Can we hire this person in Switzerland?
Answer five questions. The tool shows the likely permit route, the steps, the authorities involved and the level of difficulty. For an opinion on your specific case, request a feasibility assessment.
Can we hire this person in Switzerland?
Rules checked · Nov. 2026Third-country B permit (quota)
For a non-EU/EFTA national, admission is the exception. It requires economic interest, no suitable Swiss or EU candidate, customary pay, high qualifications and an available quota. An intra-company transfer can simplify the procedure.
- 1Feasibility assessment
- 2Job advertisement and documented search
- 3Employer file
- 4Filed with the OCPM, decision by the OCIRT (foreign labour)
- 5SEM approval
- 6D visa, arrival, biometrics
Sources : SEM – third countries · ge.ch – procedure
General guidance only; it does not replace a review of the case. This tool stores no data.
A tool gives direction. An assessment gives the answer.
The tool covers the most common cases. Your file also depends on the role, salary, family, available quota and the candidate's history.
- Reply from a specialist within 24 working hours
- Written memo: route, documents, timeline, risks
- With or without an identified candidate
The figures that matter for your non-EU hiring.
The quotas are not exhausted. The real issue is the quality of the file: priority, qualifications and salary.
Sources: Federal Council, press release of 19.11.2025; Geneva has 93 B permits and 149 L permits for 2026 (OCIRT, 05.01.2026), with the remainder going through the federal reserve.
Hiring from outside Switzerland? Talk to us before the contract is signed.
In 30 minutes, a specialist tells you the permit route, the documents to prepare and a realistic timeline. Reply within 24 working hours.