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-27/EFTA, i.e. citizens of the EU-25/EFTA (EU-17/EFTA plus EU-8) and citizens of Bulgaria and Romania (EU-2).
- Croatian nationals: Full freedom of movement for Croatian nationals was introduced in 2022. As a result of the sharp increase in the number of Croatian workers that year, the Federal Council decided to unilaterally activate the safeguard clause provided for in the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) and to reintroduce quotas in 2023 and 2024. As the safeguard clause can only be applied for a maximum of two consecutive years, Croation nationals have full access to the Swiss labour market since 1 January 2025.
If the number of Croatian workers exceeds a certain threshold again in 2025, Switzerland may once more invoke the safeguard clause and limit the number of permits, but only for the year 2026. This is because Croatia is subject to a transitional period of ten years, until 31 December 2026, after which date Croatian nationals will definitively benefit from full free movement of persons, in the same way as nationals of the other EU member states.
- 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)».
Information for Citizens of EU/EFTA countries
Guide for EU/EFTA citizens and relatives moving to Switzerland
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.
