Swiss Work Permit Fees and Processing Times 2026

Official SEM fee schedule by permit type

Permit	Fee (CHF)	Validity	Processing	Who applies
B (EU/EFTA)	65-100	1 year, renewable	2-4 weeks	Employer + employee
B (non-EU)	65-100	per contract	3-6 months	Employer (quota-dependent)
C (EU/EFTA)	100	Permanent	4-8 weeks	Employee (after 5 years)
C (non-EU)	100	Permanent	4-8 weeks	Employee (after 10 years)
G (cross-border)	65	5 years	2-3 weeks	Employer notification
L (short-stay)	65	Up to 364 days	2-4 weeks	Employer

Note: cantonal authorities may charge additional administrative fees of CHF 20-50. The SEM (State Secretariat for Migration) sets national minimums. Zurich, Geneva and Basel cantons are typically the fastest processors.

Documents your employer must provide for each permit type

For Permit B (EU/EFTA): employment contract, copy of passport, registration at commune of domicile. The employer submits a notification (Meldung) to the cantonal authority: not a full application. Total preparation time: 1-2 days.

For Permit B (non-EU): job description, proof of labour market priority test (evidence that no Swiss/EU candidate was available), salary confirmation at Swiss median level, employer identification documents, candidate qualifications. The employer must file first with the cantonal employment office, then SEM. Total employer preparation: 2-4 weeks of documentation.

For Permit G (cross-border): proof of employment, proof of residence in the bordering country within 30km of the Swiss border (or, since 2024, anywhere in the EU border zone). The weekly return requirement must be stated in the contract or confirmed by the employee.

What causes permit delays: and how to avoid them

The most common causes of delays for non-EU applications: incomplete labour market priority test documentation (the employer must show the job was advertised, who applied, and why no local candidate was suitable). Missing this step adds 4-8 weeks. Second: salary below the canton's median for the role: authorities can reject applications where the salary appears artificially low to circumvent immigration rules.

For EU applications, delays typically stem from missing registration at the commune or incomplete employer notification rather than the permit itself.

Context on the Swiss job market helps frame any career decision in Switzerland. Our gross-to-net salary guide shows what Swiss gross salaries look like after AVS, LPP and tax deductions. The salary negotiation guide covers how to use market data in offer discussions and which arguments work with Swiss recruiters. Our guide to working in Switzerland as a foreigner covers entry conditions, permit categories and practical relocation steps. The work permit guide explains B, C, G and L permit categories and processing timelines. For cross-sector salary benchmarks, the Switzerland salary guide covers all major roles and cities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Swiss work permit cost in total, including cantonal fees?

B permit: CHF 65-150 including cantonal additions. G permit: CHF 65-115. C permit: CHF 100-150. These are paid by the employer in most cases. Some employers recover permit costs from the employee: check your contract.

Can I start working before the permit is issued?

EU/EFTA nationals can begin working immediately after the employer submits the notification. Non-EU nationals must wait for cantonal and federal approval. Starting before approval can result in fines for the employer (CHF 5,000-20,000 per infraction).

What happens if my permit application is rejected?

You have 30 days to appeal to the cantonal authority, and a further 30 days to escalate to the SEM (federal level). The most common grounds for appeal: inadequate labour market test, salary below norms, or missing documentation. An immigration lawyer typically costs CHF 250-400/hour for permit appeals.

What is the 13th month salary in Switzerland?

The 13th month salary in Switzerland refers to an additional monthly salary paid once a year, typically in December. It is included in annual salary benchmarks as standard: when a Swiss employer quotes CHF 120,000 per year, this normally means 13 monthly payments of approximately CHF 9,231 each, not 12 payments of CHF 10,000. The 13th month is governed by the employment contract or collective agreement (GAV), not by statute. It is subject to social contributions (AHV/ALV) and income tax. Always clarify with a prospective employer whether a quoted annual figure includes or excludes the 13th month.

How do Swiss notice periods work for employment contracts?

Under Swiss law (Code of Obligations, Art. 335c), notice periods during probation (default 1 month, up to 3 months by agreement) are 7 days. After probation, statutory notice periods are: 1 month during the first year, 2 months in years 2 to 9, and 3 months from year 10 onwards. Notice must be given in writing by end of calendar month (or end of the agreed notice period month). Contractual or GAV notice periods can be longer but cannot be shorter than statutory minimums. Protected periods exist (illness, accident, pregnancy) during which termination is suspended or prohibited.