Switzerland has announced to issue 8,500 work visas including 4,500 long-term and 4,000 short-term permits in 2025. The skilled and highly qualified workers will be able to benefit from this allocation from around the world.
The Swiss economy is set to meet its demand for qualified professionals in 2025, prompting the Federal Council to maintain current workforce quotas for third-country workers and EU/EFTA service providers. The special quota for workers from the United Kingdom will also continue, with plans for eventual integration into the regular quota system.
At its meeting on November 27, 2024, the Federal Council approved a partial revision of the Ordinance on Admission, Residence, and Employment (VZAE), which will take effect on January 1, 2025.
Quotas for Third-Country Workers
Switzerland’s immigration policies prioritize domestic workers and EU/EFTA nationals while ensuring economic stability through limited third-country admissions. To support businesses in securing skilled professionals, the Federal Council has maintained the 2024 quota levels for 2025.
- Third-Country Workers:
- 8,500 total permits:
- 4,500 B residence permits
- 4,000 L short-term residence permits
- 8,500 total permits:
EU/EFTA Service Providers
For service providers from EU/EFTA states working in Switzerland for over 90 or 120 days annually, the quota remains unchanged:
- 3,000 L permits for short-term residents
- 500 B permits for residents
These quotas are released to cantons quarterly.
Separate UK Quotas to Continue
Since the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FZA) with the UK ended on January 1, 2021, UK nationals have been treated as third-country nationals, with separate quotas serving as a transitional measure.
For 2025, the following quotas apply for UK nationals:
- 3,500 permits total:
- 2,100 B residence permits
- 1,400 L short-term residence permits
The Federal Council plans to eventually integrate UK quotas into the regular third-country system.
Quota Utilization Trends in 2023 and 2024
- Third-Country Quotas: 78% usage in 2023
- EU/EFTA Service Providers: 52% usage in 2023
- UK Quotas: 24% usage in 2023
By October 2024, usage rates showed moderate demand:
- Third-country quotas: 63%
- EU/EFTA service provider quotas: 44%
- UK quotas: 18%
New Adjustment for U.S.-Swiss Internship Agreement
The Federal Council has also introduced a material adjustment to the VZAE following the October 11, 2024 agreement with the United States on professional exchanges. This agreement allows for up to 300 annual permits for U.S. interns and young professionals coming to Switzerland for training and education. These permits are separate from the standard labor market quotas.
By maintaining stable quotas and introducing flexible adjustments, Switzerland continues to balance its economic needs with labor market priorities, ensuring businesses can access skilled talent while giving precedence to local and EU/EFTA workers.