Swiss Work Permit - L Permit (Short-Term Residence) - EU/EFTA Nationals
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- CHF 100-200 (varies by canton)
- Validity
- Up to 12 months, may be extended up to 24 months maximum
- Entry
- Multiple entry
EU/EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). No priority workforce or labor market test required. Employer must offer Swiss-standard working conditions and wages.
Eligibility
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Nationality
EU/EFTA nationals only.
Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
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Employment
Must have a valid employment contract with a Swiss employer for 3-12 months duration.
Required status: Employment contract for 3-12 months with Swiss employer
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Swiss employer gathers employment contract, company registration, and applicant's identification documents.
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Document submission
Employer submits L permit application to the cantonal migration authority where the job is located.
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Processing wait
Cantonal authority processes the application. EU/EFTA applications are typically processed faster.
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Visa collection
Employee enters Switzerland and registers at the communal registration office within 14 days. L permit card is issued.