Switzerland Extends Work Visa Quotas for Foreign Workers in 2025

Switzerland has announced plans to extend its current work visa quotas for foreign workers in 2025, reflecting the country’s commitment to addressing labour shortages in key sectors.

The Swiss Federal Council revealed that up to 8,500 highly skilled workers from non-EU countries will be eligible to work in Switzerland under the same quota system as 2024.

Key Work Visa Quotas for 2025

Switzerland’s allocation for foreign workers will remain unchanged, allowing the recruitment of:

• 4,500 B Residence Permits: For long-term skilled workers.
• 4,000 L Short-Term Residence Permits: For temporary employment needs.

This decision aims to support businesses struggling to fill critical roles, ensuring continued access to talent from outside the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Special Quotas for UK Workers to Continue

Post-Brexit, UK nationals face stricter entry requirements across Europe. However, Switzerland will maintain a separate quota system for UK workers as a transitional measure in 2025.

• The quota for UK Workers is 3,500 permits.
  • 2,100 B Residence Permits.
  • 1,400 L Short-Term Permits.

This transitional arrangement helps UK citizens navigate Switzerland’s labour market while the Swiss authorities explore merging the UK-specific quota with the general system in the future.

Also Read: Switzerland: 15 High Demand Professions and How to Secure a Work Visa

Why Switzerland Maintains Stable Quotas

Switzerland’s decision to keep the quotas steady underscores its balanced approach to immigration. The Federal Council emphasized that while skilled foreign workers are essential for economic growth, immigration should remain regulated and targeted.

Key Objectives:

• Support Economic Needs: The quota system ensures businesses can address labour shortages.
• Prioritize Domestic and EU/EFTA Workers: Swiss companies must first seek talent locally and within Europe before hiring from third countries.

Utilization of Work Quotas in Recent Years

Despite the quotas, Switzerland has not fully utilized its allocations in the past two years.

• 2023: Only 78% of the quotas were used.
• 2024: Usage stood at around 63% as of late November.

This underutilization highlights challenges in meeting eligibility criteria, including the priority given to domestic and EU/EFTA workers.

Insights for Highly Skilled Workers

For foreign professionals eyeing opportunities in Switzerland:

B Residence Permit Explained: The B Residence Permit in Switzerland is designed for skilled workers who have secured long-term employment. It allows for extended stays and is renewable annually, offering stability for foreign professionals and their families.

L Short-Term Permit Explained: The L Short-Term Permit is intended for foreign workers with temporary or project-based roles in Switzerland. It allows for stays of up to one year, with possible extensions, depending on job duration and contract terms.

UK Nationals: UK nationals can access transitional quotas for Swiss work permits in 2025 but should prepare for possible regulatory changes in the coming years.

Conclusion

Switzerland’s decision to maintain its work visa quotas in 2025 signals a steady demand for foreign talent in key industries. While the quota system offers opportunities, potential applicants should be aware of the stringent requirements and priority rules.

Skilled workers from non-EU countries, including the UK, have a promising chance to contribute to Switzerland’s economy in the coming year.