EU-8

Under the bilateral treaties between the EU and Switzerland, a separate set of rules applies to the new EU-countries having joined the EU in May 2004 with the exception of Malta and Cyprus (EU 8). The EU-8-countries include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary.

Nationals of these countries who work for a Swiss domiciled business up to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year must register with the competent authorities. In case their stay exceeds the 90 days period, the employees must obtain a residence and work permit. Such work permit is only issued under the following conditions: (1) if no qualified employees domiciled in Switzerland are available for the respective position; (2) if certain minimum remuneration requirements are met; and (3) if the cantonal annual contingent for employees from foreign countries is not exhausted. For a limited number of business sectors, the possibility of a mere registration is precluded, and employees from the EU-8 require a valid work permit even if their assignment lasts less than 90 days.

For more information on our labour services, please contact us by phone (+41 43 501 07 00) or email (L_hc__ecnailerssiws--redro).