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  1. Overview: Switzerland
  2. Global PEO and payroll
  3. Global HR Compliance
  4. Work Permit for Hiring Expats via EOR & PEO
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Immigration & Work Permit Support for Hiring Expats in Switzerland

For companies looking to hire and manage expatriate employees in Switzerland, leveraging a Global Employer of Record (EOR) or a Global Professional Employer Organization (PEO) with comprehensive work permit support can be an advantageous alternative to establishing a corporate entity in the country. Acumen International offers an end-to-end solution that not only navigates the immigration procedures in Switzerland but also facilitates the onboarding and payroll management of your expatriate workforce.

Acumen International specializes in hiring and managing expatriates in Switzerland for short-term and long-term engagements. Our services ensure companies can legally hire and compensate expatriate employees in Switzerland in full compliance with local labour legislation.

Acumen International: Your Partner in Expat Hiring and Management

Comprehensive Work Permit Support

Acumen International guides employers and expatriate employees through each step of the immigration procedure in Switzerland. After the work permit or visa is secured, Acumen will formally onboard and manage the payroll of your expatriate employees on your behalf.

Who Can Benefit?

  • Employer Companies: Organizations looking to relocate selected employees to Switzerland.
  • Individual Employees: Individuals whose employer is willing to support their immigration and employment in Switzerland.
  • Note: This service benefits companies seeking to deploy highly skilled personnel to fulfil key positions in Switzerland.

Advantages of Using a Single Provider

Utilizing a single provider like Acumen International, which sponsors work permits or visas and then employs expatriates in Switzerland, minimizes the risk of visa rejection and alleviates the burdens associated with the immigration process.

Additional Benefits with Acumen International Immigration Support in Switzerland

What sets Acumen International apart from other global PEOs is the array of additional benefits that can be availed alongside the work permit for further facilitation of expatriate employment in Switzerland. These benefits include:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Housing Assistance
  • Office Space Rental
  • Mobile Phone Provision
  • Vehicle Provision
  • Meet-and-Greet Services
  • Dependent Relocation Assistance

By partnering with Acumen International, companies can focus on their core business objectives while we handle the complexities associated with expatriate hiring, work permits, and relocation in Switzerland. Our tailored solutions ensure seamless integration and management of your global workforce in Switzerland.

Disclaimer: we are not an immigration service! We do not provide a work permit and immigration support as a standalone solution to individuals willing to find jobs overseas.

Tailored Business Immigration Solutions in Switzerland

Navigating through the intricate and ever-evolving immigration and employment environment in foreign countries can be formidable, especially when grasping the intricacies of HR and local labour laws. At Global EOR, we offer bespoke business immigration solutions to help companies attract, retain, and effectively manage top talent in Switzerland. Our expertise extends to tailored business visas, work permits, and residence permits, meticulously curated to meet clients’ needs.

Our team understands Swiss labour, immigration, tax, and other regulatory requirements for different permits. We can proficiently guide clients through the entire trajectory, from application to renewal. Multinational companies with intense global operations that join forces with us can be assured of fulfilling all legal and compliance obligations while mitigating the administrative load.

Work Permit Sponsorship for Foreign Employees in Switzerland

Our Global Employer of Record solution streamlines securing work permits for your foreign employees in Switzerland. We can sponsor visas and work permits for any number of employees, regardless of location, and reduce the efforts and costs associated with managing an international workforce.

Comprehensive Immigration Support in Switzerland

Our all-encompassing business immigration support conserves organizational resources while ensuring compliance with legal requisites. We present bespoke social business immigration packages for global talent, ensuring they face no immigration, labour, or tax compliance hurdles upon arrival in Switzerland.

Business Immigration Consultancy in Switzerland

We assist in pinpointing and handling immigration risks and opportunities within your business in Switzerland. Our specialists will collaborate with you to devise a tailored immigration strategy that aligns with your business goals while guaranteeing compliance with all pertinent immigration regulations.

Global Mobility Made Easy: Partnering with a Global Employer of Record

Acumen International, a leading Global Employer of Record, is your reliable ally in manoeuvring the challenging immigration protocols in Switzerland, ensuring smooth onboarding and seamless payroll administration for your expatriate workforce. With our unmatched expertise in global mobility and PEO solutions, you can confidently staff your international assignments in Switzerland, free from the complexities and financial risks typically associated with hiring expatriate personnel.

Our experts specialize in global employment and business immigration, providing a comprehensive solution tailored to streamline the process of obtaining work permits for your international employees in Switzerland. We are adept in the timelines and requirements stipulated by the Swiss immigration authorities, ensuring prompt and efficient processing of work permit applications.

By opting for Global EOR, you avail yourself of our extensive knowledge and experience, empowering you to stay compliant with immigration regulations and seamlessly integrate your international talent into your operations in Switzerland. We recognize the importance of a smooth and efficient immigration process, enabling you to concentrate on your core business objectives while we tackle the complexities of work permits in Switzerland.

Challenge Solution
Navigating complex global employment laws and regulations A Global EOR has a team of experts well-versed in Switzerland’s local labour laws and regulations. They can ensure compliance with these laws while supporting various employment models, such as full-time employees, independent contractors, and freelancers.
Setting up a legal entity in a foreign country A Global EOR can help businesses bypass the legal complexities of setting up a local entity in Switzerland. This allows them to hire employees and establish a presence in the country without the need for legal expertise or substantial upfront investments.
Managing global payroll and benefits A Global EOR can provide a streamlined payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely employee payment. They can also offer benefits administration solutions such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits tailored to the business’s and its employees’ needs in Switzerland.
Complying with local tax laws and regulations A Global EOR can help businesses stay up-to-date with local tax laws and regulations, including withholding and remitting taxes and ensuring proper tax reporting.
Immigration compliance A Global EOR can provide ongoing immigration compliance services to ensure businesses comply with local laws and regulations. This includes assisting with filing tax returns, obtaining residence permits, and ensuring foreign workers are properly registered with relevant authorities in Switzerland.
Accessing global talent A Global EOR can help businesses tap into a diverse and skilled global talent pool, giving them a competitive edge in their industry. They can also help businesses identify and target the most relevant talent pools based on their needs.
Reducing employer burden By partnering with a Global EOR, businesses can reduce their employer burden by offloading administrative tasks related to payroll, benefits, and compliance. This allows them to focus on their core business objectives and growth in Switzerland.

Updated Work Permit Requirements in Switzerland for Non-EU Nationals

As of February 1, 2023, Switzerland has implemented changes to its work permit application process for highly skilled foreign nationals from countries outside of the European Union (Non-EU or third-country nationals). These changes are aimed at relieving labour market shortages in the country.

Summary of Key Changes in Work Permit Requirements

Aspect Before After (Updated)
Labor Market Test Mandatory Optional; Cantonal authorities cannot require it or remove certain search conditions.
University Degree Requirements Mandatory Not mandatory for occupations on the skills shortage list; Applicant must have vocational training or five years of related work experience.

Detailed Changes

Labor Market Test

Earlier, employers were required to conduct a labour market test before hiring skilled third-country nationals. Now, the labour market test can be required at the discretion of the cantonal authorities, but they may remove certain specific search conditions. Now, the labour market test can be required at the discretion of the cantonal authorities, but they may remove certain specific search conditions.

Educational Qualifications

A work permit may now be granted to a highly skilled third-country national hired for an occupation on the skills shortage list without holding specific university degree requirements. However, the applicant must hold at least a vocational training qualification or five years of related work experience.

Applicable Occupations

The updated work permit requirements will apply to certain occupations listed on the skills shortage list. These include:

  • Management and Executive Positions: In fields like Information and Communication Technology, Management Consulting, Finance and Insurance, Mechanical, Electrical, Metal Industries, Pharmaceuticals, and Food Production.
  • Engineering, Scientific and Technical Fields: Engineering occupations, Scientists and Researchers in Mathematics, and Specialized Information and Communications Technology Professionals.
  • Healthcare Professions: Including Medical Specialists, Medical Residents, Specialized Nursing Personnel (such as Surgical Nursing, Acute and Emergency Care), and Radiology Assistants.
  • Academic Positions: Teachers at universities.

Source: These changes have been implemented according to an announcement by the Swiss government.

Estimated Time for Securing a Work Permit in Switzerland

Typically, the work permit issuance procedure in Switzerland takes 2 to 4 months until entry to Switzerland and 2 to 5 months before the entire process is completed.


Major Steps to Get a Work Permit in Switzerland

  1. Local Labor Market Search
  2. Work Permit Application
  3. Long Term Visa (Type D) Application
  4. Entry to Switzerland
  5. Registration
  6. Multiple Entry Visa (optional)

Documents for a Work Permit in Switzerland

Name Notes Copies
Resume/CV – Tabular Format Resume/CV detailing relevant experience for the position in tabular format. Must be up to date, mentioning the current position. One clear copy
Copy of Passport Information Page One clear copy
Police Clearance Certificate From the country of residence, issued within the six months immediately prior to the registration application) will be required to register the applicant and dependents over 18. One clear copy
University Degree Copy of the highest educational certificate may require translation depending on the language of issuance and the canton. One clear copy
Passport valid for six months minimum With at least two blank, adjoining visa pages One original
2 Passport Photographs 3.5cmx4.0cm In colour, with a neutral background. Face forward; mouth closed, eyes open. Not older than six months. Two originals
Type D Visa Application Form One original
Lease Contract for Residence in Switzerland Translations Signed. The applicant’s name (and spouse, if applicable) must be written in the lease; otherwise, a confirmation letter from the landlord will also be required. One clear copy
Passport Photographs 3.5cm x 4.5cm 3.5cm x 4.5cm, in colour, with a white background. Face forward; mouth closed, eyes open. Two originals
Swiss Health Insurance Policy One clear copy

If you need to have your expat personnel legally work for you in Switzerland without setting up your own business entity for that, trust us to assist you with work permit and immigration support, and then employ your expats locally on your behalf.

Contact our team to let us take up your foreign employees’ immigration matters and relieve you of the responsibility of getting work permit by working with our local partners to organize and obtain all the necessary permits, as well as provide you with a detailed update on the progress of the process.

Call us at +1 (813) 336-1605, +44 (203) 468-8777 for more information about how you can get a work permit for your expatriate staff and employ them through Acumen International in Switzerland.

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