Work and residence permits

If you work during your stay in Switzerland, or reside here longer than three months, you will require the appropriate permit.

Thanks to the Freedom of Movement agreement, citizens of EU/EFTA Member States of all qualification levels enjoy easy access to the Swiss job market. For Croatian nationals, work-permit restrictions apply until further notice. An overview of options and procedures can be obtained directly from the Migration Office Canton Thurgau. Furthermore, employed persons from EU/EFTA Member States do not require a permit for a stay of a maximum of 90 days per calendar year. These periods of employment must be registered online.

Only a limited number of well-qualified employees from non-EU/non-EFTA Member States will be issued work permits. The relevant application must be filed at the Cantonal Migration Office with adequate supporting documentation.

Company founders should note that self-employed foreign residents are deemed to be self-employed if they are the managing directors of their own GmbH (limited liability company) or AG (public limited company). In this case, a business plan, a commercial register entry, and proof of self-employment capable of providing a livelihood must be furnished for a residence permit.

Although the Thurgau Economic Development Office itself does not issue permits, we would be more than happy to answer any questions and direct you to the relevant authorities.