Swiss B permit, third-country national
Switzerland caps permits for non-EU nationals through annual federal quotas released to cantons. Employers must show the role could not be filled from the Swiss or EU labour market, so sponsorship is concentrated in pharma, banking and medtech.
Processing time
6-12 weeks, subject to quota availability
Potential residence pathway
Potential C permit route after 10 years
Employer sponsorship
Required
Job offer
Required
Salary threshold
Must match Swiss market rates for the role and canton
Cost
Employer covers cantonal fees
Permit duration
1 year, renewable annually
Criteria to verify
- University degree plus several years of specialist experience.
- Role classified as skilled and hard to fill locally.
- Salary and conditions matching local market rates.
Indicative employer steps
- Apply to the cantonal labour market authority for a quota place.
- Document the local recruitment effort.
- Register you with the commune on arrival.
Watch out for
- Quotas can run out later in the calendar year.
- Mandatory health insurance must be arranged within three months.
- Cantonal tax differences change net pay substantially.
General educational information only, not immigration or legal advice or an eligibility assessment. Rules change. Confirm current criteria, thresholds, fees and outcomes with the relevant authority or an independent qualified adviser before you act.