IHRS Info COVID: Immigration to Switzerland
Switzerland has loosened the rules for immigration starting May 11th, those include:
Employment of EU/EFTA Citizens: The cantons will process all applications for residence permits and cross-border commuter permits submitted by workers from an EU or EFTA member state from before the introduction of entry restrictions (March 25th). In other words, if you can present a Swiss employment contract with a signature date before March 25th, the prospective employee concerned can enter. The start date plays a minor role here, i.e. in the past or near future. Depending on the canton, an additional confirmation of entry is required.
Assignments to Switzerland of employees from companies situated in EU/EFTA: New notifications for cross-border services will again be processed for employees of companies in EU / EFTA, provided the service provision is based on a written contract signed before March 25th. This means employees from abroad working on a project or other services in Switzerland can be registered again in the registration tool. It is recommended to mention the importance or urgency of the service in the commentary field. The permit process for assignments over 90 days / year and sending company hasn’t started yet and is expected after June 8th.
Employment of Third Country Nationals: Applications to employ persons from third countries (all outside EU/EFTA), submitted before the restrictions starting March 19th, will now be processed. The process of approval will be restarted, embassies will issue an entry visa. Many Swiss embassies do this by way of the post. The permit process for new applications and assignments is expected to be restarted after June 15th.
Family reunification: Family reunification for family members of Swiss citizens is again possible. The same applies for family members of people from EU/EFTA states living in Switzerland.
Further steps in opening the border are expected by June 8th for EU/EFTA citizens, on June 15th for Third Country citizens.
Please don’t hesitate to contact International HR Services Ltd for further questions.
