free movement of persons agree- The introduction of the free movement of persons is being ac-
ment. Job seekers may remain in Switzerland for three months companied by a series of measures designed to prevent wage
without a permit. Citizens of the EU-25 member states already en- and social dumping, as well as by the mutual recognition of
joy completely free movement – citizens of Romania and Bulgaria professional qualifications and the coordination of social insur-
are still subject to restrictions until the permanent transition on ance issues. This simplifies recruiting employees from EU/EFTA
May 31, 2016 (priority of Swiss nationals, controls, quotas). These countries and attending and using academic institutions in these
permits can be extended if needed. By no later than June 1, 2016, countries, and it boosts the efficiency of the labor market and
however, citizens of all 25 EU countries will enjoy unrestricted free increases the availability of highly qualified staff.
movement.
Currently EU-25 nationals do not need a work permit, but they
must still obtain a residence permit, which is issued by the can- Free Movement of Persons Switzerland – EU/EFTA
tonal migration office upon confirmation of employment/submis-
sion of an employment contract. No permit is needed for stays of www.bfm.admin.ch > Topics
less than 90 days, but these workers are still required to register. Languages: German, English, French, Italian
Self-employed service providers whose headquarters are based
in the EU or EFTA region no longer require a license for activi-
ties in Switzerland lasting less than 90 days per calendar year.
They simply need to register, which can be done via the Internet.
Exceptions to this are Romanian and Bulgarian providers in the
Handbook for Investors 2012 57t Asylum seekers: Work permit one month following submission
Brochure «EU citizens in Switzerland» of application for asylum. Possible to change jobs with permit,
not possible to change cantons. Source tax, 10 % of salary is
www.europa.admin.ch > Services > Publications retained as security.
Languages: German, English, French, Italian t Transfer of managerial staff: Essential management staff may
reside in Switzerland for three years in accordance with the
General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The permit
6.4.3 Residence and employment of non-EU/EFTA citizens can be prolonged for one year.
Citizens from countries outside the EU/EFTA require a work and a
residence permit. They are still subject to the existing admissions The employer is responsible for checks and due diligence, as well
regulations (priority for nationals, control of wages, quotas), but as for ensuring that a foreign employee has permission to as-
they have been granted significantly more mobility in the interest sume the position. In order to obtain an entry visa, the employer
of labor market flexibility. Holders of a long-term residence permit must prove that it was not possible to find a suitable candidate in
are free to change jobs and place of employment, and to be self- Switzerland and that the training of a suitable employee within a
employed anywhere in the country without requiring special au- reasonable period was not possible.
thorization. In important cases, holders of a short-term residence
permit may also work for an employer in another canton.
Employment of non-EU/EFTA citizens
Priority is given to highly qualified and specialized professionals,
as well as to entrepreneurs and executives, recognized scien- www.bfm.admin.ch
tists and key persons involved in cultural events, employees of Search under: Topics/Labour/Work permits
internationally active corporations and people with international Languages: German, English, French, Italian
business relations. This approach aims to promote economic,
scientific and cultural exchanges and to support the transfer
of decision-makers and specialists of international companies. 6.4.4 Trainees/interns
Qualified scientists should, in particular, be given the opportunity Switzerland has negotiated agreements with numerous countries
to continue working in Switzerland after completing their studies. on the exchange of trainees/interns. These trainee agreements
It is ultimately in the interest of the Swiss economy that foreign- make it easier to obtain residence and work permits of limited du-
ers temporarily working in Switzerland be permitted to bring their ration. Trainees from countries which have no special agreement
family to Switzerland, and that partners and children of holders with Switzerland must follow the normal application procedure for
of a long-term residence permit have the right to be employed or work and residence permits.
self-employed in Switzerland.
Trainees/interns are defined as people who can provide evidence
Key regulations: of completing vocational training or a degree. The age limit is
t B residence permit: generally valid for one year. Option to 35 years (exceptions: Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Russia
change jobs and cantons with permission, source tax, quotas and Hungary: 30 years). The job must be in the profession
(certain exceptions: e.g. spouses of Swiss citizens have the learned or in the area of study/training and may last no more than
same rights as Swiss citizens). 18 months. Canadian students who would like to complete their
t C residence permit: same rights as Swiss nationals in labor education with an internship are also admitted, while for Japa-
market, no source tax. nese students only university graduates are permitted. There are
t Cross-border commuter permit: possible to change jobs with special quotas for trainees, and national legislation giving priority
permission, not possible to change cantons, source tax. to Swiss nationals does not apply. There is no provision for train-
t L short stay residence permit: not possible to change jobs or ees to bring their families with them.
cantons, source tax.
t Intern permit: maximum of 18 months, only for training young
professionals.
58 Handbook for Investors 2012Fig. 25: Countries with which Switzerland has a trainee Foreign spouses of Swiss citizens (simplified naturalization after
agreement five whole years of residence in Switzerland and after three years
Argentina Monaco Romania Czech Rep. of marriage) and children of Swiss parents who are not yet Swiss
Australia New Zealand Russia Ukraine citizens benefit from simplified naturalization.
Bulgaria Philippines Slovakia Hungary
Japan Poland South Africa USA
Canada Swiss citizenship/naturalization
Source: Foreign trainees in Switzerland: a guide for foreign trainees and Swiss
employers, www.swissemigration.ch. www.bfm.admin.ch > Topics
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
As a result of the free movement of persons between Switzerland
and the EU, nationals of the 25 EU countries and EFTA states no
longer need official work or trainee permits. Anyone residing in
Switzerland for more than four months has to officially register Naturalization: information
with the cantonal labor market office in order to work.
www.ch.ch > For individuals > Your life
www.swissemigration.ch provides a guide for foreign trainees and Languages: German, English, French, Italian
potential employers, as well as addresses, a standard employment
contract and application forms.
Guide for foreign trainees and Swiss employers
www.swissemigration.ch > Topics > Trainee programme
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
6.5 Naturalization.
The naturalization process consists of three levels. It is possible
to apply for Swiss citizenship in your municipality or canton, each
of which has its own requirements for naturalization in addition to
those imposed by the federal government (see below).
The following requirements must be met to become a naturalized
Swiss:
t Resident for 12 years in Switzerland (years of residency between
ages 10 and 20 count double)
t Integration into Swiss life
t Familiarity with the Swiss lifestyle, customs and traditions
t Observance of Swiss laws
t No threat to the domestic or international security of Switzerland
Handbook for Investors 2012 59You can also read
