Revised immigration policies: Switzerland to implement fresh rules for work permits and family reunification.
Swiss Work Permits and Family Reunification Adjustments for 2025
Gearing up for the future, the Swiss government makes changes in the immigration policies for work permits and family reunification.
Work Permits in Switzerland
For EU and EFTA citizens, a B permit, often granted for 1 to 5 years, becomes their ticket to long-term employment in Switzerland. Typically, those employed on temporary assignments or under the "Labour Leasing" arrangement receive short-term L permits. However, in specific cases, these individuals may request residence permits and social benefits, as per the government.
To streamline the system and ensure uniform rules across cantons, the government plans to tighten the rules for this category of workers. This change requires a review of the Free Movement of Persons Agreement between Bern and Brussels to harmonize regulations across the country. The Federal Department of Justice and Police will develop a related project by the end of 2025.
Proposed Changes to Family Reunification Rules
Immigrants entering Switzerland under family reunification rules are set to undergo career counseling. This new measure aims to promote the professional integration of this demographic and put their potential to better use in the Swiss job market.
This requirement applies to all working-age individuals and aims to expedite the integration process of new arrivals. The Federal Department of Justice and Police will develop a project by the end of January 2026 to include this obligation in the law.
Insights:
Switzerland operates a system of B and C permits for residency, where B permits are often issued for 1 to 5 years, renewable for EU and EFTA citizens. Non-EU citizens typically receive a one-year initial B permit, subject to employer sponsorship. Family reunification is permitted under specific conditions, including quotas and proof of adequate housing and financial means, particularly for non-EU nationals.
Switzerland maintains a tiered permit system with greater flexibility for EU/EFTA nationals and controlled quotas for non-EU workers. Family reunification is subject to regulations that prioritize integration and economic contributions by immigrants. These policies support the facilitation of skilled immigration while ensuring regulatory oversight and integration standards.
The Swiss government is considering policy and legislation updates in the finance and business sector, specifically focusing on work permits and family reunification. A proposed change involves career counseling for immigrants under the family reunification rules, aiming to promote their professional integration in the Swiss job market, as part of the general news regarding adjustments for 2025.
Policy-and-legislation revisions are also being proposed for work permits in Switzerland, including a review of the Free Movement of Persons Agreement between Bern and Brussels to harmonize regulations and streamline the permit system, as a part of the business and politics landscape.
