The Swiss Federal Council has decided to maintain the same quotas for workers from third countries in 2026. This decision, made during the Council’s meeting this month aims to ensure that companies can continue to recruit the skilled workforce they need.
The Federal Council’s decision comes against a backdrop of ongoing economic uncertainty, including concerns related to U.S. trade policies, alongside Switzerland’s consistently low unemployment rate. In this context, maintaining the current quota levels provides companies with stability and preserves the flexibility needed to respond to potential labour shortages.
The decision follows consultations and takes into account economic projections as well as the historical usage of quotas in recent years.
Third-country workers
A maximum of 8,500 qualified workers and specialists will be allowed to work in Switzerland. This includes 4,500 residence permits (B permits), which are typically issued for long-term employment, and 4,000 short-term residence permits (L permits), which are granted for temporary employment.
Service providers from the EU/EFTA
3,500 permits will be available for service providers from EU and EFTA member states whose assignment in Switzerland exceeds 120 days per year. This allocation includes 3,000 L permits and 500 B permits.
Workers from the United Kingdom
The separate quota for nationals of the United Kingdom is maintained for an additional year. A total of 3,500 permits will be allocated for workers from the United Kingdom. This includes 2,100 B permits for long-term employment, allowing UK nationals to reside and work in Switzerland for extended periods, and 1,400 L permits for short-term employment, facilitating temporary work assignments in the country. Additionally, companies based in the United Kingdom will still be able to use the online notifications system.
Despite maintaining quota levels, recent figures show that the available permits have not been fully utilised. As of 31 December 2024, only 74% of the third-country quota had been requested. By the end of September 2025, approximately 52% of the quota for third-country workers had been used, while just 38% of permits for EU/EFTA service providers were taken up. The UK-specific quota has seen particularly limited uptake, with only 17% utilised over the same period.
This underutilisation suggests a mismatch between anticipated and actual demand for foreign labour. It may reflect challenges in recruitment strategies, administrative hurdles, or a preference among employers for local or EU/EFTA workers. Nevertheless, the Federal Council has opted not to reduce quotas. Keeping them unchanged serves as a precautionary measure: it preserves capacity in case labour needs increase unexpectedly and ensures that companies retain access to specialised skills that cannot readily be sourced within Switzerland or the EU/EFTA.
Going forward, identifying and addressing the reasons behind low uptake will be important for ensuring that the quota system aligns more closely with labour-market needs and continues to support both employers and prospective foreign workers effectively.
With the quotas set for the upcoming year, companies must be proactive in preparing work permit applications to secure the necessary permits for their foreign workforce. It is essential for employers to streamline their application processes, which includes gathering all required documentation, understanding the specific criteria for each type of permit, and being aware of any regulatory changes that may impact the application process. Vialto Partners can assist your company in navigating these complexities, providing expert guidance and support to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.
Timing is also crucial when applying for work permits. Companies should be aware of the application timelines and deadlines associated with each type of permit. Complete applications should be submitted 8 to 12 weeks before the intended start date to ensure that employees can begin working as planned. Understanding processing times can further aid in workforce planning, allowing companies to make informed decisions about when to initiate recruitment efforts. Vialto Partners can provide insights into optimal timing and help gather the necessary documentation, ensuring everything is in order and reducing the risk of delays.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Soorej Mannancherril
Director Immigration
Laurence Murat
Immigration Senior Manager
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