Employer-sponsored residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU/EFTA professionals in Switzerland.
Estimated Cost
$1,000
Processing Time
~2 months
Validity
12 months
The B permit is the primary work and residence pathway for third-country nationals. It requires a job offer from a Swiss employer who must first demonstrate that no qualified Swiss or EU/EFTA national is available (labour market test). Applicants must be managers, specialists, or highly qualified workers, typically with a university degree and several years of relevant experience. Admission is subject to annual Federal Council quotas (4,500 B permits for non-EU/EFTA in 2026).
Average: 2 months
Path to Residency
Path to Citizenship
~12 years
Job offer from Swiss employer*
Signed employment contract with a Swiss employer, conditional on permit approval.
Labour market test*
Employer must prove no qualified Swiss, C-permit, B-permit holder, or EU/EFTA national could fill the role.
University degree*
Bachelor's degree minimum; master's preferred, plus several years of professional experience.
Salary parity*
Salary must meet cantonal and sectoral standards, equal to what a Swiss national in the same role would earn.
Proof of accommodation*
Evidence of housing in Switzerland.
Health insurance*
Swiss mandatory health insurance (KVG/LAMal) must be arranged within 3 months of arrival.
| Fee | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| National D visa (long-stay entry) | $107 | One-time |
| Cantonal B permit fee | $300 | Recurring |
| Document translation/notarisation | $150 | One-time |
| Estimated Total | $1,000 |