Although not a member of the EU, Switzerland has made several agreements which allow Swiss nationals to enjoy many privileges of the EU / EFTA and also allow EU / EFTA nationals to enjoy privileged status in Switzerland.  There are however different levels of agreements depending on when the member state joined the EU / EFTA.

Bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons are in full force for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Malta, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.  Though nationals of these countries still need to apply for Swiss work and residence permits, they generally do not need to secure any work authorisation prior to their arrival in Switzerland and may usually start employment once they have registered in Switzerland (exceptions apply for certain types of assignment, for example short-term assignments or assignments for detached workers etc.).

The bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons that apply to EU member states that joined the EU in May 2004 and in January 2007 i.e. Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and the Slovak Republic confirm that nationals of these countries are subject to transitory immigration measures. Work and residence permits issued to nationals of these countries are subject to certain quotas and additional controls to protect the local labor market.  

Packimpex's immigration professionals can assist fully with work and residence permit applications for EU / EFTA nationals.  

Processing times for work and residence permits vary depending on the canton and nationality of the applicant.