Most EU/EFTA citizens (and their partners and relatives) can work and live in Switzerland without constraints when they have a residence permit. Citizens of the European Union (EU) or European Free trade Association (EFTA) can visit, live and work in Switzerland. However, some restrictions apply for newer EU members, and all EU/EFTA need a residence permit for more extended stays. Different conditions apply for non-EU/EFTA citizens.
This article will help you understand the residence rights of EU/EFTA citizens and their families in Switzerland.
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How Can EU citizens live in Switzerland?
Switzerland is not a member of the EU. Nevertheless, Switzerland permits freedom of movement as part of the Schengen Area. In February 2014, a little more than half of all Swiss voters backed a proposal to reimpose firm immigration quotas for EU citizens – a change that violates the agreement. The EU said it wouldn’t accept this decision. However, in January 2015, Swiss diplomats explored adding a safeguard clause to let Switzerland cap immigration from the EU once quotas are full.
You need a passport or valid ID not to be considered a security threat. You will also have to apply for a residence permit to stay longer than three months.
EU citizens living in Switzerland for up to 3 months
No permit is necessary for stays not extending three months. You must report your arrival to the Residents’ Registry Office at the cantonal migration offices within fourteen days of your arrival.
If you visit Switzerland to look for work but have been unable to find a job even after three months, the canton can give you a short-term residence permit for up to three months; this can get extended for up to one year.
After three months of staying in Switzerland, you have to register with the cantonal migration office to obtain a residence permit.
EU citizens staying in Switzerland for over three months
Any EU/EFTA citizen who desires to stay in Switzerland for more than three months must register with the Residents’ Registry Office in their Swiss canton. You need to register for a residence permit within fourteen days of arrival in Switzerland. The residence permit also works as a work permit if you wish to work.
If you come to Switzerland as a student with independent means to retire or be with your family, you must apply for a residence permit for non-working purposes. You have to demonstrate that you have sufficient money to sustain yourself in Switzerland. In addition, you must have an apt accident and health insurance.
PrimApp is one of the most popular tools online for health insurance comparison. Comparison on PrimApp is easy as it is available in English, French, and Italian language. You can choose a health insurance product as per the mandatory Swizz requirement. Students also need to prove that they have gotten admitted to a recognised educational institution.
Working for up to three months
If you wish to work in Switzerland for up to three months per calendar year, you must apply online at least eight days prior to starting. You don’t have to register if you’ll be working for less than eight days, unless you work in specific categories of work, for example, in construction or as an itinerant worker, where registration is always compulsory.
Working for more than three months
If you are working for more than three months, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit, which will double as your work permit.
You have to register for your permit within the period of fourteen days of your arrival in Switzerland before you start working. Do this at your cantonal migration and labour market authorities in your place of residence.
Working while you’re a student
You can start working as soon as you arrive in Switzerland as a student. You can work for about fifteen hours a week during a term in session and full-time during holidays. If you work more than this, you technically get considered employed. Your employer must register for a work permit.
Relatives and partners of EU/EFTA citizens
Family members – including registered partners, children, spouses or grandchildren under the age of 21, or dependent guardians – can join you in Switzerland irrespective of their nationality. However, if you are a student, only your registered partner and children are permitted
to join you.
Relatives must have a valid passport/travel ID and not a threat to the country (i.e., no pending criminal record).
Once you are in Switzerland, you will be granted an EU/EFTA residence permit and are permitted to work but are required to inform the labour market and cantonal migration authorities beforehand.
Conclusion
We hope to have helped you understand the Residence rights of EU/EFTA citizens and their families in Switzerland a little better. We recommend doing your research thoroughly before making any decisions to avoid future regrets.
