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Relocation guide

Move to Switzerland as an EU/EFTA citizen

EU and EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. You can enter Switzerland without a visa, take up employment, and obtain a residence permit that doubles as your work permit. This guide walks you through the official steps.

General information only — rules can vary by canton and change over time. Always confirm details with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and your local commune before you move.

What you need to know first

Switzerland is not in the EU, but EU/EFTA citizens enjoy simplified access under bilateral agreements. There are no annual quotas for EU/EFTA workers, and you do not need a pre-entry visa.

  • Valid passport or national ID card from an EU or EFTA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway).
  • A written employment contract (or proof of self-employment) before a residence permit is issued.
  • Registration at your commune within 14 days of arrival — and before starting work if you stay longer than three months.
  • Mandatory Swiss health insurance within three months of taking up residence.

Short assignments — up to 3 months (90 days per year)

For temporary work of up to three months in a calendar year, EU/EFTA nationals do not need a residence permit. The work must be notified to the cantonal authorities instead.

  1. 1

    Confirm your assignment length

    This path applies if you will work in Switzerland for 90 days or fewer in the same calendar year — for example seasonal or project-based roles.

  2. 2

    Employer submits the online notification

    Your Swiss employer notifies the cantonal authority via the SEM online notification system. Posted workers and self-employed service providers must submit the form at least eight days before work begins. Direct hires by a Swiss company notify on the first day of work.

  3. 3

    Bring valid ID and your contract

    You may enter and work with your EU/EFTA passport or ID card. Keep your employment contract and notification confirmation accessible during the assignment.

  4. 4

    Apply for a permit if you stay longer

    If the assignment exceeds 90 days, or you already used your permit-free days, you must register with the commune and apply for an L or B residence permit before continuing to work.

Long-term employment — more than 3 months

If you relocate to Switzerland for a job lasting more than three months, follow these steps after securing your position.

  1. 1

    Secure a signed employment contract

    Your employer must provide a written contract stating duration, working hours, and role. Workero helps you connect with Swiss companies looking for skilled workers across Europe.

  2. 2

    Enter Switzerland with valid ID

    No visa is required for EU/EFTA nationals. Travel with your passport or national ID card. You may also enter to job-search for up to three months without a permit, but you cannot work without proper authorisation.

  3. 3

    Find housing in your commune of residence

    You will register where you actually live — typically proven with a rental agreement or confirmation from your landlord. Your permit is tied to your canton of residence.

  4. 4

    Register at the commune within 14 days

    Visit the residents' registration office (Einwohnerkontrolle / contrôle des habitants) within 14 days of arrival and before your first day of work. Bring your ID, employment contract, and proof of address.

  5. 5

    Receive your L or B permit

    The commune forwards your application to the cantonal migration office. An L permit is issued for contracts under one year; a B permit for one year or longer (valid up to five years). Your residence permit is also your work permit.

  6. 6

    Take out Swiss health insurance

    Basic health insurance is mandatory within three months of registering in Switzerland. Compare providers on ch.ch and register with a Krankenkasse / caisse maladie.

  7. 7

    Complete social security registration

    Your employer registers you with the AHV/AVS social security system. Open a Swiss bank account for salary payments and keep your permit card with you — employers and authorities may ask to see it.

Residence permit types

EU/EFTA permits are issued based on your employment situation. These are the most common categories for workers.

L permit — short-term

For employment contracts of less than 12 months. Valid until the contract ends. Renewable if employment continues.

B permit — residence

For contracts of one year or more, self-employment, or sufficient financial means. Valid for five years (or contract duration). Allows you to change employers and cantons freely within EU/EFTA rules.

G permit — cross-border commuter

If you live in a neighbouring EU/EFTA country and work in Switzerland, returning home at least once a week. Applied for by your employer through the canton where you work.

Checklist after arrival

  • 1.Register with the commune and collect your permit card when ready.
  • 2.Enrol in mandatory basic health insurance within three months.
  • 3.Open a Swiss bank account for salary and rent payments.
  • 4.Update your address if you move — notify both old and new communes.
  • 5.If bringing household goods from abroad, check customs rules with the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security.
  • 6.After five years of continuous residence, EU/EFTA nationals may apply for a C settlement permit (permanent residence).

Official resources

Use these government sources for the latest rules, forms, and cantonal contact details.

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Move to Switzerland for work — EU/EFTA guide | Workero