Switzerland Tightens Rules on Foreign Residents, Work Permits

‍ Updated June 29, 2025
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The Swiss‍ government is moving ⁢to reinforce regulations‍ affecting foreign residents, focusing on both work ⁤permit procedures and ‌family reunification policies. These changes aim to address inconsistencies and leverage the ⁢potential of new‍ arrivals amid ongoing ‌labor shortages.

Currently, most citizens from the‌ European Union (EU) ​and the European Free Trade Association ​(EFTA) -​ norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – receive a B ⁤permit for employment lasting longer than one year. Though, some EU/EFTA workers ⁢are ​employed on temporary assignments,⁣ not exceeding 364 days, or⁣ through ‘Labor leasing’ arrangements. More than 6,000 companies in Switzerland‍ operate in ​temporary recruitment and leasing.

The government defines ‘Labor Leasing’ as a situation ⁣where “an employer surrenders the services of an employee to a labor leasing company by entrusting to the leasing⁢ company part of its managerial powers⁣ over​ the ‍employee,” typically for interim or temporary work.‌ These workers usually receive⁤ short-term L permits. However, the government noted instances where these individuals “request residence permits and ⁣social benefits.”

A ‍survey of⁢ cantons revealed that some workers employed for less than a​ year⁤ received B⁤ permits instead of ⁣the appropriate L permits. To correct this, the government ⁣plans to tighten regulations. The Federal⁣ Council stated that the Free Movement of Persons Agreement‍ between Switzerland and the EU will be revised ‌to ensure ​uniform rules across​ all cantons. ⁢The Federal department of Justice and Police (DFJP) is tasked with ‍developing‌ a project by the end of 2025.

in a second measure, the Federal Council announced that ‌foreigners immigrating to Switzerland under family⁣ reunification rules ⁣will be required to ​register with a career guidance service.The government aims “to promote the professional ‌integration of this target ⁣group and to put their⁢ professional potential to better use,” especially given Switzerland’s⁣ labor shortages.‌ This‌ requirement will apply to all people of working age.

Family reunification was‌ the second most common reason for immigration in 2024,after gainful employment.The Federal Council proposes creating a⁢ legal basis requiring registration with vocational, academic, and career guidance⁤ services to‍ identify ⁢and⁣ integrate ⁣these new arrivals into the Swiss⁣ job ‌market more effectively. The DFJP will‍ develop a project ‌to include this requirement⁤ in the law by the end of January 2026.

What’s next

The DFJP will continue developing projects to implement these changes, with⁣ revisions to the Free Movement of Persons Agreement expected by⁤ the ‌end of 2025 and ​new requirements for family ‌reunification immigrants⁢ by January 2026. these measures​ aim to ⁣streamline immigration processes and address labor market needs.