Important Updates
Important Updates
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
July 25, 2025 | BulgariaBulgaria: Mandatory New Health Insurance Requirement for Single Work and Residence Permit Holders
July 25, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Rule Requires Submission of Employment Contracts Online
July 25, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Mandatory Online Submission for Some Processes
July 25, 2025 | SpainSpain: Certain Work Permits Can Now Be Issued for Less Than 90 Days
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
July 25, 2025 | BulgariaBulgaria: Mandatory New Health Insurance Requirement for Single Work and Residence Permit Holders
July 25, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Rule Requires Submission of Employment Contracts Online
July 25, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Mandatory Online Submission for Some Processes
July 25, 2025 | SpainSpain: Certain Work Permits Can Now Be Issued for Less Than 90 Days
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
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 ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian 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
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • 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

The Implementation of Integration Agreements for Foreign Nationals in Switzerland

May 29, 2019

Zurich

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: Cesare Annecchiarico

Whenever foreign nationals come to Switzerland to work, they go through a complex process before they can actually enter the country and start working. This process ensures that foreign workers are allowed to live and work in Switzerland legally. The same applies if spouses or children are involved. The spouses may also want to work and the children have to go to school, for example. Apart from the laws that have to be observed for these processes, work, school, and other aspects are an important part of the integration.

Among other things, the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals (FNA), introduced in 2005, has been renamed to the "Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration" (hereinafter referred to as the FNIA) since 01 March 2019. With regard to integration, this should be improved for foreigners through positive incentives and appropriate measures. As an example, the Confederation wants to facilitate access to the labour market for refugees and temporarily admitted persons or bind residence permits to concrete integration agreements.

Art. 54 FNIA, states that integration promotion will continue to be based on existing federal, cantonal and communal structures. More precisely, this means that integration takes place in school-based and extracurricular educational and care services, at work, spatial development, sport, the media and/or cultural offerings. This integration is, of course, also linked to certain criteria. Pursuant to Art. 58a AIG, foreigners are expected to respect public safety and order, the values of the Federal Constitution, extend their language skills and participate in economic life or acquire education.

All cantons agree on certain integration goals with the Confederation in order to implement integration on the part of the state. These goals are then implemented by means of a programme. In the Canton of Zurich, for example, there is a "Cantonal Integration Programme" (KIP 2). The current programme runs from 2018 to 2021. In the Canton of Zurich, the programme focuses on three priorities. These would be "Information and Counselling", "Education and Work" and "Understanding and Social Integration." Find more information here.

Language is the Key to Integration: What does that mean for foreign nationals?

If you want to integrate into a foreign country, you can do this especially if you speak the language of that country. Language is the key to integration. It is no different in Switzerland. That's why the cantons are linking the granting of permits directly to the linguistic abilities of the individual, now and in the future. Here, too, federalism is taking hold. This means that the cantons themselves determine how the laws are applied. This, in turn, means that there are differences in linguistic integration at the cantonal level. The cantons of Lucerne and Solothurn can be mentioned here as examples: In the canton of Lucerne, as in the canton of Solothurn, linguistic competence must be demonstrated above all in the case of residence permits B and permanent residence permits C. In the canton of Lucerne, family members of Swiss nationals must present at least one registration and payment confirmation for a language course as part of their family reunification. This language course must bring the person to a certain language level. If, for example, it is necessary to apply for a C permit, the language skills must already be at level A2 (oral) and A1 (written). For a B permit, the language skills at level A1 are required.

The law is implemented differently in the canton of Solothurn. If an application for a B permit (residence permit) is submitted in the canton of Solothurn for third-country nationals, the application with confirmation of payment for a language course in Switzerland must be submitted at the latest when the family reunion is dealt with. Until the end of the year 2019, a temporary solution will apply whereby any language certificate confirming level A1 will be accepted. However, certified language certificates, such as those of the Goethe Institute, TELC or similar, must be submitted from 1 January onwards.

At first glance, this sounds complicated and difficult to implement. However, it should not be forgotten that one of Switzerland's most important goals is to promote integration and thus coexistence.

Do you have any questions about living and working in Switzerland? Contact me at Cesare Annecchiarico: [email protected]

 

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

Toronto Star: Ford and Other Premiers Want Provincial Work Permits for Refugee Claimants. It May Not Solve Anything

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Video

Transfer Tactics & Talent Pipelines – The UK Angle with Alex Hood ⚽ | #FragomenFC - Ep. 10

Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in ā€œSeriously Concerningā€ US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: Ford and Other Premiers Want Provincial Work Permits for Refugee Claimants. It May Not Solve Anything

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Video

Transfer Tactics & Talent Pipelines – The UK Angle with Alex Hood ⚽ | #FragomenFC - Ep. 10

Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in ā€œSeriously Concerningā€ US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

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

Ā© 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.