The last couple of months brought several changes in the Swiss immigration landscape. Here’s a summary of the most important changes in 2018 and how they could affect your business.
1. Activation of a Quota System for Romanian and Bulgarian nationals
What it means:
- Type B work permits for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens with new long-term (more than 12 months) employment with a Swiss employer are (again) subject to quota.
- They are only admitted in limited numbers (quota) subject to official approval and require formal application.
- These restrictions apply until 31 May 2018. The Swiss Federal Council may decide to prolong the period of restrictions (quota) for one more year effective 1 June 2018.
Why it matters:
For now, when employing a Bulgarian or Romanian citizen not yet in possession of a Swiss work permit, you take the risk that the employee will not get a B permit (in time).
What you can do:
- Inform your employee that depending on the quota situation and depending on the employment contract, they will either receive a L- or a B-permit.
- Plan ahead: Ideally, employment start dates should be at the beginning of a quarter to increase the chances of success in receiving a B permit (‘first come, first served’ principle applies).
2. Adoption of new immigration regime granting Croatian citizens some free movement rights in Switzerland
What it means:
a) Simplified Visa requirements
Croatian citizens do not need an entry visa to enter Switzerland anymore, if they:
- Visit Switzerland for private stays (vacation, visiting family, etc.) for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year.
- Come to work in Switzerland for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year.
b) Official online notification tool is now applicable for short work trips to Switzerland (assignments[2] only)
Croatian citizens meant to work in Switzerland on assignment (e.g. project work) may be registered online for a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. It’s important to note that the ‘90 day per calendar year threshold’ applies per employer – not per employee.
Why it matters:
From a workforce planning perspective (project staffing, etc.), the online notification tool is an excellent addition to formal work permits. In the case of planned business trips or assignments of your Croatian subsidiary/business partner, etc. remember that:
- you can now use the online notification tool for Croatian nationals;
- no entry visa requirements apply to Croatian nationals who are registered online.