Switzerland•Europe6-12 weeks
CHF 120 CHF
Varies by filing options
1 year (Renewable annually)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Employer-sponsored residence permit for non-EU/EFTA nationals, requiring proved labor market testing and annual quota availability (4500 allocations).
The B Permit is an employer-sponsored residence permit for highly qualified non-EU/EFTA workers in specialized sectors where domestic talent is unavailable. It requires a labor market test through the regional employment office and EURES. Annual allocation: 4,500 permits. Applicants typically need a university degree and several years of experience; the employer petitions.
The permit grants one-year residence (renewable annually) with full work authorization. Application fee typically CHF 100–550. Spouse may reside with restricted work rights; dependents allowed. Processing takes 6–12 weeks after cantonal screening and State Secretariat for Migration approval.
This visa is ideal for highly qualified specialists in tech, engineering, or finance whom Swiss employers cannot find domestically.
4500
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
SwitzerlandSwitzerlandMust be a highly qualified worker (manager, specialist, or professional with a university degree and several years of experience).
The employer must prove that no suitable candidate could be found in the Swiss or EU/EFTA labor market (priority of nationals).
The employment must be in the overall economic interest of Switzerland.
Salary and working conditions must be customary for the location, profession, and industry.
The application must be submitted by the employer to the cantonal authorities.
Must fall within the annual quotas set by the Federal Council for third-country nationals.
Must have a valid employment contract for more than one year.
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
3+ years
Cantonal application form (obtained from canton of intended residence)
Copy of valid passport
Curriculum vitae in tabular form
Proof of qualifications (education certificates and references, with certified translations if not in an official Swiss language or English)
Confirmation that vacancy was advertised with regional employment office (RAV) and EURES
Copies of job advertisements (professional journals, newspapers, online portals, social media)
Information on recruitment efforts in Switzerland and EU/EFTA area
Information on applications received and reasons candidates were not considered
Job description / duties and information about the company
Signed employment contract (minimum: employer signature, stating salary, benefits and expense arrangements)
| Cantonal work permit application form (canton-specific) | — |
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.
Start Visa Discovery