Important Updates
Important Updates
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 23, 2025 | United StatesAmerican Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations
May 23, 2025 | Ireland, United Kingdom, BelgiumClassical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe
May 23, 2025 | United States, FranceFragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards
May 23, 2025 | United KingdomNorthern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 23, 2025 | United StatesAmerican Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations
May 23, 2025 | Ireland, United Kingdom, BelgiumClassical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe
May 23, 2025 | United States, FranceFragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards
May 23, 2025 | United KingdomNorthern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Immigration Statistics: Updated Information About Available Quotas in Switzerland

November 22, 2019

Country / Territory

  • SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Magali Ntongo

Understanding the Swiss quota system is critical for companies when it comes to shaping their recruitment plans efficiently. Work permits in Switzerland are distributed among different groups of nationalities that wish to work and reside in Switzerland. In this blog, I will provide the latest updates on the Swiss quota system, explore its challenges and its evolution, as well as discuss certain topics related to immigration. Read our previous blog on this topic here.

The quota system requires that whoever wants to live and work in Switzerland for more than four months must apply for permits, which are subject to a quota. Exceptions to this rule are for citizens of the EU27 (the European Union in the period between 2007 and 2013, before Croatia joined) and EEA (European Economic Area) countries who are engaged under local work contracts. There are two types of permits subject to a quota: L Short-term Permits and B Residence Permits. These are further divided between citizens of the EU27/EEA countries, Croatian nationals, and nationals of third countries.

Quotas for third-country nationals

On January 1, 2019, the Federal Council published the new quotas for the current year. For third-country nationals, the number of B residence permits made available was increased by 1,000 in comparison to 2018. However, on the other hand, the number of short-term permits was reduced by 500. In other words, the total number of B Permits available this year for third-country nationals is 4,500, while the number of short-term L permits is 4,000. These will be distributed between the federal level and the individual cantons.

According to statistics published by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), by the end of September 2019, 646 B-quota permits were still available out of the 4,500. The number of L-quota permits available was 2,253 out of the 4,000. These figures take into account the reserve left from the previous year also. 

Updated information about quota permits for European nationals

You may know that EU27/EEA nationals can benefit from the agreement on the free movement of persons signed between Switzerland and the European Union. This means that those nationals do not need work authorization to work on a local work contract. However, EU27/EEA nationals coming for an international assignment in Switzerland are still subject to quotas and must apply for a permit.

For EU27/EEA nationals on assignment, the Federal Council— as in the previous year— authorised 500 B Residence Permits and 3,000 L Short-term Permits. These quotas are released quarterly and are available as a pool between all the cantons of Switzerland.

At the end of September 2019, 220 of the 500 B-quota permits were still available to nationals from the EU27/EEA member states for the remainder of the year. Taking into consideration the permits left from the previous year, there are a total of 237 B-quota permits available for the rest of 2019.

At the end of September 2019, there were 1,320 L-quota permits remaining from the 2019 quota, making a total of 1,475 when counting reserves remaining from the previous year.

Quota restrictions: Updated information about Romanian, Bulgarian and Croatian nationals

From June 1, 2019, Romanian and Bulgarian nationals now benefit from full freedom of movement of persons and are subject to the same criteria as the EU27/EEA citizens in terms of local employment and relocation to Switzerland. As a reminder, the two countries joined the European Union in 2009. The Federal Council made use of the so-called “safeguard clause,” which permitted the introduction of quotas for permanent Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants for a maximum of 10 years, before they were abolished in May 2019.

Among the EU member states, Croatia is still subject to the “safeguard clause,” with a limited number of permits issued for Croatians. For the year 2019, 103 B-Permits are available for Croatian nationals (approximately 25 permits issued quarterly). L-Permits are limited to 953 for the year 2019 and are also granted quarterly. By the end of September 2019, the B-Permits had been used up for the quarter. The remaining 28 B-Permits are being granted to Croatians as of October, 22. L-Permits were still available at the end of September 2019, and a total of 239 L-Permits will still be available in the last quarter of the year.

For further information, please contact me at [email protected] or our team in Switzerland.

Learn more about the Swiss immigration statistics and what it is like to work as a foreign national in Switzerland.

 

 

Country / Territory

  • SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

American Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations

Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards

Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."

Learn more

Media mentions

Northern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England

Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.

Learn more

Video

Passports & Pitch Side: Footballers on the Move ⚽ Ep. 8 (Part 2) | #FragomenFC

#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.

Learn more

Blog post

The UK’s Net Migration Drop Demands a Considered but Speedy Response

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses the UK's recent drop in net migration and emphasises the need for a considered yet swift response to address the economic and social impacts.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

American Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations

Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards

Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."

Learn more

Media mentions

Northern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England

Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.

Learn more

Video

Passports & Pitch Side: Footballers on the Move ⚽ Ep. 8 (Part 2) | #FragomenFC

#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.

Learn more

Blog post

The UK’s Net Migration Drop Demands a Considered but Speedy Response

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses the UK's recent drop in net migration and emphasises the need for a considered yet swift response to address the economic and social impacts.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.