2019 Swiss quotas for employees from third countries and service providers from the EU/EFTA

Quotas for third-country citizens: In the coming year, 8500 (+ 500 compared to the previous year) specialists from third countries can be hired to work in Switzerland: 4500 with residence permits B (+ 1000 compared with the previous year) and 4000 with short-term residents permits L (-500 compared to the previous year). The 1000 additional B permits go into the Federal Reserve and are granted through the cantons upon their request. This allows the Swiss Confederation to be flexible in accounting for additional needs of cantons.

Quotas for service providers from EU/EFTA: The maximum numbers for L and B grants remain unchanged. In the year 2019, 3000 units will be available for short stays (L) and 500 units for normal stays (B). The quarterly allocation is maintained.

Summary: The discretion to pronounce the permits remains within the cantons. Unfortunately, companies cannot apply for permits for third-country citizens directly to the Confederation, the canton must first endorse the application before a company is able to benefit from the additional quotas at the federal level.

International HR Services AG will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this topic.