Switzerland is not in the EU, and it runs one of Europe’s most distinctive immigration systems: free movement for EU and EFTA citizens, but firm annual quotas for everyone else. This guide explains the rules for foreign workers in plain English.

Quota places are limited, so always confirm current availability before you act.

The Big Picture

Switzerland uses a two-track system. Citizens of the EU and EFTA benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons: no quotas and no labour market test, just registration once employed. Everyone else, including UK nationals since Brexit, faces quotas, a labour market test, salary thresholds, and a multi-step approval involving both the canton and the federal State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

The 2026 Quotas

For 2026, the Federal Council kept the quotas unchanged, and the revised admission ordinance took effect on 1 January 2026. The figures are:

• Non-EU/EFTA nationals: 4,000 short-term L permits and 4,500 long-term B permits.
• EU/EFTA nationals on assignment (posted workers): 3,000 L and 500 B permits.
• UK nationals: 1,400 L and 2,100 B permits.

The quotas are released in four quarterly instalments from January, and in recent years they have not been fully used.

How Non-EU Hiring Works

For non-EU/EFTA workers, the employer must show genuine economic interest, prove that no suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate could fill the role, and offer pay that meets the customary local and cantonal wage. Approval needs both cantonal and federal sign-off. Permit types include the L (short-term), B (residence), C (permanent settlement, generally after ten years, or five for some nationalities), and G (cross-border commuter).

What Foreign Workers and Employers Should Do

• For EU/EFTA staff, register the employment locally.
• For non-EU hires, apply early before quota places run low.
• Prepare recruitment evidence and a salary benchmark for the labour market test.
• Budget for employer social-security costs on top of gross salary.

Quick Summary

1. EU and EFTA citizens have free movement, with no quota or labour market test.
2. Non-EU/EFTA quotas for 2026 are 4,000 L and 4,500 B permits, unchanged.
3. UK nationals have their own quota of 1,400 L and 2,100 B permits.
4. Non-EU hiring needs a labour market test and cantonal plus federal approval.