Preparation and Entry

Looking for work: permit and proof of subsistence

EU/EFTA nationals may enter Switzerland to look for work: the first three months without a permit, then with an EU/EFTA short-term residence permit for job seeking valid for at most three further months — six months in total. You must be able to support yourself and must not claim social assistance. The permit does not entitle you to work: once you have an employment contract you must apply for a residence permit at your municipality before starting work. Third-country nationals may not enter Switzerland to look for work — there the future employer files the application with the cantonal labour market authority before you travel.

Who this applies to. This guide applies if the employment situation in Switzerland is Looking for work, the nationality group is not Switzerland and the cross-border commuter status is no.

Checklist

Have proof of means of subsistence ready

Bank statements or a declaration of support; without secured subsistence the cantonal migration authority issues no permit for job seeking.
EU/EFTA: apply for the short-term residence permit after three months

The municipality of residence or the cantonal migration authority is responsible; it covers at most three further months of job seeking.
Third country: have your future employer file the application

Entering to look for work is not provided for; the work permit application goes to the cantonal labour market authority before you travel.
Apply for the residence permit before starting work

As soon as the employment contract is signed: apply at your municipality of residence. A job-seeker permit alone does not entitle you to work.

Costs

Permit fee not quantified

No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.

Frequently asked questions

Who does this guide apply to?

This guide applies if the employment situation in Switzerland is Looking for work, the nationality group is not Switzerland and the cross-border commuter status is no.

What does it cost?

Permit fee: not quantified.

What do I need to do?

Have proof of means of subsistence ready; EU/EFTA: apply for the short-term residence permit after three months; Third country: have your future employer file the application; Apply for the residence permit before starting work.

As of: 08.10.2026