Citizens of Ukraine need a work visa to be legally employed in Switzerland.

Work visa to Switzerland

Switzerland differs from many European countries in that you need to have a residence permit before you apply for a work visa. Your potential employer applies for the permit on your behalf. This means that you must have a job before applying for a Swiss visa.

An employment visa for Switzerland is a Schengen visa of category D for stays exceeding 90 days.

Requirements for obtaining a work visa to Switzerland

To be eligible for a Swiss work visa, you must meet the following requirements:

- Have a job offer in Switzerland

- Be a manager, specialist or highly qualified employee (i.e., have a university degree and several years of professional experience)

- You submit your application during the period when the annual quotas for obtaining a work permit are not filled

- There are no vacancies for this position in Switzerland or any other EU/EFTA country

- Your job offer provides for the same salary and working conditions as for a Swiss resident.

- For many vacancies, the authorities consider additional criteria such as language skills, the ability to integrate into Swiss society, the absence of criminal records, and the ability to support yourself and family members who come with you.

How to apply for a work visa to Switzerland

Once you have found a job in Switzerland, your employer applies to the immigration office of the local Swiss canton for a work permit. This gives you the right to live and work in Switzerland. The application is then sent to the SEM for approval.

You can start applying for a Swiss work visa through the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country as soon as you have found a job. However, you must obtain a work permit before you can apply for a visa. If your application for a work permit is successful, the cantonal migration authority will contact the embassy/consulate to issue the visa.

In addition to submitting a visa application, you must provide:

- A copy of your passport or valid travel document

- Confirmation of the job offer (e.g., offer letter, copy of the employment contract)

- Your resume and copies of your educational and professional qualifications in German, French, Italian or English (translated by an official translator if necessary)

Visa application processing usually takes about 8-10 weeks.

The cost of a work visa to Switzerland

A category D visa currently costs 88 Swiss francs. You may have to pay an additional fee (up to 50% of the standard price) if you need a visa on an expedited basis or outside of business hours. Payment is made together with the application.

Duration of a work visa to Switzerland

Swiss work visas are usually valid for one to five years. If you are working on a short-term contract of 12 months or less, you will most likely be issued a type L permit for one year without the right to renew. For contracts lasting longer than 12 months, you will receive a B permit, which can be renewed annually. After ten years of residence in Switzerland (or five years if you are from the EU/EFTA, USA or Canada), you can apply for a residence permit if you wish.

! You cannot enter Switzerland as a tourist and then apply for a job. If you want to work, you must leave Switzerland and then apply from your home country.

Useful resources

State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) - Swiss federal department that controls immigration and residence issues

Swiss Authorities Online - government portal with information in English

Links to visa applications

Cantonal Immigration and Employment Service - local authorities that issue permits and provide information on procedures

Starting a business in Switzerland for a foreigner involves several steps:

Business idea and market research: Start by developing a solid business idea and conducting thorough market research. Identify the target market, competition and potential demand for your product or service in Switzerland. Make sure your business idea is consistent with local regulations and cultural preferences.

Business structure: Determine the appropriate legal form for your business in Switzerland. The most common options are a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (GmbH) or joint stock company (AG);

Business Plan: Prepare a comprehensive business plan that includes your company's goals, strategies, financial projections, and market analysis. A well-prepared business plan is essential for obtaining financing, attracting investors, and demonstrating your commitment to the enterprise.

Choose a business name: Choose a unique and distinctive name for your business. Make sure that the chosen name is not used and does not violate trademark laws. You can check the availability of the name through the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property.

Financing and capital:Determine the financial resources needed to start and maintain your business in Switzerland. Consider financing options such as personal savings, loans, grants, venture capital, or government support programs. Prepare a detailed financial plan that includes start-up costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections.

Juridical and administrative requirements: Register your business with the relevant authorities. The registration process may vary depending on the legal structure you choose. As a rule, you need to register with the trade register (Handelsregister) of the canton (region) where your business will operate. You will also need to obtain a tax identification number (UID) from the Federal Tax Office.

Permits and licenses: Determine whether your business activity requires special permits or licenses. Certain industries, such as hospitality, catering, finance, and healthcare, may have additional regulatory requirements. Contact the relevant cantonal authorities or the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) for information on specific permits and licenses.

Tax obligations: Get familiar with the Swiss tax system and your tax obligations as a business owner. Switzerland has a complex tax system that includes federal, cantonal and municipal taxes. Consult a tax advisor to ensure compliance and optimize your tax strategy.

Hiring employees: If your business requires hiring employees, familiarize yourself with Swiss labor laws, employment contracts, social security contributions and mandatory insurance. Make sure you follow fair employment practices and fulfill all legal obligations as an employer.

Business visa

Switzerland offers various types of visas and permits for foreign nationals wishing to do business in the country. Specific visa requirements may vary depending on factors such as the purpose and duration of the stay, the type of business activity, and the applicant's nationality.

As a member of the Schengen zone, all citizens of Schengen countries can travel to Switzerland freely and without a visa.

Other groups of people who do not need a visa to enter Switzerland include citizens of EU or EEA countries.

In addition to these, citizens of some countries that are not members of the EU, EEA or Schengen area can also enter Switzerland without a visa by applying for a visa.

Below are some key points regarding business visas to Switzerland:

Short-term visa (type C visa): For short-term business trips or visits, citizens of certain countries may need a short-term visa, also known as a Schengen visa. This visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Switzerland and other Schengen member states for business purposes such as meetings, negotiations and conferences.

Temporary residence permit (type B): For long-term entrepreneurial activities, such as starting a company, conducting research or working as a self-employed person, a residence permit (type B) is usually required. This permit allows for stays longer than 90 days and can be valid for a certain period, usually up to five years.

Startup visa:Switzerland offers a special category of visas for innovative entrepreneurs who want to establish a startup in the country. The startup visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to develop and grow their startup idea in Switzerland. This requires a solid business plan, funding and support from a recognized Swiss organization or institution.

Self-employment permit: Foreign nationals wishing to work in Switzerland as private entrepreneurs, such as freelancers or consultants, can apply for a work permit. In order to obtain such a permit, it is necessary to demonstrate professional qualifications, a viable business plan and sufficient financial resources to ensure their own livelihood.

Local sponsorship

Depending on the canton (region) in which you plan to conduct business, you may need a local sponsor or a Swiss business partner who can vouch for your business and provide support during the application process. The requirements for a local sponsor may vary, so it is recommended that you contact the relevant cantonal authorities for specific information.

Documentation of business activity

To support your business visa application, you usually need to provide documentation related to your business activities. This may include a business plan, proof of financial resources, contracts, client or partnership agreements, and other relevant supporting documents.

Application process

Applications for a business visa are usually submitted to the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country or country of current residence. The application process involves filling out the required forms, providing supporting documents, paying the required fees, and attending an interview, if required.