Procedure

Stay of more than 4 months

Stay of more than 4 months

Stay of less than 4 months

Stay of less than 4 months
Application submission The employer submits the application documents to the cantonal employment or immigration authority. Employees requiring a visa must also submit an application to the Swiss representation abroad that is responsible for their place of residence.
Application documents
Cantonal immigration and employment market authorities
Application screening The competent cantonal authority (employment or immigration office) screens applications on the basis of the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act and takes a preliminary decision. Applications approved by the canton must be submitted to SEM for final approval.
Application screening SEM

reviews applications according to admission criteria that apply to the whole of Switzerland. The applicant and employee as well as the cantonal authorities receive the official decision from SEM, which is subject to a fee that is payable by the employer. This official decision does not permit the employee to enter Switzerland yet.

Issuance of visa The cantonal immigration authority issues electronic visa authorisation to the Swiss representation abroad for those who require a visa, based on SEM's approval. The visa can then be collected from the representation.
Registration The employee registers with the competent authority at their place of residence in Switzerland within 14 days of entering the country. The employee can only begin work after he or she has registrered.

Last modification 22.12.2020

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