Knowledge about the Swiss quota system is helpful in order to
understand how work permits in Switzerland are distributed among
different groups of nationalities. For companies this knowledge is
indispensable when it comes to recruitment plans and helping to
shape these more efficiently.
The arrangement is that whoever wants to live and work in
Switzerland for more than 4 months must apply for permits which are
subject to a quota. Exceptions to this rule are citizens of the
EU27 and EEA (European Economic Area) countries who are engaged
under local work contracts. There are two types of permits subject
to a quota: L Short-term Permits and B Residence Permits. These are
further divided between citizens of the EU27/EEA countries,
Croatian nationals, and nationals of third countries.
