Switzerland: Residence Permit Quotas for 2025

Key Points

• Permit Quotas for 2025: Switzerland set quotas for third-country nationals, EU/EFTA service providers, and UK nationals.
• Quota Breakdown:
  • Non-EU Citizens:
    • 4,500 residence permits (B)
    • 4,000 short-term permits (L)
    • Permits for 120 days or up to 4 consecutive months are not under quota
  • EU/EFTA Service Providers:
    • 500 residence permits (B)
    • 3,000 short-term permits (L), released quarterly
    • Permits for 120 days or up to 4 consecutive months are not under quota
  • UK Nationals:
    • 2,100 residence permits (B)
    • 1,400 short-term permits (L)
• Croatian Nationals: Starting January 1, 2025, quotas for Croatian nationals will be lifted, granting full access to the Swiss labor market.

Overview

The Swiss government has announced its 2025 residence permit quotas, ensuring structured and managed access to its labor market for third-country nationals, EU/EFTA service providers, and UK nationals. These quotas reflect Switzerland’s ongoing efforts to balance labor market needs with immigration control while accommodating specific international agreements.

For non-EU nationals, Switzerland has allocated:

• 4,500 B residence permits are long-term authorizations for stays of more than 12 months
• 4,000 L short-term permits, intended for stays between 4 and 12 months
• Permits for 120 days or up to 4 consecutive months are exempt from quotas, ensuring flexibility for short-term employment needs

For EU/EFTA service providers, Switzerland has introduced:

• 500 B residence permits
• 3,000 L short-term permits will be released quarterly to align with the demand
• As with non-EU nationals, permits valid for up to 120 days or 4 months remain outside quota restrictions, facilitating temporary services without additional administrative burden

UK nationals will continue to have access to specific quotas under the post-Brexit Swiss-UK agreement:

• 2,100 B residence permits for long-term stays
• 1,400 L short-term permits for temporary employment

A significant change involves Croatian nationals, who will gain full access to the Swiss labor market starting January 1, 2025. Quotas imposed in 2023 and 2024, following a sharp increase in Croatian workers, will be lifted, aligning Croatia with other EU/EFTA member states under the freedom of movement agreement.

By maintaining explicit quotas and lifting restrictions for Croatia, Switzerland demonstrates its ability to address labor market demands while ensuring compliance with international agreements and workforce needs.

Looking Ahead

Switzerland’s updated permit quotas for 2025 provide employers, service providers, and workers with a clear framework for managing immigration and labor market participation. Companies hiring third-country specialists, EU/EFTA service providers, or UK nationals should plan strategically and ensure applications align with the allocated quotas.

Lifting quotas for Croatian nationals marks a milestone, creating opportunities for businesses to tap into this growing labor pool without restrictions. Employers must monitor workforce planning and comply with Swiss permit application regulations.

As Switzerland balances labor market demands with controlled immigration, stakeholders should stay informed about permit availability and updates to avoid delays and optimize workforce management. The structured approach reinforces Switzerland’s commitment to maintaining a dynamic, competitive labor market while supporting international mobility.