We are not immigration specialists and the below FAQ is our best attempt at answering common questions. We recommend consulting a migration law expert about your individual situation when in doubt.
You may also find further information at the government’s website.
Working in Switzerland
Anyone who wants to work in Switzerland but is not a Swiss citizen should contact the relevant authorities to find out about the conditions.
Basically, Switzerland makes following distinctions regarding the admission of foreign workers:
- Working people from EU/EFTA countries
- Persons from third countries
Different admission requirements apply to the two categories.
FAQ Immigration and residence permit
Unfortunately, many who are not a citizen of Switzerland, the EU or EFTA may have their residence permit tied to their employer. Losing a job can lead to legal uncertainty with regard to the residence status and the right to stay in Switzerland.
How can I find out whether my permit is tied to my employer?
This is normally marked on the back of your physical permit card. When in doubt, we recommend asking the cantonal immigration authorities about your case.
- EU/EFTA-Citizens do not have their permit tied to their employer.
- Non-EU/EFTA nationals usually have an L permit tied to their employer.
What happens to my residence permit if I lose my job and am an EU/EFTA citizen?
As an EU or EFTA citizen, your right to remain in Switzerland is not tied to a particular job. You have a right to remain in Switzerland until your permit expires and you can request an extension (see below) as long as you are still receiving unemployment insurance. Your permit may be revoked if you are receiving «Sozialhilfe» (social aid), that is welfare payments beyond unemployment insurance, for a considerable amount of time. The amount of time depends on how long you were a Swiss resident.
Other information:
- L permit: You may remain in Switzerland for up to 6 months for searching a job. Depending on your situation, you may have to apply for this right. We recommend contacting the cantonal immigration office promptly to clarify your situation.
- B permit: In the event of involuntary termination of employment after the first twelve months of residence, the right of residence of holders of an EU/EFTA residence permit expires within six months after termination of employment. However, you will have to apply for a permit as a job-seeker with the cantonal migration authorities.
- For employees who can claim unemployment benefit for more than six months, the right of residence expires six months after the end of this benefit. If your permit expires while you are unemployed and you still receive unemployment funds, you can apply for a permit extension, which will typically be granted.
What happens to my residence permit if I lose my job and am a third-country citizen (non-EU/EFTA national)?
You have to promptly inform the relevant immigration authorities. Failure to do so can lead to consequences such as permit revocation or refusal to renew the permit.
- If you have an L permit, which is usually tied to your employer, you will be asked to leave Switzerland on the last day of the permit’s expiration. If you find a new job in Switzerland, your new employer will have to apply for a new permit for you.
- If you have a B permit not tied to your employer, you will be allowed to switch to a new employer. Priority for Swiss/EU nationals («Inländervorrang») does not apply. Please confirm your status with the cantonal immigration office.
If your permit expires while you are unemployed and you still receive unemployment funds, you can apply for a permit extension, which will typically be granted.
What are options for self-employment or starting your own startup?
Change from employment to self-employment is subject to authorisation by the cantonal authorities. Non-EU citizens need a confirmation from the cantonal labor office that they are able to support themselves with a self-employment project, but this is needed only initially.
What happens if I lose my job when I have a C permit («Niederlassungsbewilligung»)?
The settlement permit C is unlimited and is issued without conditions.
Those affected do not lose their status or permit if they become unemployed, regardless of whether their citizenship is from the EU or not.
However, if they are dependent on social assistance for a longer period of time and to a considerable extent, this may be fulfilled and the permit may be revoked.
If the integration criteria are not met ( including participation in economic life, that is, holding a job or being in education), the settlement permit can be replaced by a residence permit (so-called «Rückstufung»).
My permit is running out and I cannot go back to my country of origin due to persecution of war. What can I do?
Depending on your personal situation, you may be eligible for an F permit («Vorläufig Aufgenommene»). It is provisory and granted to those who cannot return.
