Important Updates
Important Updates
October 21, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: Permanent Residents Will Need to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit to Maintain Permanent Residence Status
October 21, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: New Online System for Foreign Service Providers’ Requirements Forthcoming
October 21, 2025 | United KingdomFragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK
October 21, 2025 | GeorgiaGeorgia: Authorities Request Police Clearances on Ad Hoc Basis 
October 21, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Easier Process for Study/Research Residence Permit Holders to Convert to EU Blue Card
October 21, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: Permanent Residents Will Need to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit to Maintain Permanent Residence Status
October 21, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: New Online System for Foreign Service Providers’ Requirements Forthcoming
October 21, 2025 | United KingdomFragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK
October 21, 2025 | GeorgiaGeorgia: Authorities Request Police Clearances on Ad Hoc Basis 
October 21, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Easier Process for Study/Research Residence Permit Holders to Convert to EU Blue Card
October 21, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: Permanent Residents Will Need to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit to Maintain Permanent Residence Status
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
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 AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • 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
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

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
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Ukrainian Crisis: Overview of Switzerland’s Protection Status ‘S’

March 30, 2022

Kiev Ukraine

Countries / Territories

  • UkraineUkraine
  • SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Ana Bessa Santos

Following Switzerland’s latest press release on the 11th of March, the Federal Council has decided to activate the Protection status ’S’ for Ukrainian nationals.

Below we have provided an overview on this status and some other frequently asked questions.

 

What is the protection status ’S’ and what does it mean?

The protection status ’S’ enables an individual to receive an S-permit. This type of permit will be limited to a maximum of one year but can be extended. After five years, individuals still in need of protection may receive a B-permit, which will be valid until the temporary protection is lifted.

The protection status ’S’ ultimately confers a right of residence in Switzerland, allows its beneficiary to reunite with family members* and gives the same rights as those of persons admitted to the country temporarily when it pertains to access to accommodation, assistance and medical care. It also enables children to go to school.

Individuals who are granted this status may travel abroad and return to Switzerland without a travel permit. They may engage in gainful employment (including self-employment) without having to wait a certain period to do so as is typical in other similar situations.

Anyone seeking protection should register directly with a federal asylum center or at a border checkpoint.

Who is eligible for the protection status ’S’?

      • Ukrainian citizens seeking protection and their family members who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022
      • Persons of other nationalities and stateless persons seeking protection as well as their family members who held international or national protection status in Ukraine before 24 February 2022
      • Persons of other nationalities and stateless persons seeking protection as well as their family members who have a valid right of residence in Ukraine and cannot return to their home countries in safety and on a permanent basis

*Family members can request family reunion if they are registered partners and spouses, minor children or other close relatives who were being fully or partially supported at the time of exit from Ukraine.

 

Working in Switzerland

As mentioned above, Ukrainian nationals under the protection status ‘S’ will be able to access the Swiss job market without having to wait for a period of time before being able to start working.

However, this does not mean that a person holding an S-permit will be able to start working without a proper work authorization in place and before an application has been submitted by an employer and the conditions reviewed by the competent Cantonal Authority.

Although work permit applications can be submitted as soon as the protection status ’S’ has been granted, employers will still have to comply with current immigration rules. Salary and working conditions will be thoroughly reviewed by the authorities to avoid any abuse or social dumping of persons benefiting from this protection status.

 

 

Need to Know More?

If this topic interests you or you would like to know more about the Ukraine crisis and how Switzerland is dealing with it, please feel free to contact Ana Bessa Santos at [email protected] or the Fragomen Swiss immigration team.

This blog was published on 30 March 2022, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Countries / Territories

  • UkraineUkraine
  • SwitzerlandSwitzerland

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Zurich][Manager][AnaBessaSantos]

Ana Bessa Santos

Senior Manager

Zurich

Email

[email protected]

T:+41 (0) 44 267 4499

Related offices

  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

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.