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Working in Switzerland
EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals are subject to different conditions.The agreement on the freedom of movement between Switzerland and the EU entitles people to enter the country and stay, and to take up employment. Full freedom of movement is only being introduced gradually however: For citizens from the EU15, Cyprus, Malta and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) full freedom of movement has been in place since 1 June 2007; a residence permit is still required. For the countries of central and eastern Europe which joined the EU in 2004 (EU8), transitional rules apply concerning access to the labour market (until 2011). For Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the EU in 2007, these transitional rules are expected to apply until 2014. In their case, the priority for Swiss nationals and wage and working conditions will be examined. Information regarding procedures and the issue of permits can be obtained from the cantonal migration authorities and local authorities. The brochure entitled ‘EU citizens in Switzerland’ contains all of the important information on the applicable rules.
The gradual extension of the freedom of movement to citizens of Bulgaria and Romania is expected to commence in the course of 2009.
The gradual extension of the freedom of movement to citizens of Bulgaria and Romania is expected to commence in the course of 2009.
Eures, the European job mobility portal, has useful information and services for persons who would like to take advantage of the opportunities of the Freedom of Movement Agreement. EuresInfo Switzerland provides specific information for people who want to live and work in Switzerland.
Gainful employment of third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA) is subject to different requirements. As far as legislation is concerned, authorisation is at the discretion of the authorities.
- Authorisation is only possible within fixed quotas.
- National employees and members of states with which Switzerland concluded a free movement agreement, have precedence on the Swiss labour market. Third-country nationals can only be employed if there is no-one suitable from Switzerland or an EU / EFTA country to fill the post.
- National employees and members of states with which Switzerland concluded a free movement agreement, have precedence on the Swiss labour market. Third-country nationals can only be employed if there is no-one suitable from Switzerland or an EU / EFTA country to fill the post.
- Personal requirements must be met. The following people are authorised to work: executives, specialists as well as other qualified workers, who primarily include persons with university or polytechnic qualifications and several years of professional experience. Depending on the profession or specialisation, persons with special technical training and several years of professional experience may also be authorised to work. The issuing of residence permits is based not only on professional qualifications, but also on integration criteria. A person's ability to adapt professionally and socially, their language skills and age should be such that there is a strong likelihood of long-term integration in the Swiss employment market and the society.
- Salary and working conditions must be the same as for Swiss nationals.
As a rule, self-employment is only allowed if you have a permanent residence permit (C permit). Foreign nationals are only permitted to pursue self-employment, if this employment satisfies overall economic interests and if the necessary financial and operational requirements are met. In addition, personal requirements must be met and suitable housing must be available.
The Federal Office for Migration (FOM) gives comprehensive information on all provisions regarding access to the Swiss job market for third-country nationals. You should contact the cantonal immigration and labour market authorities for applications in this regard.
