Work permit for non-EU/EFTA nationals
Who it's for: Highly qualified non-EU/EFTA people, such as managers and specialists, when the employer shows no suitable worker is available in Switzerland or the EU/EFTA.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 3 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: Yes
- Minimum education: Bachelor's degree
- Decision time: 8 weeks
What the official pages say
3 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededYesOfficial wording
“First of all, you need a firm job offer from a Swiss employer.”
Minimum educationBachelor's degreeOfficial wording
“This means, essentially, that you should have a degree from a university or an institution of higher education, as well as a number of years of professional work experience.”
Decision time8 weeksOfficial wording
“In general, in our experience you should expect to wait six to eight weeks for your file to be processed fully.”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Work experience; Language; Age limit; Money to show; Main fee; Salary threshold; Family can join; Can lead to permanent residence; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other work with a sponsor routes in Switzerland
All visa types in Switzerland
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
Switzerland visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.