We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Switzerland and how to get one if you do.
This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.
This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Swiss immigration authorities or embassy.
If you’re going to Switzerland to work (or the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.
If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-related things without needing a visa or work permit, such as attend business meetings.
These are usually covered by the Schengen visa waiver.
If you’re going for other types of work you may need a visa, work permit or residence permit.
The Swiss authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.
You must always check with the Swiss government before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.
If you’re working in more than one country you will need to check the entry rules of each country.
If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.
This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Switzerland. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.
It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Swiss authorities or embassy.
You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:
Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.
This guide uses the same terms used in Switzerland, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Swiss authorities.
You don’t need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Switzerland for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for:
These activities are covered by the Schengen waiver.
At the border, you may be asked to show:
Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.
All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.
You may not need to go through Switzerland’s full work permit application process if you’re a:
You may have to get some approvals so make sure you check.
Self-employed and employed service providers and workers transferred (posted) temporarily to a company in Switzerland can work for up to 90 days without a permit.
The UK employer (company), or you if self-employed, needs to notify the local cantonal authorities at least 8 days before the work starts.
The 90-day rule applies to the UK company, not the worker. It may be better to apply for a short-term work permit in some circumstances.
You do not need a work permit if you’re taking part in an international sports tournament.
Stage artists may be able to work in Switzerland for up to 8 days without a visa or permit. This includes those working in literature, performance or visual arts, such as the circus or vaudeville theatre.
Employers can only allow so many employees to make use of this 8-day rule. You would need to check with the cantonal authorities if it’s possible for your work trip.
You can apply for a permit to work for up to 8 months. There’s a simplified application process for stage artists. The cantonal authorities can give you more information on the process and requirements.
Exemptions are handled differently depending on the canton and your circumstances. You should always check with the cantonal authorities before you start working in Switzerland.
If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit you can get advice from the Swiss embassy.
This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit. The application forms and documents the Swiss authorities need to see can vary by local authority.
You’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with the:
For the short-term permits listed in this guide your family won’t be able to get dependant visas. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the visa waiver rules.
Your family can get dependant visas if you have one of the long-term permits in this guide.
You need a short-term work permit if you’re in Switzerland for up to 4 months because you’re:
You need to apply for one of the following:
The rules and application process are the same for both but the waiver rules only apply to the 120-day permit.
You may also be able to get a short-term permit if you’re signing a short-term employment contract with a Swiss company. You’ll need to check if this is possible with the Swiss authorities.
You need to apply for a long-term work and residence permit if you’re working in Switzerland for more than 4 months because you’re:
You need either a:
This permit allows you to work in Switzerland for 120 days in a 12-month period. You still need to make sure you follow the Schengen visa waiver rules.
This permit allows you to work in Switzerland for 4 consecutive months. The Schengen visa waiver rules don’t apply.
For both short-term permits you must:
To qualify, the authorities usually want to see that you have:
If you don’t meet these requirements you may still qualify as the Swiss authorities use their discretion when deciding, so it’s worth checking with them.
Both permits take 3 to 8 weeks to get. They can’t be extended. You may be able to convert them to a long-term permit if you need to work in Switzerland for longer.
You need to check with the Swiss authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
Your employer submits a work permit application to the Swiss cantonal authorities.
You receive your work permit.
Swiss authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
You need a L permit if you’re in Switzerland for up to 24 months because you’re:
If you’ve been offered a fixed-term contract your employer will need to complete a labour market test to make sure there are no other suitable candidates in Switzerland.
The number of L permits available is limited.
To qualify you must:
If you’re keeping your UK employment contract you must also:
You’ll be able to start working in Switzerland within 4 to 6 weeks of applying. The L permit is valid for the duration of your employment, or assignment contract, for up to 1 year. You can extend it.
If you have a spouse or any children under 18 they can join you as dependants. They’re not allowed to work.
You need to check with the Swiss authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
If you’re on a fixed-term contract your employer completes a labour market test before you sign the contract.
Your employer submits your L permit application to the Swiss cantonal authorities.
Once approved, you register with the local inhabitant’s office within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland. You can start working after this.
You attend a biometric data appointment.
You collect your L permit or you can receive it by post.
Swiss authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
You need a B permit if you’re working in Switzerland for more than 24 months.
The number of B permits available is limited.
To qualify you must:
If you keep your UK employment contract, any costs for accommodation, travel and food must be paid for by your employer (as well as your salary) for the first 12 months.
You’ll be able to start working in Switzerland within 4 to 6 weeks of applying. The B permit is valid for 1 year and you can extend it.
If you have a spouse or any children under 18 they can join you as dependants. They have the right to work if you have an unlimited employment contract. They’re not allowed to work if you only have a fixed-term employment contract.
You need to check with the Swiss authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
If you’re on a fixed-term contract your employer completes a labour market test before you sign the contract.
Your employer submits your B permit application to the Swiss cantonal authorities.
Once approved, you register with the local inhabitant’s office within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland. You can start working after this.
You attend a biometric data appointment.
You collect your B permit or you can receive it by post.
Swiss authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
There are very limited options for self-employed workers. Typically, a company needs to be legally established in Switzerland.
The authorities would only issue a permit if you can demonstrate that your company is going to have a positive impact on the Swiss market. For example, if it creates local jobs, tax revenue, or introduces new technology.
Read official Swiss government information on visas, work permits and residence permits.
European governments may update or change their rules without notice.
You should always check general travel advice for Switzerland, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.
Content reviewed. No changes made. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.
Added information to exemptions for stage artists who want to work for up to 8 days.
First published.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.