IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change?  Switzerland will extend job notification requirements to additional positions
beginning Jan. 1.

What does the change mean? Employers will have to advertise jobs that are subject to the notification requirement through Switzerland’s Public Employment Service for five days before other job candidates can access the job notifications. The jobs that will be added to the list in 2021 are largely in sale and marketing, the service industry and construction.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2021.
  • Who is affected: Swiss employers advertising occupations with 5% unemployment or higher.
  • Impact on processing times: The change will slow procedures for hiring non-Swiss nationals in some jobs.
  • Next steps: Employers can check whether a job opening needs to be advertised by using the “Check-Up 2021” tool, available here.

Background: Under a change that took effect Jan. 1, 2020, employers in Switzerland are required to advertise open jobs for occupations where unemployment exceeds 5%. Because of COVID-19, unemployment rose above 5% in a number of occupations in Switzerland. The jobs that will be added to the list in 2021 are:

  • Executives in sales and marketing
  • Technical salespeople (excluding information and communication technology)
  • Sales specialists (field staff, sales specialist)
  • Conference and event planners
  • Head chefs, deputy Head chefs and sous chefs
  • Cooks
  • Service chefs, service technicians in restaurants and bartenders
  • Cleaning and housekeeping managers; staff in offices, hotels and other facilities
  • Security service personnel
  • Roofers
  • Floor and tile workers
  • Welders and flame cutters
  • Metal polishers, cylindrical grinders and tool sharpeners
  • Workers in the watchmaking industry
  • Drivers (excluding truck drivers)
  • Construction machinery leaders
  • Fishing industry workers

Analysis & Comments: The advertising requirements are part of Switzerland’s ongoing efforts to promote Swiss workers, particularly in jobs with high unemployment. Because of COVID-19 the number of jobs subject to this requirement will increase in 2021. The changes will likely have minimal impact on employers in high-skilled industries, however.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Switzerland has revised its quarantine requirements for those traveling from neighboring countries.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Sept. 14, only those regions of neighbouring countries where the infection rate is greater than 60 cases per 100,000 will be added to the list of countries and areas that are deemed to have an increased rate of infection, not the entire country.
  • Travelers from high risk regions will need to continue to follow all COVID-19 entry requirements, which includes a ten-day quarantine. The regions that are deemed high-risk include the region in France that includes Paris and the region in Austria that includes Vienna. The full list was updated Oct. 12 and is available here.
  • Border regions may be exempted from inclusion on the list even if they have a high infection rate. Cross-border commuters do not need to quarantine.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Switzerland recently announced the lifting of entry restrictions for Schengen Area, EU and EFTA countries.

 Key Points:

  • As of June 15, entry restrictions on travelers from Schengen Area countries have been lifted, and Swiss border controls with these countries have also ended.
  • Free movement of individuals between Switzerland and all EU/EFTA countries and the United Kingdom is also allowed as of June 15.
  • The following six countries will remain on the high-risk list after June 15: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom. Restrictions will remain in effect for third-country nationals who wish to enter Switzerland from those countries.
  • Individuals with free movement rights will be allowed to enter the country beginning June 15. Foreign nationals benefiting from the free movement of rights from the six high-risk countries will be allowed to enter Switzerland, as will their family members irrespective of their nationality. Individuals posted to Switzerland for 90 days or less in accordance with the Agreement on Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) no longer need to obtain a confirmation of notification in order to enter Switzerland.
  • The Federal Council has announced that, as of July 6, it will lift all COVID-19-related restrictions on the entry of workers from non-EU/EFTA countries.
  • As of July 6, the cantons will also begin processing residence applications from third-country nationals who are not planning to work in Switzerland, in accordance with the normal criteria.
  • Third-country nationals are still not permitted to travel to Switzerland on vacation, and entry for a stay of less than 90 days that does not normally require a permit, as well as entry for short educational courses, medical treatment and non-urgent business meetings, will only be authorized in cases of special necessity. Switzerland plans to lift these remaining entry restrictions at the same time as the other Schengen states.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Federal Council of Switzerland has announced plans to gradually re-open the economy, including easing travel restrictions and resuming processing of certain visas and permits.

Key Points:

  • From May 11 onward, authorities will begin processing residence permit and cross-border commuter permit applications for EU/EFTA nationals submitted prior to March 25 but put on hold owing to COVID-19.
  • This also includes applications for cross border permits (G-permits) and online registration for local employment or assignment in Switzerland for up to 90 days.
  • New online registrations for assignment-based work in Switzerland will also be processed, provided the service provision is based on a written contract signed before March 25, 2020.
  • Third-country workers who already have a permit to work in Switzerland, but were not issued a visa because of the restrictions imposed on entry, are now permitted to enter the country.
  • Applications to employ third-country nationals submitted before March 19 will now be processed. The applications will be approved provided the provisions of the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act are met and the applicants are able to take up the position.
  • Family reunification for family members of Swiss citizens and EU/EFTA nationals living in Switzerland is again possible.

Additional information: The current border controls will continue. Nonetheless, additional border crossings will be opened in order to avoid excessive wait times. International flights will still only be able to land at Zurich, Geneva or Basel airports. The authorities have also announced the tentative decision to begin processing, as of June 8, applications from all workers from EU and EFTA states who are able to begin employment in Switzerland, provided the COVID-19 situation so permits. The requirement to give notification of job vacancies, which has been temporarily suspended, will also be reactivated at that time.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Swiss government recently announced additional travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • All inbound foreign travel has been suspended except for Swiss and Liechtenstein nationals, and holders of Swiss residence permits. Individuals who are required to travel to the country due to their work, or who are experiencing an emergency situation can also be admitted. Examples of emergency situations are an urgent medical care scenario or the death of a family member.
  • Individuals trying to enter the country who have a current Assurance or Certificat d‘engistrement and who are traveling in a professional capacity may be denied entry. Exceptions can be made for professionals with such credentials who are working in service of the greater good, such as healthcare specialists and suppliers of necessary products or materials.
  • New work permit approvals are being restricted to ones that are directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This restriction also covers pending work permit cases. The new restriction applies to online registrations as well.
  • The new, tighter measures are in effect until further notice.
  • Travelers who are in transit within Switzerland may pass through.
  • Movement of goods is still allowed.

Analysis & Comments: The new travel restrictions will significantly impact travel to Switzerland. It is possible further restrictions may be announced. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The Swiss government recently announced new travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • All foreign travellers from Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Spain are banned from entering the country.
  • All residence and temporary stay permits issued by Switzerland and visas issued by and for Switzerland, remain valid for entry.
  • Schengen and national visas for third country nationals will not be issued for a period of three months.
  • Foreigners desiring to enter Switzerland by air can only do so at the Zurich, Geneva and Basel airports.
  • Travelers with cross border permits, assurances of stays, and ID cards issued by the Federal Dept. of Foreign Affairs, can be used for entry.
  • A registration confirmation or certificate must be presented by foreign service providers. The registration confirmation requirement applies to all sectors and activities. The registration confirmation requirement also applies to service providers or gainfully employed individuals who were not obligated to register before the new conditions arose. Registration is to be completed by service providers on the first day. The rule providing an eight-day exemption for registration-free employment no longer applies. Before entry, a declaration in accordance with the registration procedure must be made.
  • Until air traffic returns to a normal state, individuals who can not leave the Schengen Area or Switzerland due to the COVID-19 situation, before the expirations of their visas or residence permits, or the expiration of a 90-day stay under the permit-free framework, and without other ways of returning, are allowed to stay in the Schengen area.
  • It is recommended that individuals who are experiencing these conditions report them to the cantonal migration offices in the canton where they are staying.
  • Swiss border control authorities will not consider overstaying in the Schengen area as an overstay, for individuals who are affected by the COVID-19 situation.
  • Individuals who are experiencing travel difficulties, who can’t use their current Swiss visas, and who also want to enter the country at a later date, can apply for new ones. There will be a fee for a new visa. The requirement to have valid travel health insurance will still apply as will the measure of reviewing police databases. For visa re-evaluations within six months after the travel restrictions have ended, and visas that were granted for the same travel purpose, it is anticipated a reasonable amount of goodwill will be extended.
  • Residence and/or work permits that are currently pending will most likely require more time to process. Pending applications processing can be suspended by authorities until further notice, due to the COVID-19 situation.

Analysis & Comments: The new travel restrictions will significantly impact travel to Switzerland. It is possible further restrictions may be announced. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may occur for consular and in-country processing.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Switzerland is introducing residence permit cards in credit-card format to foreign nationals, replacing paper residence permits.

What does the change mean? The new residence permit will resemble a credit card and will be phased in at the cantonal level, beginning with the cantons of Geneva, which started the transition Nov. 1, 2019, and Zurich starting Feb. 1, 2020.

  • Implementation time frame: Zurich and Geneva will begin introducing biometric cards first, and other cantons will follow thereafter with the goal of completing the transition by July 2021.
  • Permits affected: Residence cards for B, L, C, G, Ci and N and F permit applicants.
  • Who is affected: The permits in credit-card format will be phased in for initial and renewal applicants and permit holders requesting changes to their personal information.
  • Business impact: Applicants will need to attend an appointment to take their photo and provide their signature at the Migration Office. This data will be kept for five years. As a result of the new process, applicants will no longer be required to submit a passport photo with their application and the residence card will be mailed directly to them.

Analysis and Comments: Employers and affected foreign nationals should be aware that the introduction of residence cards in credit-card format is already ongoing in Geneva and starting next month in Zurich, and in other cantons thereafter, and that appointments will be required. All previously issued paper permits will remain valid until their expiration while the cantons transition to new credit-card format cards.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Swiss officials now require residence permit applicants to provide a recognized language certificate to show that they meet applicable language requirements.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2020.
  • Visas/permits affected: B (temporary residence) and C (permanent residence) permits.
  • Who is affected: Dependent spouses of Non-EU/EFTA B-permit holders, B-permit holders seeking renewal, foreign nationals seeking permanent residency (C permits) except for nationals from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
  • Next steps: The list of recognized language certificates is available online in German, French, and Italian.

Background: Switzerland adopted new language requirements for residence permit applicants in 2019. These rules are generally as follows:

Type of residence   Required level of proficiency
Permanent residence (C permits) based on 10 years of residency A2 level in oral language skills, A1 level in written language skills.
Permanent residence (C permits) based on five years of residency B1 level in oral, A1 level in written language. Nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain are exempt.
B residence permits based on family reunification A1 or equivalent oral skills in the language of the place of residence.
Spouses and registered partners of Swiss citizens and of C-permit permanent residents A2 level in oral language skills, A1 level in written language skills.
Naturalization B1 level in oral language skills, A2 level in written language skills.

Throughout 2019, authorities in the Swiss cantons had the authority to decide which certificates were acceptable to establish the required level of language proficiency. This changed Jan. 1 when authorities throughout Switzerland began requiring “language passports” or other recognized language certificates.

Analysis & Comments: While language requirements themselves have not changed, applicants will be required to provide a recognized language certificate when submitting residence applications. Failure to do so may lead to unnecessary delays in the application process.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Switzerland is poised to expand job notification requirements.

What does the change mean? Starting Jan. 1, employers will be required to advertise open jobs for occupations where unemployment tops 5% to people seeking work through Switzerland’s Public Employment Service for five days before others can access the job notifications. The measure builds on Switzerland’s existing efforts to promote the local workforce. Currently, only occupations where unemployment is 8% or higher are required to meet the job notification rules.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2020.
  • Who is affected: Swiss employers advertising occupations with 5% unemployment or higher.  
  • Impact on processing times: The change may slow procedures for hiring non-Swiss nationals for some additional jobs because employers will be required to advertise jobs to Swiss candidates only for at least five days before non-Swiss workers will be able to see them.
  • Next steps: Employers can check whether a job opening needs to be advertised by using the “Check-Up 2020” tool, available here.

Background: The expansion of the job notification requirement is the second in a two-step process to respond to the Swiss Parliament’s goal of promoting the local job force. The first step was implemented in July 2018, when job notifications were put in place for occupations with 8% unemployment or higher. The lower threshold will take effect for jobs that become available on or after Jan. 1.

Analysis & Comments: The lower thresholds signal Switzerland’s ongoing efforts to promote Swiss workers and could delay the hiring of foreign nationals in some instances.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Swiss government has set work-permit quotas for EU and non-EU nationals, including U.K. nationals in case of a no-deal Brexit.

What does the change mean? The 2020 quotas will remain the same as in 2019: Non-EU/EFTA nationals will be subject to quotas of 4,500 long-term B permits and 4,000 shorter-term L permits. Quotas on work permits for EU/EFTA nationals will also remain at 500 B permits and 3,000 L permits. In the case of a no-deal Brexit, U.K. citizens will be subject to quotas of 2,100 B permits and 1,400 L permits.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2020.
  • Visas/permits affected: B and L permits. Permits for 120 days or up to a maximum four consecutive months are exempt from quotas.
  • Business impact: Employees should anticipate that in 2020 the same total number of B and L permits will be available as in 2019.

Analysis & Comments: After increasing the quotas in 2019 to address labor shortages and respond to business demands for greater access to skilled workers, the Federal Council has decided to retain the same quotas for 2020. Companies should plan their recruitment and talent strategies accordingly.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.