The Swiss Government's restrictive immigration policy has made it extremely difficult to obtain residence permits with a view to taking up employment. As a rule only persons who have been offered jobs that cannot be filled by Swiss nationals have a chance of obtaining residence permits. Inevitably, these vacancies are only in an occupation of a highly specialized nature.

The Embassy of Switzerland in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Cape Town are not in a position to assist in finding employment in Switzerland. You may either contact a local job agency which is familiar with overseas labour markets or, alternatively, browse through relevant Swiss websites on the Internet. A useful website is also the Federal Office for Migration.

Should you be successful, you will have to apply for an appropriate entry visa (3 application forms + 3 recent photographs as well as a copy of your work contract) at one of the consular representations of Switzerland in South Africa. Parallel to that, your future employer must, on your behalf, launch the necessary procedure for obtaining a work and residence permit with the competent Swiss authorities. Once all the required authorisations are issued, a visa may be delivered to you - and it is only then that you are allowed to travel to Switzerland.

Switzerland does not use the term "work permit" in the traditional sense. The residence permit is a combination of both a residence and a work permit, entitling the holder to live in a particular canton and work for a specific employer.

Issued after arrival in Switzerland, but only to persons holding an "Assurance of a Residence Permit" or a visa for the purpose of employment.

Seasonal Permit (A Permit)
For seasonal employment in the building, hotel, and holiday industries; the maximum allowed is 9 months, but the usual period is 4 to 5 months. Entry and exit dates must be strictly adhered to.

Standard 1- year permit (B Permit)
For a specific job, valid for a limited period (usually one year), and renewable.

Permanent Residence Permit (C Permit)
Entitles the holder to choose and work freely in any occupation (except law and medicine). Application for these permits may be filed only by a person already holding a B Permit in Switzerland for 5 to 10 years, depending on nationality.

As a rule, self-employment is only possible after a Permanent Residence Permit (C Permit) has been obtained. It is therefore virtually impossible to emigrate to Switzerland for the sole purpose of being self-employed. Anyone entering Switzerland as a tourist will not be able to obtain a Resident Permit. An application will only be considered after his/her departure from Switzerland.

Only persons over the age of 60 who have retired from professional/business activities and who wish to join close relatives living in Switzerland have any real chance of being granted such a permit. Please contact one of the consular representations in South Africa for the necessary application forms

In 1998, the Agreement on the Exchange of Trainees between Switzerland and South Africa entered into force. This agreement provides for work permits for a maximum of 18 months for up to 50 trainees annually. It provides an easy access to the South African labour market for qualified Swiss under the age of 35 years. The scheme is not limited to any particular profession or industry.

Applications have to be submitted directly to:

Department of Home Affairs
Mrs. Rachelle Reyneke tel. 012- 810 8303
Mrs. Labuschagne tel. 012- 810 8548

Fax No. 012- 810 8521/3

A booklet with information, suggestions, tips and advice can be obtained from the Embassy of Switzerland in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Cape Town or from the Federal Office for Industry and Labour, Emigration and Trainees Section, Monbijoustrasse 43, CH-3003 Berne.

This can also be viewed on The Federal Office for Migration.