The Swiss Federal Council on 27 November 2024 determined the 2025 quotas for third-country nationals and service providers from the EU/EFTA. The total number of quotas for 2025 remains at the same level as for 2024.
In 2025, 8,500 specialists from non-EU/EFTA countries may be recruited in Switzerland. Of those, 4,000 may be granted L short-term residence permits (good for one year, with the possibility of renewal for another year) and 4,500 may be granted B residence permits (usually for five years, with the possibility of renewal).
The maximum number of service providers allowed in Switzerland from EU/EFTA countries remains unchanged, with 3,000 quotas for L short-term residence permits and 500 quotas for B residence permits.
As of 1 January 2025, Croatian nationals coming to work in Switzerland will benefit again from the full freedom of movement and full access to the Swiss labour market. The safeguard clause for quotas for Croatian citizens is no longer applicable.
The agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the UK has not been applicable since 1 January 2021, following the UK's departure from the EU. As a result, UK citizens have been subject to quotas like other third-country nationals. For 2025,up to 3,500 workers may be recruited from the UK, 1,400 under L short-term residence permits and 2,100 under B residence permits.
The Federal Council plans to incorporate the separate quota for UK nationals into the regular quota for third-country nationals in the medium term.
Dejan Milosevic
Janine Bienz
BDO in Switzerland
Third-Country Nationals
In 2025, 8,500 specialists from non-EU/EFTA countries may be recruited in Switzerland. Of those, 4,000 may be granted L short-term residence permits (good for one year, with the possibility of renewal for another year) and 4,500 may be granted B residence permits (usually for five years, with the possibility of renewal).
Service Providers from EU/EFTA Countries
The maximum number of service providers allowed in Switzerland from EU/EFTA countries remains unchanged, with 3,000 quotas for L short-term residence permits and 500 quotas for B residence permits.
Croatian Citizens
As of 1 January 2025, Croatian nationals coming to work in Switzerland will benefit again from the full freedom of movement and full access to the Swiss labour market. The safeguard clause for quotas for Croatian citizens is no longer applicable.
UK Citizens
The agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the UK has not been applicable since 1 January 2021, following the UK's departure from the EU. As a result, UK citizens have been subject to quotas like other third-country nationals. For 2025,up to 3,500 workers may be recruited from the UK, 1,400 under L short-term residence permits and 2,100 under B residence permits.The Federal Council plans to incorporate the separate quota for UK nationals into the regular quota for third-country nationals in the medium term.
Dejan Milosevic
Janine Bienz
BDO in Switzerland