I. Main Visa and Work Permit Types

The table lists only the principal routes covered in this guide and is not an exhaustive list of all Swiss visa categories.

1. Short-Term Tourism and Business Visits

Chinese ordinary-passport holders travelling to Switzerland for a short tourism or business visit generally need an applicable Schengen Type C visa. Short Schengen stays are generally limited to a cumulative 90 days in any 180-day period, combining time spent across Schengen countries. Visa validity and the number of entries are not the same as the actual authorized stay. A short visit does not automatically grant work authorization, and activities exempt from a work permit must still meet Swiss conditions.

Whether an activity qualifies as a visit must be assessed by reference to the actual work performed, not merely the itinerary label or where salary is paid. Installation, repair, training, and on-site client services should be reviewed carefully to determine whether a work permit or specific exemption is required.

2. EU/EFTA Short-Term Work Notification

This procedure applies where an EU/EFTA citizen is employed by a Swiss employer for no more than three months, or where an EU/EFTA business posts personnel or a self-employed person provides services for up to 90 working days per calendar year.

Before filing, confirm the worker’s nationality, employer location, nature of service, accumulated working days, and industry. A posted service generally must be notified at least eight days before work begins, while specified industries require notification from the first day. A Swiss employer hiring an EU/EFTA worker for a short period must notify no later than the day before work begins. A non-EU/EFTA employee posted by an EU/EFTA service provider generally must also have been lawfully and permanently admitted to the EU/EFTA labour market for at least 12 months.

The procedure is limited by working days per calendar year or the three-month period and does not create an L or B residence permit. Work may be performed only for the notified activity, location, and period. A change of employer, service contract, location, or days requires the notification to be updated or the case to be reassessed first. The work ends when the assignment ends. Before exceeding the limit or where EU/EFTA service conditions are no longer met, a cantonal permit must be obtained.

3. L/B Work and Residence Permit for Skilled Third-Country Nationals

This route is for third-country managers, specialists, and other highly qualified personnel hired by a genuine Swiss employer, with initial review by the cantonal migration authority and approval from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

The employer must demonstrate that the hire serves Switzerland’s economic interests, that sufficient recruitment was conducted in Switzerland and the EU/EFTA market, that salary and working conditions meet local or industry standards, and that an annual quota is available. The applicant should in principle be a manager, specialist, or other qualified skilled worker whose education, experience, and proposed role closely correspond. The employer must have a Swiss domicile or registered address and submit the application.

An L permit is generally used for a short stay of no more than one year, while a B permit is generally used for residence exceeding one year. The actual period remains limited by the contract, quota, and approval. Registration must be completed within 14 days after entry and before work begins.

For renewal, the cantonal authority reassesses the contract, quota, and other conditions. Changing employment on an L permit is more restrictive and requires cantonal approval. A B permit is generally more flexible, but any additional conditions must still be checked. There is no nationwide grace period applicable to every employment termination. A new employer application, the remaining permit period, or departure arrangements should be addressed promptly.

II. Entry, Dependants, and Other Arrangements

Visas, work approvals, and residence documents should correspond to the actual activities and to one another’s validity periods. The EU/EFTA short-term notification procedure does not create stable accompanying-family residence or work rights. Family members should rely on the appropriate visitor or independent residence and work basis.

Family reunification and work rights for dependants of a skilled third-country national holding an L or B permit depend on the principal applicant’s permit type, nationality, and the cantonal authority’s decision. Approval of the principal applicant does not by itself mean that dependants may work. Study, transit, and other personal statuses must also satisfy their own conditions.

III. Extensions, Changes, Employment Termination, and Status Maintenance

IV. Support Available From sailglobal

If you plan to send personnel to Switzerland for business visits, local employment, short-term projects, or accompanying-family arrangements, contact sailglobal to understand the applicable route and filing requirements based on the individual’s status, duties, and itinerary.

Visa, work-permit, and residence applications are decided independently by the relevant authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee an approval outcome or a fixed issuance date.