Switzerland•Europe120-day — 120-Day Work Permit (Bewilligung für kurzfristige Erwerbstätigkeit)
At a Glance
Varies
CHF 100
2-5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored 120-day work permit for highly qualified or specialized workers in Switzerland requiring a job offer.
The 120-Day Work Permit enables Swiss employers to recruit highly qualified professionals from outside the EU/EFTA for up to 120 days within a 12-month period. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience, with specialization unavailable domestically. A labor market test confirms no Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate is available.
The CHF 100 application fee is modest, though processing times vary by canton. The permit is renewable and dependents are permitted, but offers no PR pathway. Applicants must maintain comprehensive health insurance. The employer leads the cantonal application.
This visa is ideal for specialized engineers, IT consultants, or technical experts deployed for defined projects in Switzerland.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Employment contract for a total duration of up to 120 days within a 12-month period.
Reserved for highly qualified or specialized personnel.
Must meet local salary and working condition standards.
Employer must submit the application to the cantonal authority.
Subject to cantonal practice and availability within the quota system.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
3+ years
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
University or advanced degree
Work experience documentation
CV and credentials
Health insurance
Employment contract (sponsor)
Job description (sponsor)
Employer documentation (sponsor)
Labor market evidence (sponsor)
Accommodation confirmation (sponsor)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Up to 120 days work authorization within 12-month rolling period with low CHF 100 fee
- Employer handles application to cantonal authority — streamlined process for qualified workers
- Rapid approval notification procedure instead of full residence permit bureaucracy
- Permits return to home country between assignments — no residency obligation
- Renewable authorization for repeated short-term specialized work projects
- Competitive Swiss salary standards and working conditions protection guaranteed
- Bachelor's degree with 3+ years experience sufficient — accessible to established professionals
Worth Knowing
- Employer sponsorship mandatory — cannot self-petition or change employers mid-assignment
- Strict 120-day annual ceiling; rolling 12-month window limits total work authorization
- Labor market test required — employer must prove no available Swiss or EU/EFTA candidates
- Cannot lead to permanent residency or long-term settlement in Switzerland
- Requires confirmed job offer and employer sponsorship — not available for independent contractors
Application Process
Secure job offer
Obtain employment offer from Swiss employer meeting salary and conditions requirements
Employer applies for permit
Swiss employer submits work permit application to cantonal authority
Labor market test
Employer must prove no suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate available
Permit approval
Cantonal authority approves work permit
Apply for visa
Applicant applies for D visa at Swiss representation with approved permit
Enter Switzerland
Travel to Switzerland with visa
Register for residence
Register with cantonal migration office upon arrival
Related visas
More visas in Switzerland
Work visas in other countries
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