Living and working in Switzerland

Switzerland does not distinguish between residence and work permits – but there are different types of permit based on the validity period. The admittance of foreign labor is governed by a dual system: The Free Movement of Labor Act gives EU/EFTA citizens free access to the Swiss labor market, while non-EU citizens require a separate permit.

Thanks to a bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the European Union about the free movement of persons, EU/EFTA citizens (*1) are exempt from seeking a work permit. EU/EFTA citizens receive a residence/work permit by submitting a Swiss employment contract to the residents’ registration office of their place of residence. Citizens of the new EU accession countries (*2) are an exception, and continue to be subject to authorization during a transition period which runs through April 2011.

Gainful employment by any non-EU citizens is subject to authorization. Usually, the employer submits a request for authorization to the responsible cantonal authority. The employer must prove that despite extensive efforts, no suitable worker could be recruited from within Switzerland.


FOM – Federal Office for Migration

Registration of new residents

New residents must register with the residents’ registration office («Einwohnermeldeamt») of their place of residence within eight days; in the city of Zürich, this is handled by the local regional office («Kreisbüro»). EU/EFTA citizens require a valid passport or ID card, two passport pictures, a certificate of employment (copy of the employment contract) from the employer as well as a certificate of occupancy (copy of the rental contract) from the landlord. Non-EU/EFTA citizens also require a residence/work permit.

Personal belongings, pets and domestic staff

Personal belongings include household items as well as all sorts of collections, animals and vehicles. These may be brought into Switzerland duty-free, taking into account the relevant customs formalities. The sole condition: the items being brought in must have been personally owned for at least six months prior to the move, and continue to be used for personal purposes after the move.

FCA – Swiss Federal Customs Administration

Vehicles from EU/EFTA states (cars, motorcycles) can easily be brought in to Switzerland and used with foreign plates for the first twelve months. After this period expires, the vehicles must be registered in Switzerland. Vehicles from non-EU/EFTA states are subject to customs payment upon entry and may have to be technologically adapted.

Pets (dogs and cats) may be brought in without a separate permit provided they received their rabies shots at least 30 days and no more than a year before entering the country. Other, smaller animals such as birds and guinea pigs do not require vaccination. The import and ownership of exotic animals protected under CITES (Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species) is subject to authorization and may be prohibited by law.

Maids or domestics are subject to the same residence/labor permit laws as their employers. Hiring an «au pair» requires authorization and is limited to a maximum period of 18 months. Switzerland only allows au pairs from the EU/EFTA states and North America (USA and Canada).