How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Switzerland (2025)

Switzerland offers incredible access to a highly skilled workforce and a gateway to Europe’s prosperous markets. For businesses and professionals alike, tapping into Swiss talent or relocating there can unlock tremendous strategic advantages.

Yet, navigating Switzerland’s complex visa system—marked by strict quotas, labor market preferences, and detailed administrative hurdles—creates significant challenges. Employers face burdensome sponsorship requirements, while foreign nationals must meet high qualifications and salary thresholds. These barriers often slow hiring, risk noncompliance, and hinder growth in the Swiss labor market.

Deel Immigration transforms this experience by removing friction points. We handle sponsorship, documentation, and regulatory compliance with streamlined, tech-driven processes. Our expert teams simplify managing over 200 permit types, so you move faster and stay audit-ready.

With Deel, expect smoother approvals, reduced administrative load, and confidence to scale your Swiss workforce compliantly—turning visa challenges into growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond.

How easy is it to get a work visa in Switzerland?

Obtaining a work permit in Switzerland is very challenging for foreign nationals. The difficulty often depends on factors such as the skills and education level of the applicant, and whether there is high local demand for the applicant's potential job title and scope.

See also: A Guide to Employee Background Checks in Switzerland

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Switzerland?

There are two main types of visas for those wishing to live and work in Switzerland:

• B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign Nationals): A Swiss residence permit issued to nationals from EU or EFTA member states who plan to stay in Switzerland for more than one year. This permit allows holders to live and work in Switzerland, provided they have secured employment or can financially support themselves. The permit is typically valid for five years and is renewable as long as the eligibility criteria continue to be met
• Dependent Visa: Allows close family members (such as spouses and children under 18) of foreign nationals holding a valid Swiss residence permit to join them in Switzerland. This visa enables dependents to live in Switzerland for the duration of the primary permit holder’s stay and may allow them to study or, in some cases, work, depending on the conditions attached to the main permit.

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Switzerland visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates

Candidates must hold relevant professional qualifications, a valid passport, and earn salaries at or above Swiss median levels to meet eligibility criteria. Here’s how core visa options compare:

Want to know if your candidate qualifies? Deel delivers expert eligibility assessments and detailed cost breakdowns within 48 hours, helping you move fast and stay compliant.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Switzerland visa and work‑permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employers must be registered Swiss entities with a valid business license and demonstrate a genuine employment need to sponsor work permits. For non-EU/EFTA candidates, employers must also prove they’ve carried out local and EU/EFTA recruitment efforts and could not find a suitable hire among Swiss nationals or EU EFTA citizens. Documentation typically includes the employment contract, detailed job description, proof of salary compliance, and an overview of the recruitment process. Only a legal entity registered in Switzerland can initiate and support the visa or permit request.

Using an Employer of Record (EOR)—like Deel—allows companies without a Swiss entity to compliantly sponsor and onboard employees in Switzerland. The EOR becomes the local legal employer, handling compliance, payroll, tax remittance, benefits, and all immigration sponsorship duties on your behalf, so your business can focus on growth instead of red tape.

Deel Immigration stands out as a G2-leading Employer of Record with sponsorship capabilities for over 200 permit types in 40 countries—including Switzerland. Deel’s expert teams handle high-volume caseloads and streamline visa sponsorship for your team, offering real-time compliance monitoring, automated documentation uploads, and AI-driven workforce planning so you can scale quickly while meeting Swiss regulatory standards.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Switzerland work‑permit application process

Follow this five-step roadmap for a smooth work permit application in Switzerland.

Step one: Secure a valid job offer and gather documentation

Applications are initiated by securing a valid job offer and preparing required documentation, including employment contracts and proof of qualifications. The candidate and employer must collaborate to assemble all necessary evidence—such as diplomas, CVs, and background checks—early on. Deel’s platform can automate document collection and compliance checks, making this step seamless.

Tip: Double-check that all documents are recent, correctly translated, and meet cantonal migration office requirements before submission.

Step two: Submit the application to the cantonal migration office

The employer submits the work-permit application to the relevant cantonal migration office with supporting evidence of recruitment efforts within Switzerland and the EU/EFTA region. This package includes proof that no Swiss or EU EFTA candidates could fill the role, as well as the full set of candidate credentials.

Tip: Use Deel’s in-app pre-screening tools to ensure your evidence meets the canton’s expectations and avoid unnecessary delays.

Step three: Cantonal authorities review quotas and labor market test

Cantonal authorities review the application for compliance with quota restrictions and labor market tests, prioritizing Swiss nationals and EU/EFTA citizens. If quotas are already filled, applications may be deferred or denied; the review also checks for salary and working conditions compliance.

Step four: The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) issues final authorization

Upon cantonal approval, the application is forwarded to the State Secretariat for Migration SEM for final authorization. SEM reviews the file for federal-level compliance and issues the final decision.

Tip: Track the application’s progress with Deel’s real-time in-app visa tracker and receive instant updates to keep all stakeholders informed.

Step five: Candidate completes entry formalities and receives a permit

Once approved, the candidate completes visa formalities, including biometric data submission at the consulate in your home country (for entry visas) and receives the permit to begin employment. This final step may also require registration with the local cantonal immigration office.

Tip: Encourage candidates to book their biometric appointments early and leverage Deel’s partner relocation discounts for a smooth transition.

Timelines, validity & renewals

Processing typically takes 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the canton and permit type, with L Permits valid for up to 12 months, B Permits for up to 5 years, and C Permits (permanent residency) granted after 5–10 years of continuous residence and demonstrated integration. Most permits can be renewed, provided eligibility conditions are still met, and non-EU/EFTA quotas are still open—though seasonal and short-term permits have stricter renewal limits.

• Fast-track options: Some cantons may offer expedited processing for highly skilled roles or critical sectors—check with the relevant cantonal immigration office.
• Overstaying penalties: Exceeding permit limits or working beyond 90 days without proper authorization can result in fines, bans, and future ineligibility for Swiss visas—track expiry dates closely.
• Deel’s real-time alerts: Deel’s compliance dashboard provides automatic reminders for renewals and upcoming expirations so you avoid costly penalties.

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Switzerland?

Below is a summary of the estimated government and documentation fees associated with obtaining a B EU/EFTA Permit and a Dependent Visa for Switzerland.

Deel provides transparent, flat pricing on all Switzerland immigration and sponsorship services, with no hidden fees. Clients receive a detailed, upfront breakdown—so budgeting for talent mobility in Switzerland is easy and predictable.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Switzerland?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration simplifies the complex Swiss work-permit landscape by providing a seamless, compliant, and fully supported hiring experience tailored to Switzerland’s strict quota and cantonal regulations. Their expertise ensures faster approvals and helps you avoid costly delays or compliance pitfalls.

• End-to-end immigration management from application to renewal
• Fast, free visa application assessments to quickly evaluate candidate eligibility
• Personalized expert support guiding you through Swiss cantonal requirements
• Real-time application tracking for transparency at every step
• Automated renewal reminders to keep your workforce compliant

With Deel Immigration, you can confidently navigate Switzerland’s work visa challenges and focus on growing your business.

Hire employees in Switzerland faster with Deel Immigration

Hiring in Switzerland demands precision and compliance with federal and cantonal laws—Deel Immigration handles it all so you don’t have to. Benefit from their end-to-end immigration management that covers everything from eligibility assessments to permit renewals, ensuring your hires meet Swiss salary and qualification thresholds without the administrative headache.

Deel’s personalized expert support means you have a dedicated team to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and optimize your applications for success. Plus, their accelerated processing options and real-time application tracking keep you informed and in control, reducing waiting times and increasing hiring velocity. Book your free consultation today to see how Deel Immigration can streamline your Swiss hiring process and keep your business compliant.