Whether you intend to visit as a tourist or plan to work in Switzerland (or accompany someone who does, e.g. as a partner or family member), makes a huge difference. Switzerland has a dual system for granting foreign nationals access to the Swiss labour market.
Anyone who works during his/her stay in Switzerland or who remains in Switzerland for longer than three months requires a permit. Residence permits are issued by the Cantonal Migration Offices. A distinction is made between short-term residence permits (less than 1 year), annual residence permits (limited) and permanent residence permits (unlimited).
Currently the same conditions apply to all citizens of member states of the EU/EFTA.
Entry and stay
If you are an EU/EFTA citizen, you may enter Switzerland without a visa and stay for up to 90 days without a residence permit, provided you do not take up employment. If you work for up to 3 months per calendar year, you must use the online notification procedure. For employment lasting 3–12 months, you need an L permit, and for employment of more than 12 months or open‑ended contracts, you need a B permit.
Employment and job seeking
You may change employers freely. If you lose your job, you may remain in Switzerland while you look for new employment. As a job seeker, you can obtain an L permit without gainful activity for up to one year.
Residence without employment
You may reside in Switzerland without working if you can demonstrate sufficient financial means and hold valid health insurance.
Cross‑border commuting and service provision
You may work in Switzerland while living in a neighbouring country if you return home at least once a week. If you provide services, you may work in Switzerland for up to 90 days per calendar year using the notification procedure.
Family reunification and visas
You may bring close family members—regardless of their nationality—if you meet the housing and financial requirements. You do not need a visa to enter Switzerland; non‑EU/EFTA family members may require one depending on their nationality.
More information
To support these core principles with more detailed guidance, the following official resources provide comprehensive information on entry, residence, and employment conditions for EU/EFTA nationals in Switzerland.
- Information for Citizens of EU/EFTA countries
- Residence permits for EU/EFTA nationals
- Guide for EU/EFTA citizens and relatives moving to Switzerland
Special remarks for Croatian and UK nationals:
- Croatian nationals: Switzerland has granted full free movement of persons to Croatian nationals. Since the issuance of L and B permits in 2025 stayed below the defined thresholds, the safeguard clause was not activated for 2026, ending the transitional period. Croatian nationals can now live and work in Switzerland without quotas and follow the same entry and residence procedures as other EU/EFTA citizens.
- UK nationals: The Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU no longer applies with the UK from 1 January 2021. From this date, UK nationals are no longer EU/EFTA nationals, but are considered third country nationals. Information on Brexit and the agreement with the UK on acquired citizens’ rights can be found under «United Kingdom (Brexit)».
From the moment you cross the border to take up residence in Switzerland, you have 14 days in which to register with the authorities in your commune. As a rule, the commune will then send your papers to the appropriate cantonal authority, which will deal with your application and issue the residence permit. Please present the following documents:
valid passport (for yourself and for each member of your family accompanying you)
certificate from your health insurance provider (which proves that you are a member of a recognized health insurance scheme)
rental contract or sublease agreement
registry office documents (e.g. family record book, marriage certificate, birth certificates of minor children, etc.)
employment contract/confirmation of enrollment at a university
Biometric residence permits for foreign nationals: Since joining Schengen on 12 December 2008, Switzerland has been issuing a new credit card-sized identity document for foreign nationals. lt is issued to people in Switzerland who are not nationals of the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Member States, or who are not in Switzerland by virtue of the Free Movement of Persons Agreement. The biometric identity document indicates the foreigner's status in Switzerland and, together with a valid national passport, entitles the holder to travel throughout the Schengen area without a visa.
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Crossing Swiss boarder
If you have to clear Swiss customs on entering you should be aware of certain formalities.
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Bringing pets and plants
Anyone planning to travel with pets and plants should complete the formalities in advance.
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Importing vehicles
No import tax is payable on vehicles which you have owned for more than six months, but a completed clearance request form for moving purposes must be submitted.
