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This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Swiss embassy or .

Entry requirements

If you鈥檙e going to Switzerland to work (or the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Switzerland is in the Schengen area. If you鈥檙e travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps 鈥榬olling鈥�.

If you鈥檙e staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Swiss authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

If you鈥檙e working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Switzerland. It includes a checklist of documents that you鈥檒l usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Swiss embassy or .

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• translated
• 鈥榣egalised鈥� (with an apostille)鈥痮r notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Switzerland, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Swiss authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you鈥檙e travelling to Switzerland for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

• running or attending job interviews
• going to court as a witness
• attending trade fairs or conferences (but not presenting)
• meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
• meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
• fact-finding visits
• negotiating, signing and executing deals or contracts
• touring a company facility
• leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

These activities are covered by the Schengen waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• health insurance that covers your stay
• proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip
• an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip

Check Switzerland鈥檚 exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they鈥檙e exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country鈥檚 authorities.

You may not need to go through Switzerland鈥檚 full work permit application process if you鈥檙e a:

• service provider, such as a management consultant, IT expert or engineer
• professional athlete participating in an international sports tournament
• stage artist in music, literature or performance

You may have to get some approvals so make sure you check.

Service providers

Self-employed and employed and workers transferred (posted) temporarily to a company in Switzerland can work for up to 90 days without a permit. The UK employer (company), or you if self-employed, needs to at least 8 days before the work starts.

The 90-day rule applies to the UK company, not the worker. It may be better to apply for a short-term work permit in some circumstances.

Professional athletes

You do not need a work permit if you鈥檙e taking part in an international sports tournament.

Stage artists

Stage artists may be able to work in Switzerland for up to 8 days without a visa or permit. This includes those working in literature, performance or visual arts, such as the circus or vaudeville theatre.

Employers can only allow so many employees to make use of this 8-day rule. You would need to check with the cantonal authorities if it鈥檚 possible for your work trip.

You can apply for a permit to work for up to 8 months. There鈥檚 a simplified application process for stage artists. The cantonal authorities can give you more information on the process and requirements.

Further checks

Exemptions are handled differently depending on the canton and your circumstances.

You should always check with the cantonal authorities before you start working in Switzerland.

If you鈥檙e not sure if you need a visa or permit you can get advice from the Swiss embassy or .

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit. The application forms and documents the Swiss authorities need to see can vary by local authority.

You鈥檒l need to check the exact rules and processes with the:

• Swiss embassy鈥痮谤鈥�
• authorities in the region (canton) you鈥檒l be working in

Taking your family

For the short-term permits listed in this guide your family will not be able to get dependant visas. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver rules.

Your family can get dependant visas if you have one of the long-term permits in this guide. Check with the Swiss embassy or .

Short-term permits

You need a short-term work permit if you鈥檙e in Switzerland for up to 4 months because you鈥檙e:

• providing services to a client in Switzerland
• working at a Swiss branch of a UK company

You need to apply for one of the following:

• 120-day work permit
• 4-month work permit

The rules and application process are the same for both but the Schengen waiver rules only apply to the 120-day permit.

You may also be able to get a short-term permit if you鈥檙e signing a short-term employment contract with a Swiss company. You鈥檒l need to check if this is possible with the Swiss authorities.

Long-term permits

You need to apply for a long-term work and residence permit if you鈥檙e working in Switzerland for more than 4 months because you鈥檙e:

• transferring to the Swiss branch of a UK-based company
• working for a Swiss company on a Swiss employment contract
• providing long-term services to a client in Switzerland

You need either a:

• L permit if you鈥檙e working for up to 24 months
• B permit if you鈥檙e working for more than 2 years

120-day work permit

This permit allows you to work in Switzerland for 120 days in a 12-month period. You still need to make sure you follow the鈥�Schengen visa waiver rules.

4-month work permit

This permit allows you to work in Switzerland for 4 consecutive months. The Schengen visa waiver rules don鈥檛 apply.

For both short-term permits you must:

• be paid a 鈥痶hat complies with the canton鈥檚 regulations
• have any assignment-related costs, such as accommodation, travel and food, paid for by your employer (in addition to your minimum salary)
• keep your UK employment contract
• be on UK payroll

To qualify, the authorities usually want to see that you have:

• 3 years鈥� relevant professional experience
• a university degree
• worked for your UK employer for at least 12 months

If you don鈥檛 meet these requirements you may still qualify as the Swiss authorities use their discretion when deciding, so it鈥檚 worth .

Both permits take 3 to 8 weeks to get. They cannot be extended. You may be able to convert them to a long-term permit if you need to work in Switzerland for longer.

How it works

You need to check with the Swiss authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a to the Swiss cantonal authorities.

2. You receive your work permit.

Application documents

Swiss authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed application form
• UK passport, valid for 6 months
• degree certificate
• CV
• employment contract with your UK employer
• contract or work order between the UK company and the Swiss client, if providing services
• job description
• assignment letter

L permit for up to 2 years

You need a L permit if you鈥檙e in Switzerland for up to 24 months because you鈥檙e:

• transferring to a Swiss branch of a UK company
• providing services to a client in Switzerland
• working on a fixed-term employment contract for a Swiss company

If you鈥檝e been offered a fixed-term contract your employer will need to complete a to make sure there are no other suitable candidates in Switzerland.

The number of L permits available is limited.

To qualify you must:

• have several years鈥� relevant professional experience 鈥� you鈥檒l need to check with your cantonal authority on the number of years
• have a university degree
• keep your UK employment contract, or have an offer of employment for a fixed-term contract with a Swiss company
• be on UK payroll if you keep your UK contract
• be on Swiss payroll for a fixed-term contract with a Swiss company
• be paid a that complies with the regulations in the canton where you鈥檒l be working

If you鈥檙e keeping your UK employment contract you must also:

• have worked for your UK employer for at least 12 months
• have any costs for accommodation, travel and food paid for by your UK employer (as well as your salary) for the first 12 months

You鈥檒l be able to start working in Switzerland within 4 to 6 weeks of applying. The L permit is valid for the duration of your employment, or assignment contract, for up to 1 year (or 2 years) and you can extend it.

If you have a spouse or any children under 18 they may be able to join you as dependants. Check with the Swiss embassy or .

How it works

You need to check with the Swiss authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. If you鈥檙e on a fixed-term contract your employer completes a before you sign the contract.

2. Your employer submits your to the Swiss cantonal authorities.

3. Once approved, you register with the local inhabitant鈥檚 office within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland. You can start working after this.

4. You attend a biometric data appointment.

5. You collect your L permit or you can receive it by post.

Application documents

Swiss authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
• marriage certificate, if married
• birth certificate for any children
• degree certificate
• CV
• employment contract with your UK or Swiss employer contract or work order between the UK company and the Swiss client if providing services
• job description
• assignment letter
• lease agreement for your accommodation in Switzerland

B permit for more than 2 years

You need a B permit if you鈥檙e working in Switzerland for more than 24 months.

The number of B permits available is limited.

To qualify you must:

• have several years鈥� relevant professional experience
• have a university degree
• have an offer of employment with a Swiss company or an assignment letter from your UK employer
• be on Swiss payroll if you鈥檙e employed by a Swiss company or on UK payroll if you鈥檙e working on an assignment
• be paid a that complies with the regulations in the canton where you鈥檒l be working

If you keep your UK employment contract, any costs for accommodation, travel and food must be paid for by your employer (as well as your salary) for the first 12 months.

You鈥檒l be able to start working in Switzerland within 4 to 6 weeks of applying. The B permit is valid for 1 to 2 years and you can extend it.

If you have a spouse or any children under 18 they may be able to join you as dependants. Check with the Swiss embassy or .

How it works

You need to check with the Swiss authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. If you鈥檙e on a fixed-term contract your employer completes a before you sign the contract.

2. Your employer submits your to the Swiss cantonal authorities.

3. Once approved, you register with the local inhabitant鈥檚 office within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland. You can start working after this.

4. You attend a biometric data appointment.

5. You collect your B permit or you can receive it by post.

Application documents

Swiss authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed application form
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months
• marriage certificate (if married)
• birth certificate for any children
• degree certificate
• CV
• employment contract with your UK or Swiss employer
• job description
• assignment letter (if on assignment)
• lease agreement for your accommodation in Switzerland

Self-employed work

There are very limited options for self-employed workers. Typically, a company needs to be legally established in Switzerland.

The authorities would only issue a permit if you can demonstrate that your company is going to have a positive impact on the Swiss market. For example, if it creates local jobs, tax revenue, or introduces new technology.

Swiss government guidance

Read official .

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Switzerland, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.