Moving to Switzerland
Switzerland offers 5 visa pathways in 2026, including 3 routes to permanent residence. Government fees start at $106, and the fastest options are processed in as little as 1 month.
Switzerland runs a dual immigration system. Citizens of EU and EFTA countries benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, while third-country nationals face strict annual quotas and must be highly qualified. Salaries and living standards are among the highest in the world.
- ✦Free movement and simplified residence permits for EU/EFTA citizens.
- ✦Quota-based system for highly qualified third-country nationals (8,500 permits in 2026).
- ✦Standard permits are Short-term (L), Resident (B), and Settled (C).
- ✦High standard of living with excellent healthcare, safety, and infrastructure.
What skilled worker visas does Switzerland offer?
(5)B Permit (Resident Foreign Nationals) for EU/EFTA
B Permit (EU/EFTA)
A residence permit for EU/EFTA nationals with an employment contract of at least one year or who are self-employed.
L Permit (Short-Term Residents) for EU/EFTA
L Permit (EU/EFTA)
A short-term residence permit for EU/EFTA nationals with an employment contract from 3 months up to 1 year.
C Permit (Settled Foreign Nationals) for EU/EFTA
C Permit (EU/EFTA)
A permanent settlement permit granted to EU/EFTA nationals after five years of regular and uninterrupted residence in Switzerland.
B Permit (Resident Foreign Nationals) for Third-State Nationals
B Permit (Third-State)
A residence permit for highly qualified non-EU/EFTA nationals with a concrete job offer, subject to strict annual quotas and labour-market priority.
L Permit (Short-Term Residents) for Third-State Nationals
L Permit (Third-State)
A short-term residence permit for highly qualified non-EU/EFTA nationals with limited-duration employment contracts, subject to annual quotas.
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