Self-employment / Freelance in Switzerland
One documented route of this kind in Switzerland, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Self-Employment Permit
EU/EFTA nationals can register as self-employed; third-country nationals must satisfy strict economic-interest tests under FNIA and count against quotas.
- Processing time
- Typically 8-12 weeks; longer for third-country nationals.
- Validity
- B permit, renewable.
- Language requirement
- None at application.
- Permanent residence
- C settlement permit after 5 years (EU/EFTA) or 10 years (third-country).
- Citizenship
- Ordinary naturalisation after 10 years' residence.
Requirements
- Genuine self-employment evidence (EU/EFTA)
- For third-country nationals: economic interest, sustainable financial basis and positive labour-market effect (FNIA Arts. 18-23)
- Availability within quotas (third-country nationals)
Required Documents
- Business plan required
- Proof of financing/capital required
- Commercial register entry required
- Qualifications required
- Sustainable-income evidence required
Official fees
- Cantonal permit fee (varies by canton) 100 CHF
Process Steps
-
1
Register business
Register the business and, for EU/EFTA, register as self-employed for social security.
-
2
Apply for permit
Apply for the B permit at the commune (EU/EFTA) or via canton-to-SEM approval (third-country).