Non-EU work permit for Switzerland: requirements and salary

Switzerland admits only a limited number of workers from outside the EU/EFTA each year, and only highly qualified ones: managers, specialists and other qualified workers. Your future employer applies for the permit and has to show that no suitable person could be found in Switzerland or the EU/EFTA.

Checked against the official sources below on 2026-10-26. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.

  • Who applies: The employer, to the cantonal authority
  • Salary: Must match what is customary for the region, profession and sector
  • Quotas: Yes, set every year by the Federal Council
  • Final approval: State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)

Visa-sponsored jobs in Switzerland

22 visa-sponsored tech jobs in Switzerland on The Stack right now, from 7 companies, the latest posted on 2026-10-20. See all visa sponsorship jobs in Switzerland

Companies sponsoring

Who qualifies

  • Qualified workers: mainly people with a degree from a university or university of applied sciences and several years of professional experience. Depending on the field, special training plus several years of experience can also qualify.
  • Precedence: the employer must prove that, despite real effort, nobody suitable could be recruited from Switzerland or the EU/EFTA. Vacancies must be registered with the regional employment centres (RAV) and advertised via EURES.
  • Salary and employment conditions must match those customary in the region, profession and sector.
  • Your admission must be in the overall economic interest of Switzerland. Adaptability, language skills and age are also taken into account, and suitable accommodation must be available.
  • Exceptions exist, for example for transfers of senior managers and essential specialists within international companies, and for graduates of recognised Swiss universities.

How it works

  • The employer submits the application to the cantonal employment or immigration authority. If you need a visa, you also apply at the Swiss representation for your place of residence.
  • The canton takes a preliminary decision, then SEM gives the final approval. The employer pays SEM's fee for the decision.
  • With SEM's approval, the canton authorises the visa, which you collect from the Swiss representation.
  • You register at your place of residence within 14 days of arriving, and can only start work after registering.
  • The employment contract is signed by both sides with the clause that it applies only if the work permit is granted.

Official sources

Visa guides for other countries