Moving to Switzerland for work in 2026? The mountains and lakes are beautiful, but the work permit fees can be confusing. Different areas, called cantons, have different costs. This is like a “postcode lottery.” As of January 1, 2026, the Swiss government has kept the work permit quotas the same as in 2025. This gives companies more certainty when hiring people from outside the EU or EFTA. The total quota for third-country nationals is 8,500 permits. This includes 4,500 B permits for longer stays and 4,000 L permits for short stays. This helps employers plan better.
Switzerland has a federal system. This means fees come from different levels: federal, cantonal, and sometimes local. There is no one single price for a work permit. Fees cover the work needed to process applications. They are not taxes.
Official Fees & Government Structure
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) handles the main federal part. They charge a basic fee of about CHF 100 for processing non-EU/EFTA permits. This is for the central steps. The biggest part of the cost comes from the cantonal migration offices. Each of the 26 cantons sets its own fees. These can range from CHF 200 to CHF 1,400 or more. Busy cantons like Zurich and Geneva often have higher fees. This is because they do more checks, like labor market tests to see if a Swiss or EU person can do the job.
You also need to pay for the biometric residence permit card. This is the physical card with your photo and chip. In 2026, this usually costs CHF 80 to CHF 100. Swiss law says fees must only cover costs. Bigger cantons with more staff may charge more because of higher expenses. The rules come from the Ordinance on Admission, Residence and Gainful Activity (OASA). It was updated for 2026 but keeps the same quota numbers.
Permit Specifics & Categories
The type of permit you need changes the total cost a lot.
- L Permit (Short-Term) This is for jobs from 4 to 12 months. It is called a short-term residence permit. Fees are usually lower. There is less checking for long-term stay or integration.
- B Permit (Residence) This is the main permit for skilled workers. It is for stays over one year and can be renewed. It needs more checks from the canton. Fees are often higher, usually over CHF 600 in many places. This is common for highly skilled specialists.
- C Permit (Settlement) After some years on a B permit (often 5 or 10 years, depending on your country), you can apply for a C permit. This is permanent residence. There are extra fees for checks like language skills and how well you fit into Swiss life.
- G Permit (Cross-Border) This is for people who live in nearby countries like France or Germany but work in Switzerland. These permits are often the cheapest to process because you do not live full-time in Switzerland.
- Third-Country National (Non-EU/EFTA) If you come from places like India, China, the US, or the UK (post-Brexit rules apply), you are a third-country national. Your application needs a labor market test. This proves no Swiss or EU/EFTA person is available for the job. Because of this extra work, fees are higher for these permits.
Cantonal Variation: The “Postcode Lottery”
In 2026, the place where you work matters a lot for costs. The Swiss government and price watchdog have seen big differences between cantons. Some cantons charge much more than others for the same type of permit.
Here is a simple comparison for some popular cantons in 2026 (these are average estimates based on trends and reports):
- Zurich (ZH): Average admin fee around CHF 550, plus biometric card CHF 95. Total estimate: CHF 645.
- Geneva (GE): Average admin fee around CHF 600, plus biometric card CHF 80. Total estimate: CHF 680.
- Zug (ZG): Average admin fee around CHF 350, plus biometric card CHF 80. Total estimate: CHF 430.
- Basel-Stadt (BS): Average admin fee around CHF 400, plus biometric card CHF 85. Total estimate: CHF 485.
These numbers show why people call it a postcode lottery. A job in Zug may save you money compared to one in Geneva. Always check the latest from the cantonal office because fees can change a little.
The 2026 “Digital Transformation” Discount
In 2026, some cantons are making things cheaper with digital changes. They use online portals and paperless systems. This saves time and money.
For example, cantons like Basel-Stadt and Bern have cut some fees by up to 40% for certain permits. This is to make things faster and attract young skilled people. In Basel, fees for residency or related processes for people under 25 are much lower now. This helps bring in new talent. Other cantons may follow this trend to stay competitive.
Pro-Tip: Hidden “Indirect” Costs
Many people forget extra costs when planning their budget. These can add up.
- Document Legalisation: You need to legalize papers like degrees or criminal records. This means apostilles or official translations. Each document can cost CHF 50 to CHF 150.
- Communal Surcharges: When you arrive, your local town or commune may charge a small fee to register (called Anmeldung). This is usually CHF 20 to CHF 50.
- The 8-Week Rule: Start collecting your papers at least 8 weeks before your job starts. If you rush, you may need to pay consultants for fast help, which costs more.
Other possible costs include health insurance setup, travel for appointments, or small bank fees.
Stay Informed on Swiss Quotas
The quota for B permits is only 4,500 for the whole country each year. Competition is high for good jobs. Companies should apply early in the year when quotas open. Track how many permits are left in your canton.
This guide helps you plan your budget for moving to Switzerland in 2026. Fees vary a lot by canton and permit type. Always check official sources for the latest information.
Would you like me to make a simple 2026 Cantonal Comparison Table for the top 5 expat cities to help pick a cheaper place?
Disclaimer: This article is for information and learning only. Please check with official places like the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) or your canton’s migration office before you decide or move. Rules can change, and your case may be different.