Which work permits are affected?

The quotas are imposed on a national, rather than per-company, basis, on long-term allowances and short-term permits. They are valid for up to five years and are renewable.

Once the B permits are granted, they are issued with the permit instead – valid for up to 12 months and convertible into a B permit after two years.

Non-EU / EFTA Nationals

• In 2019, a total of 8500 may be recruited from non-EU / EFTA states, to increase of 500.
• The number of B permits available will  increase by 1000  to 4500.
• The number of permits will be  reduced by 500  to 4000.
• The 1000 extra B permits will be allocated to the federal quota, rather than directly to the cantons, to enable the federal government to flexibly manage the additional needs in various cantons on request.

EU / EFTA Nationals

• For 2018, the authorities will grant 500 long-term allowances – no change on last year’s quota.
• The permits also allow 3000 short-term allowances – no change on the last year’s quota.
• These quotas will be allocated to the cantons on a quarterly basis, as before.

Action Items

• Note the quotas for 2019 and plan, as always, to submit work permits in good time to avoid issues.