People who come from third countries face more restrictions in Switzerland than their European counterparts do – including with work permits.
In a recent survey, The Local asked its readers what particular problems they are facing in Switzerland.
For one respondent, a national of a country outside the European Union and EFTA (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), the main challenge is having to renew his work contract and permit each year – and not knowing whether they will be extended.
“This situation of uncertainty creates lots of stress and mental fatigue,” he said.
It is clear that in this respect citizens of third countries are at a major disadvantage when compared to the easy path to Swiss residency and labour market that people from the EU/EFTA enjoy.
The quota-based permit system for non-EU/EFTA nationals is, on the other hand, much more restrictive, with a number of caveats attached -including having an in-demand skill that Switzerland’s current workforce cannot provide.
READ MORE: What do third-country nationals need to do to move to Switzerland?
It is true that B or L permits for people from third countries are typically issued for one year and – just like their employment contracts – need to be extended by the canton annually.
A work contract will be renewed only if it was not originally intended to be limited in time, and only of the employer still needs the services of a third-country national.
Among prerequisites for retaining a permit is proficiency in the language of the region as well as integration into Swiss society.
But is there a way for those from non-EU/EFTA states to obtain a work permit that doesn’t require annual renewal?
It is possible, though many specific requirements have to be fulfilled for that to happen.
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Exceptions to the rule
The best scenario for a third-country national (short of becoming naturalised) is being absolutely essential to Switzerland’s economy – that is, having a skill and professional qualification that no Swiss citizen or EU/EFTA national can provide.
Generally speaking, high-level executives and managers, IT and AI experts, university professors, researchers, as well as cryptocurrency specialists fall under this category.
Their work contracts and permits will be automatically renewed each year, for as long as they remain essential to the company and economy, and not replaceable by local talent.
Another way to ensure longterm/permanent residence, including permits that are renewable only every five years, is a C permit.
However, to be eligible for one, non-EU/EFTA nationals must live in Switzerland, continually, for 10 years.
READ MORE: How to fast track permanent residency in Switzerland
