Can I work in Switzerland if I have a visit visa?

Working in Switzerland as a British citizen

Switzerland can only accept qualified non-EU/EFTA citizens, such as managers, specialists, or university graduates with a lot of experience.

Non-EU/EFTA citizens require a work permit even for temporary employment.There are very few permits available.

Self-employment may be permitted with a work permit.A work permit is not required for spouses of Swiss citizens or persons with settlement permits.

Your future employer should demonstrate that your employment is in Switzerland’s economic interest and that they are unable or unwilling to hire the required personnel from another EU/EFTA member.

Your employer must offer you the same working conditions as Swiss nationals and the same remuneration.

Your future employer must take all necessary steps to obtain a work visa from the cantonal migration and employment market authorities.If you are self-employed, it is your responsibility to make the necessary steps.

Additional information about the procedure for non-EU/EFTA nationals can be found on the website for the State Secretariat for Migration.

You can’t just get a work permit to enter Switzerland.You may need a visa depending on your nationality.

You must register within 14 days of your arrival in Switzerland with the local communal authorities.Before you can start working, you must register with the communal authorities in your area.

ETIAS Switzerland for UK citizens

For many non-EU citizens, including Brits, a passport is all they need to travel to Europe. This will change in 2025.Non-EU citizens will require an ETIAS visa waiver to Switzerland to enter the country.

ETIAS does not provide a standard visa per se.Instead, it is a new system that pre-screens passengers prior to their arrival.

All EU countries located within the Schengen Area have the same information as Switzerland regarding the ETIAS visa waiver.After approval, visitors can travel freely within the Schengen Zone for up 90 days.

Switzerland does not belong to the European Unionbut it is a member.To gain access to the Union’s single market, Switzerland has signed a series of bilateral agreements that include certain elements of EU law.

More than 100 bilateral agreements cover areas such as the free movement and Schengen membership.

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area and there are no border checks with neighbour ingcountries.To cross the external border, foreigners who are not from the travel zone may need an ETIAS visa waiver starting Spring 2025.

Can I work in Switzerland as a UK citizen with ETIAS?

No, it is not possible for UK nationals to work in Switzerland with an ETIAS visa waiver. You also may not study in Switzerland with an ETIAS visa waiver. The authorisation does not grant residence, work, or study permits to non-EU nationals.

A Swiss ETIAS authorisation may be used only to travel for short trips of up to 90 days in Schengen territory.Nonetheless, you will be able to use your ETIAS to enter Europe as many times as you wish during its 3-year validity.