Switzerland annually attracts tens of thousands of foreign workers with its high quality of life, stable economy and high income. Obtaining an employment visa in Switzerland is the first step towards career opportunities and a stable future in this country. Find out more about the cost and peculiarities of obtaining a Swiss work visa in 2024

A Swiss work visa is a document that gives foreigners the right to legally work and reside in Switzerland for a certain period of time. This type of visa allows foreign nationals to perform paid work in the country in accordance with the conditions specified in the visa and Swiss law. According to statistics, most labour migrants come to Switzerland from Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Bulgaria.

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Types of work visa in Switzerland

A Swiss work visa is a legal permit that allows foreign nationals to work in Switzerland for a certain period of time. Switzerland has a clearly regulated and structured process for issuing work visas for individuals based on various criteria, including the nature of the work, the duration of employment and the applicant's nationality.

Let us consider the main types of work visas in Switzerland:

1. Permit L: a short-term residence permit that allows you to work in Switzerland for up to one year;

2. Permit B: an initial or temporary residence permit for foreign workers, valid for one year, but renewable annually as long as the employment relationship exists;

3. Permit G: a cross-border movement permit for persons residing in neighbouring countries and working in Switzerland;

4. Permanent residence permit: a permanent residence permit that allows you to work without restrictions.

Peculiarities of obtaining a work visa in Switzerland

To apply for a work visa in Switzerland, you usually need to have some basic documents, such as a passport, an invitation from your employer, proof of financial stability, and others. The detailed list of documents may depend on the type of visa and individual circumstances of each applicant.

Basic requirements for obtaining a work visa:

1. A confirmed job offer from a Swiss employer;

2. Fulfilment of the annual quotas set for foreign workers, especially for non-EU/EFTA nationals;

3. For certain professions, priority is given to Swiss nationals and EU/EFTA nationals over non-EU/EFTA nationals.

The cost of an employment visa to Switzerland

Obtaining an employment visa to Switzerland can be complicated and involve significant costs, which vary depending on various factors. Here is a detailed analysis of the costs that usually need to be foreseen when applying for a Swiss work visa in 2024.

At the moment, the cost of a Swiss work visa is 88 Swiss francs. This is only the cost of the visa fee, which may be additionally burdened by other costs.

Upon arrival in Switzerland, it is necessary to convert the work visa into a residence permit. There is an additional fee for this service, which varies from canton to canton, but usually ranges from CHF 50 to CHF 65.

If your documents are not in one of the languages accepted by the Swiss authorities, you will need to have them professionally translated. Translation costs usually range from $0.10 to $0.20 per word.

Some documents may require notarisation, which may increase the cost of processing. The cost of notarisation usually ranges from $10 to $50 per document.

Some visa applications or supporting documents may be sent by courier to the relevant Swiss authorities or to a Swiss embassy or consulate. Domestic courier services usually cost between $10 and $25, while international services can cost between $35 and $100 or more.

Applicants are often required to show proof of travel insurance covering a certain amount in case of medical emergencies during their stay in Switzerland. The cost of such insurance can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the term and conditions of the insurance policy.

In general, obtaining a work visa to Switzerland requires preparing a financial basis to cover various expenses related to the visa application procedure and stay in the country.

Is it possible to avoid paying a visa fee in Switzerland?

Exemption from paying the full cost of an employment visa to Switzerland can be granted in several cases based on different criteria. Here is a detailed overview of the situations in which applicants can receive a visa fee waiver or discount:

Minor applicants: persons under the age of 18 may be exempted from paying the full visa fee or may receive a discount. These are measures aimed at supporting young people, especially those planning to study or return to their families in Switzerland;

Students and researchers: some students or researchers may be eligible for a visa fee waiver or discount. This may apply to students who work during their studies or researchers collaborating with Swiss academic institutions. These benefits are often established on the basis of international agreements concluded between Switzerland and other countries.

Charity workers and volunteers: persons coming to Switzerland for charity or volunteer work may also be eligible for visa exemptions. This may apply to religious leaders, representatives of non-profit organisations and other persons performing missionary tasks in Switzerland.

Can I work in Switzerland on a student visa?

International students are allowed to work in Switzerland, but there are certain rules that must be followed. With a student visa, you can work up to 15 hours per week during the semester.

During semester breaks or holidays, you can work full-time. However, it is important to note that this work permit usually does not start until six months after the start of your study programme.

Students are advised to consult with their respective educational institutions and cantonal immigration offices for any specific rules or restrictions.

Can I bring my family with me on a Swiss work visa?

Holders of an employment visa to Switzerland can bring their family members to the country under the family reunification programme. This applies to your spouse and children under the age of 18.

To do this, you must demonstrate the ability to financially support your family without recourse to public funds and have sufficient conditions for living in Switzerland.

The process involves applying for a family reunification visa for your dependants, which, if approved, will allow them to reside and, in some cases, work or study in Switzerland.

The duration and conditions of their stay will depend on the status of your work visa.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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