The length of time you work in Switzerland determines whether you need a work and residence permit.
Registration procedure
As an EU citizen, you can work for three months per calendar year without a residence permit. Your recruitment consultant only has to register you with the cantonal Office for Migration before you start your job (IMES registration). If you want to stay in Switzerland for a longer period of time, you will have to apply for a residence permit at the municipality or the cantonal Office for Migration. There are the following types of residence permits:
Cross-border commuter permit (G permit)
Cross-border commuters and weekly residents must return to their main foreign residence at least once a week.
Short-term residence permit (L permit)
Short-term residents are foreign nationals who stay in Switzerland for a limited period of time, usually less than one year, for a specific purpose of residence with or without gainful employment.
Residence permit (B permit)
Valid for five years and issued if the EU/EFTA national provides proof of employment for an indefinite period or for at least 365 days.
Permanent residence permit (C permit)
Issued after a period of residence of five or ten years.
Naturalisation
Foreigners who have integrated well in Switzerland and have lived there for 12 years can apply for naturalisation. The years spent in Switzerland between the ages of 10 and 20 are counted twice.
If you decide to take up a job with Opus, we will take care of the registration with the Office for Migration and assist you in applying for a permit.