Federal Office for Migration

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Non member EU/EFTA

Go to page «Labour / Work permits»

Conditions for entering and staying in Switzerland

I would like to employ an au-pair from Mexico (or any other non-EU/EFTA member state). Which points do I need to pay attention to?

I am a citizen of a non-EU/EFTA state. As part of my studies, I am required to do on-the-job training, which I would like to do in Switzerland. Do I need a work permit/a residence permit for staying in the country?

I am a citizen of a non-EU/EFTA state in possession of an unlimited residence permit valid for an EU-/EFTA state. Do I need visa to work in Switzerland?

I am a citizen of a non-EU/EFTA state and have been offered employment in Switzerland. Can I now go to Switzerland and work there?

I am a non-Swiss citizen and would like to study in Switzerland. Whom should I apply to for a residence permit?

Procedure

I am a citizen of a non-EU/EFTA state and should like to work in Switzerland. Whom should I apply to for a residence permit for working purposes?

What documents need to accompany a request for a residence permit for working purposes?

How long does it take from the moment when an application is made until one can enter in to Switzerland and start on the job?

Social security (Old Age, Survivors’ and Disability Insurance, OASI/DI; Compulsory Pension Act, CPA; Accident Insurance Act AIA; etc.).)

When I get my pay slip from my employer each month showing the various social security contributions deducted, how can I check that the money has in fact been duly paid in?

Having worked in Switzerland for some time, I am leaving the country. Do I have a right of reimbursement of my accumulated OASI/DI benefits?

Family reunion

Sorry, for the time being, information on family reunion is available in German, French, and Italian only.

Chapter I.6 Directives AuG (Federal Act on Foreign Nationals)