Following the acceptance of the initiative “Against Mass Immigration” (February 2014), the Swiss Parliament adopted the revision of the law on Foreigners and Integration (LEI), mainly aiming at implementing these newly adopted political policies. The priority process aims to give an advantage to domestic job seekers registered at a regional employment agency and therefore reduce […]
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has now officially signed the EU withdrawal agreement, meaning that the UK left the EU at midnight on 31st January 2020. This decision has direct consequences for Switzerland. The relations between Switzerland and the UK were essentially governed by bilateral agreements where Switzerland and the EU […]
Following the exceptional measures taken on the 16th March 2020 by the Council of State regarding the current state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OCPM and all immigration authorities will be closed to the public until further notice. Urgent matters only will be assessed by appointment. Permit applications are still being processed […]
As the management of the containment of the virus improves in Switzerland, the Swiss Federal Council is gradually relaxing the rules governing access to Swiss territory. When it comes to Schengen States Restrictions and controls at the internal borders of the Schengen area have been lifted since the 15th June. This allows the free movement […]
Under Swiss law, there are only two different paths for non-EU nationals who wish to settle in Switzerland and obtain a residency permit by investing money into the Swiss economy: either (i) establish a thriving and sustainable business in Switzerland or (ii) to negotiate a tax-lump sum agreement with the canton of interest. Establish a […]
Before July 2022, same-sex couples could not marry under Swiss law, however they could conclude a registered partnership allowing them to benefit from almost the same legal protection as a marriage. Since 1st July 2022, the Swiss population voted in favour for the initiative allowing mariage between same-sex partners. The registered partnership is no longer […]
Switzerland regularly ranks as one of the best countries in the world to retire. Offering excellent healthcare facilities, great outdoor opportunities, low taxes and a high standard of lifestyle, Switzerland is a small country with many attractive aspects for foreigners who can afford it. Most cities are nestled around beautiful lakes and surrounded by mountains, […]
The enforcement of Brexit impacts heavily UK citizens planning to move and work in Switzerland from January 2021. UK citizens’ immigration rights are no longer regulated by the agreement on the Freedom of Movement of People (AFMP), applying to all EU-27/AELE citizens under Swiss law, but by the federal law on Foreigners and Integration (LEI), […]
Switzerland is a popular destination for seasonal workers, especially during the winter. As this category of foreigners remains in the country for three to four months at a time, they are subject to short term work authorisations. Authorisations to be delivered to European citizens are regulated by the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons […]
The pandemic has revealed the pros and cons of each nation’s health system and ability to handle a major crisis. The recent events have stirred many life decisions in terms of settling in a new environment and starting a new life somewhere else. Switzerland offers a high quality of lifestyle combined with excellent healthcare infrastructures, […]
The pandemic has created new opportunities for foreigners who can work remotely and for independents who can manage their business from anywhere. It is not uncommon anymore to settle in a place offering a high-quality lifestyle, such as Verbier and other ski resorts in Valais like Crans-Montana, Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Arolla and others to be able […]
A question that often comes up when considering moving to Switzerland is “what are the pros and cons of holding a residency permit in Switzerland?” There are various advantages to holding a Swiss permit, other than allowing the holder to live in Switzerland. Depending on the type of B or L permit, that person is […]