Switzerland
September 2010
This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Switzerland. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article or may have been inaccurately characterized in it. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.
BUSINESS VISITOR
Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:
- Attending business meetings or discussions
- Making sales calls to potential clients provided that the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of Switzerland
- Attending seminars or "fact-finding" meetings
Type of Business Visas – The Visa type will depend on the nationality of the traveler. The following are examples of the types of business visa that are available to the business traveler.
- Schengen C Visa
Basic Requirements –
- Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
- Good health and character;
- Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Switzerland;
- No intention to permanently reside in Switzerland;
- A ticket for onward travel from Switzerland;
- Proof of funds.
Estimated Processing Times – This varies by diplomatic post and country.
Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Switzerland for up to 90 days out of 180 days during the visa validity period. Visas cannot be extended in country.
Typical Documents Required –
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:
- a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases
- a valid visa or authority to enter Switzerland
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
Basic Requirements - The principal visa category for temporary employment in Switzerland is the Work Permit (L or B) This is a category for employers to sponsor approved skilled workers to work in Switzerland on a temporary basis.
Who is this visa for? - This visa is for employers who would like to employ overseas workers to fill highly specialized or managerial positions in Switzerland.
Process Overview - The process for obtaining work and residence authorisation for skilled workers is jurisdictional and involves a fthree step process summarized below.
- Work permit (L or B) application
- Type D visa application
- Local Registration
Various stakeholders are involved and approval is usually required from the cantonal labor market authority, the Federal Office for Immigration and the cantonal immigration authority.
Estimated Processing Time – six to eight weeks, depending on canton.
Validity periods - With this visa you can employ overseas workers for up to twelve months. Permits are renewable.
Family Members -Secondary/ family dependants of B permit holders can work. Secondary/ family dependants of L permit holders can work but must make an additional application for approval.
