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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Swiss Work Residence Permit for Qualified Specialists (Permit B / L, non-EU/EFTA)

An employer-sponsored residence-and-work permit for non-EU/EFTA managers, specialists and other qualified workers, subject to federal quotas and the labour-market priority rule.

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Under review — check current rules

Annual federal quota numbers for third-country B and L permits are set each year and change; confirm the current year's figures on the SEM/ASEO ordinance before publishing any number.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Switzerland government website before you apply.
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Issued by
Cantonal migration/labour-market authority + SEM; D-visa via Swiss embassy
Permit type
Permit B (residence) or Permit L (short-term)
Who applies
The Swiss employer, before the job starts
Duration
B permit issued for 12 months, renewable annually; L usually up to 12 months
The permit is tied to the employer and job
Quota
Subject to annual federal maximum numbers (contingents)
Numerical quotas are set yearly by the Federal Council and change - verify the current year's figures
Eligible profile
Managers, specialists and other qualified workers only

Who it's for

  • Non-EU/EFTA nationals with a concrete job offer from a Swiss employer
  • Highly qualified people: managers, specialists, and workers with a degree plus experience or equivalent specialised skills
  • Intra-company transferees and other qualified staff Swiss firms cannot recruit locally or from the EU/EFTA

Requirements

  • A binding job offer / employment contract from a Swiss employer
  • The employer proves no suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate is available (labour-market priority)
  • The applicant is a manager, specialist or otherwise qualified worker
  • Pay and working conditions match local, sectoral and professional norms
  • The hire is in Switzerland's overall economic interest
  • A federal quota place is available
  • Adequate accommodation and health/accident insurance

What you can do

  • Live in Switzerland and work for the sponsoring employer in the approved role
  • Renew the B permit annually while the employment and conditions continue
  • Apply later for family reunification and, over time, work towards a settlement (C) permit
  • Change jobs or canton only with fresh authorisation from the authorities

How to apply

The Swiss employer submits the work-permit application to the cantonal labour-market authority, which assesses the priority rule, qualifications, pay and economic interest.

If the canton approves, the file goes to SEM for federal approval and a quota place. Once SEM issues the entry authorisation, the applicant collects a national (D) visa from the Swiss embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

After arrival the person registers with the commune and cantonal migration office, which issues the physical permit card. For third-country nationals the whole process commonly takes several weeks to a few months.

Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Signed employment contract / job offer
  • CV, diplomas and proof of professional experience
  • Employer's justification of the recruitment effort (priority rule)
  • Proof of accommodation in Switzerland
  • Passport photos and completed visa/permit application forms

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The Swiss employer must apply for the work and residence authorisation before you start; you only apply for the entry (D) visa once SEM and the canton have approved it.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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