Switzerland Work Permit Fees Explained 2026

Q: Is there an "Express" service for permits?

Yes, some cantons offer a Fast-track Surcharge (up to 50% extra) if you need a decision within a few business days, though this is usually reserved for urgent "Highly Skilled Professional" cases.

The outlay of a Swiss work official document is not a single categorize rate. Alternatively, it is a unit of federal entry fees and city processing costs. In 2026, most applicants should budget between CHF 210 and CHF 600 for the basic work, excluding legal or transferral costs.

The Core Fee Components

The total cost is split into three main “checkpoints”:

Federal Visa Fee (Type D): If you are entrance from outside Switzerland, you must pay for a National Type D visa. For 2026, this is about CHF 88–100 ($107 USD).
Cantonal Administrative Fees: Switzerland’s 26 cantons set their own rates. For instance, Zurich and Geneva often range between CHF 100 and CHF 300 for initial processing.
Biometric Data & Card Fee: Once approved, you’ll pay roughly CHF 20–30 for the physical biometric permit card itself.

2026 Primary Permit Types & Quotas

Switzerland uses a quota-based system to manage in-migration. For 2026, the Federal Council has “locked in” the pursuing allocations to provide stability for state:

Non-EU/EFTA (Third-Country) Nationals

For 2026, the quota remains at 8,500 total permits:

Permit L (Short-term): 4,000 permits (valid for up to 12 months).
Permit B (Long-term): 4,500 permits (annual residence, renewable).

UK National Quotas

Post-Brexit, UK citizens have a dedicated “buffer” quota for 2026:

Permit L: 1,400 units
Permit B: 2,100 units.

Step-by-Step Application Costs

Applying for a legal document isn’t just about the fee; it’s about the series. Here is how the costs accumulate:

Employer Submission: Your employer submits a content to the Cantonal Migration Office. They pay the initial processing fee (approx. CHF 200).
Federal Approval: The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) reviews the file. A federal fee of approx. CHF 80 applies here.
Embassy Visa: You visit the Swiss diplomatic building in your home country to get the Type D entry stamp (approx. CHF 90).
Local Registration: Within 14 days of arrival, you must register at your local Gemeinde (commune). This is when you pay the biometric card fee (approx. CHF 20).

FAQs

Does the employer or the employee pay the permit fees?

In most cases, the Swiss employer covers the cantonal and federal processing fees. However, the employee often pays for their own Type D entry visa at the embassy.

Is there an “Express” service for permits?

Yes, some cantons offer a Fast-track Surcharge (up to 50% extra) if you need a decision within a few business days, though this is usually reserved for urgent “Highly Skilled Professional” cases.

Do EU/EFTA citizens pay the same fees?

No. EU/EFTA citizens benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. Their permits are generally cheaper (CHF 65–100) and do not require the rigorous “Labor Market Test.”

Final Thoughts

The Swiss immigration system in 2026 remains highly selective. While the fees themselves are relatively modest compared to Swiss salaries, the criteria for approval (highly qualified, no local talent available) are the real hurdles. Always ensure your employment contract meets the customary salary levels for your specific canton to avoid a rejection.

Disclaimer

Fee structures and quotas are subject to change by the Federal Council. This guide provides estimates based on 2026 regulations. Always consult the official SEM website or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.