8-Day Rule Work Exception Permit – Swiss Short-term Work Permit for Foreigners

For many reasons, Switzerland is extremely attractive to migrants from around the world looking for a new country to live, work, and study. Located in the middle of Europe and with a thriving economy, rich and historical culture, wonderful towns and cities, mountains and lakes, Switzerland is seen as a dream destination for many. Salaries in Switzerland are amongst the highest in the world, with an average of around £50,000. Those in certain sectors such as finance and insurance can expect to receive an even higher wage equating to around £7,350 per month, and in IT, £6900, per month. In this article, we will explain the purpose of the 8-Day Work Permit Exemption in Switzerland, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

What is the 8-Day Work Permit Exemption for Switzerland?

Foreigners typically need a work permit to take up employment in Switzerland, but for periods of up to eight days, an exemption applies. The Swiss eight-day exemption rule applies to non-EU/EFTA nationals who are employed outside Switzerland who intend to work in Switzerland for a maximum of eight days in any calendar year. In this case, candidates may not need to apply for a work permit or complete a 90-day notification.

The Swiss Secretariat for Migration (SEM) states, “Basically, no permit requirement exists in the case of a transnational service provided for up to eight days per calendar year. However, a visa may be required for entry. Please check the applicable visa provisions. In certain fields (especially in the erotic entertainment sector), a work permit is required starting from the first day. Please find out for yourself at the competent authority whether you require a work permit”.

This confirms that even if a work permit is not required, depending on your country of origin, you may still need a visa to enter Switzerland.

Am I eligible for the 8-Day Work Permit Exemption to work in Switzerland?

In order for the 8-day rule to apply, you must genuinely intend to work in Switzerland for no more than eight days in any calendar year. The Swiss immigration authorities are keen to discourage anyone from using the 8-day rule who intends to exceed the period limit from the outset.

The key is to ensure that you calculate the eight days correctly.

If you are an EU national working for an employer in an EU business outside of Switzerland, the eight-day rule applies both to the individual employee and the employer. In other words, if one organisation sends more than one employee to Switzerland, the eight days are shared by those individuals. There is a nuance to this rule which says that if more than one worker is sent to work in Switzerland on the same day, this is classed as using up one of the eight registration-free days.

If you are a non-EU national working for an employer in a non-EU country, and you wish to work in Switzerland for up to eight days, the limit only applies to the individual, not the employer. In other words, each employee working in Switzerland is entitled to eight registration free days of work. Again, this does not exempt those individuals from applying for an entry visa if this is a requirement given their nationality.

Do I need to apply for an 8-Day Work Permit Exemption for Switzerland?

Those eligible for the 8-Day Work Permit exemption do not need to apply for a permit, however, registration is required for those in certain sectors from day one, including:

Construction and secondary contract work.
Gardening and landscaping.
Hospitality.
Cleaning in companies and households.
Monitoring and security services.
Itinerant trade (except for trade fairs and circuses).
Erotic services

To make an application for a work permit if you are in any of these sectors, we recommend speaking to an immigration lawyer or your local Swiss embassy. Likewise, if you are unsure if you qualify due to the complex eight-day calculation rules, speak to a specialist in Swiss immigration lawyer who can advise you.

To check if you need a visa to enter Switzerland, we recommend checking SEM’s online visa information page, which lists the requirements for each nationality. This will tell you if you need a visa for stays up to 90 days and over 90 days.

Are there any restrictions in Switzerland due to COVID-19?

If you are a third-country national planning to work in Switzerland, you will be able to do so as long as you can prove you are fully vaccinated (i.e. you have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination). SEM states, “anyone who can prove that they have been fully vaccinated can once again enter Switzerland from a third country, i.e. a country outside the Schengen area. Furthermore, people entering Switzerland from the Schengen area are no longer required to quarantine. Only those who arrive in Switzerland by plane are still required to take a test, but even this requirement does not apply to persons who have been fully vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19”.

Reiss Edwards has the resources and expertise to assist with all aspects of Swiss immigration. If you need assistance with your 8-Day Work Permit Exemption for Switzerland or any other immigration matter, contact our Switzerland Immigration Solicitors on 020 3744 2797 or by email at info@reissedwards.co.uk