Since the Bilateral Agreements came into force in 2002, citizens of EU/EFTA countries have had a legal right to work either in employment or with as self-employed in Switzerland. The permit procedures are extremely uncomplicated. Employees with EU/EFTA citizenship do not need to wait to receive their work permit before starting work. Either they or their employer must only ensure that the request for a permit is submitted to the local authorities responsible before they begin work. This is also possible on the same day. The same rules basically also apply for citizens of EU/EFTA countries who wish to start self-employed work although in this case it is additionally checked that a company has been founded or that business premises exist.

There are three different residential categories for EU/EFTA citizens:

Short-term residential permit (up to 365 days):

These permits are granted for a limited work contract with a maximum duration of 364 days.

Residential permits (from 365 days):

These residential permits are granted for unlimited contracts and those which have a duration of more than 12 months as well as for self-employed workers. They are generally valid for a period of 5 years.

Permanent residential permit C:

After holding a residential permit for 5 years, a permanent residential permit C can be applied for.