Switzerland EU/EFTA employed residence in 2026
EU/EFTA citizens benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. For ordinary employment in Switzerland, the residence document also functions as the work authorisation; this is a different legal framework from admission of third-country nationals.
Work lasting up to three months
Employment in Switzerland for up to three months in a calendar year generally does not require an EU/EFTA residence permit, but the work must be reported through the official notification procedure. The employer normally makes the notification.
Work lasting more than three months
For employment beyond three months, the worker must register with the commune of residence within 14 days of arrival and before starting work and present a valid identity document plus written confirmation of employment.
The permit normally follows the contract length:
- L EU/EFTA: generally for employment up to 364 days;
- B EU/EFTA: generally for a contract of at least one year or unlimited duration; the permit is normally valid for five years.
A permit is still a residence/work-status document, not a guarantee that every regulated profession or cantonal formality has been satisfied.
Official guidance: SEM Free Movement FAQ and SEM working overview.
Related: short-term notification, EU/EFTA self-employment, cross-border G permit, Switzerland hub, work visas.
Official and supporting sources
- SEM — Free Movement FAQgovernment · accessed 2026-09-21
- SEM — Working in Switzerlandgovernment · accessed 2026-09-21