Key Points
- New permit quotas have been issued for third-country specialists and EU/EFTA service providers
- Separate quotas exist for UK nationals in 2021 following Brexit
- Switzerland will admit 8,500 third-country specialists in 2021
- Switzerland will admit 3,500 EU/EFTA service providers in 2021
- 2021 quotas for UK nationals include 2,100 Residence B permits and 1,400 L permits
- Quotas for UK nationals may be combined with third-party specialist quotas in 2022
Overview
The Swiss government has specified annual quotas for EU/EFTA service providers and third-country specialists. There is a separate quota for UK nationals in 2021 following the Brexit transition.
What are the Changes?
Quotas will remain unchanged in 2021 for non-EU citizens. A limit of 4,500 applies to Residence B permits. Short-term L permits will be capped at 4,000. A total of 8,500 third-country specialists can be admitted in 2021. Certain permits are not subject to the quota, including those issued for a maximum of four months or 120 days.
The quotas for EU/EFTA service providers will also stay the same. In 2021, the Swiss government will admit 3,500 EU/EFTA service providers. The government will issue 500 Residence B permits and 3,000 short-term L permits. Quotas will be released on a quarterly basis. Permits issued for a maximum of four months or 120 days are exempt from the quota.
Quotas for UK Citizens
In 2021, 2,100 Residence B permits and 1,400 short-term L permits are available for UK nationals. Quotas for UK citizens will be released on a quarterly basis. Quotas are valid for one year.
Looking Ahead
Quotas for UK citizens may be combined with third-country quotas in 2022. Further information will be provided in 2021.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.