Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Switzerland relies on an annual quota system that regulates access to work and residence permits for foreign nationals. These quotas directly influence how employers plan their recruitment and workforce strategies.

Building on Fragomen’s previous blog that outlined Swiss Immigration Quotas for 2025, this mid-year update looks at how the quotas have been utilised so far, what the latest figures reveal and quota availability for the rest of the year. 

With the release of the latest immigration data for the first half of 2025, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) provides a welcome opportunity to assess how current labor mobility patterns are shaping up, and what employers should bear in mind for the remainder of the year. The mid-year quota statistics of 2025—covering January through June—offer a snapshot of permit usage trends, quota availability and broader migration dynamics.

From an immigration strategic perspective, there is reassuring consistency in the numbers. Swiss work permit quotas remain widely available in all categories, and while overall immigration is slightly down compared to last year, the allocation environment continues to be favorable for companies reliant on third-country talent or EU-based secondees.

Permit Usage Trends in 2025

Third-Country Nationals: Quotas Remain Available

Employers sponsoring non-EU nationals under Swiss immigration quotas can take some comfort in the current figures. According to SEM data, as of 30 June 30 2025, only 33% of the L permits and 38% of the B permits allocated at the federal level for third-country nationals have been used.

Of the 4,000 L permits available nationwide:

• • • 995 remain unassigned at the cantonal level
    • 1,694 L permits are still in federal reserve
    • 777 B permits are available at the cantonal level with 2,030 are in the federal reserve

Importantly, unspent quotas from the previous year—amounting to 1,221 L and 957 B permits—remain accessible and do not expire. These reserves provide a helpful cushion as the traditional busier summer and autumn application season approaches. Employers with plans to onboard new non-EU staff or relocate global talent under local contracts can proceed with confidence, provided timelines are managed carefully and local permit practice is factored in.

UK Nationals: Ample Room Within Separate Quota Pool

Since the entry into force of the UK-Switzerland agreement following Brexit, UK nationals are subject to separate quota allocations. The 2025 quota pool continues to be significantly underutilized: only 8% of the L permits and 13% of the B permits reserved for UK nationals have been used thus far.

As of mid-year:

• • • 1,293 L permits are available at the cantonal level
    • 1,820 B permits are available at the cantonal level

In practical terms, this suggests that UK-related assignments, whether intra-group secondments or permanent local hires—remain administratively viable without immediate risk of quota exhaustion. For globally mobile professionals with a UK origin, Switzerland remains fully accessible through these dedicated channels.

EU/EFTA Nationals on Assignment (>120 Days): Quotas Available for Long-Term Assignments

The quotas for EU/EFTA nationals performing services in Switzerland for more than 120 days per year also show relatively modest usage to date. Of the 3,000 L permits and 500 B permits set aside for this category, just 28% of the L and 16% of the B permits have been used.

In absolute terms, this means that:

• • • 2,164 L permits and 418 B permits remain available as of the end of Q2

This is particularly relevant for companies using Switzerland as a regional hub for specialist project teams, particularly in the financial services, pharma and engineering sectors. The numbers confirm that long-duration assignments remain administratively feasible, provided filings are made in due time and structured appropriately under the 120+ day framework.

Quota Availability for the Rest of the Year

Zooming out, the SEM’s data on overall permanent immigration shows a modest decline compared to the same period in 2024. Although the headline numbers indicate continued availability, employers should not delay where workforce planning involves third-country nationals or long-term assignees.

Key takeaways:

• • • With Q3 and Q4 often bringing increased demand, companies should anticipate filings and avoid last-minute quota reliance, especially in cantons with faster usage rates.
    • National figures do not reflect cantonal variations. Zurich, Vaud and Geneva may experience higher pressure as the year progresses.

Need To Know More?   

For further information on Switzerland’s quota framework, as well as on any other Swiss immigration requirements, please contact Manager Mihaela Dumitru at [email protected].  

This blog was published on 28 August 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.