Hi all,

I stuck this onto someone elses old thread, so i thought id start another as id imagine the other would just get lost.

Anyway, having searched the visa section which is great, i notice that my situation might be unique (b/c one person swiss other 'New' EU), but here goes anyway....

Was just wondering if anyone might have an answer to the following as we seem to be getting diffferent answers from the Gemeinde. We are still yet to see them but just thought might be worth to ask if someone has the answer.

Girlfriend, of 3 years, is swiss and im australian/Slovak passport holder (the 'NEW EU' - talk about another layer of beaurocracy ). Is it possible for me to get a work/residence permit on this basis?

The gemeinde have given us different answers so far. One said yes- after we prove the relationship has been longer than 2 years, the other the next day said no. Although i have heard from others that as long as you can support yourself, it is possible...

many thanks,

I don't know for sure, but I think you can come into the country for 3 months as a visitor, and look for work during that time. If you find a job in that time, you can register and all should be fine with getting a permit.

Do Switzerland distinguish between new EU and just plain old EU.
As an EU passport holder you are entitled to a B permit.

Yes, it IS possible. Some communes are easier than others (from what I've heard) providing your girlfriend can support you. The work permit is much more difficult. You will need a company to sponsor you. Of course, if you are here, it will be easier to find work.

I think the confusion from the Gemeinde is understandable as I think they are mixing up two things. As MiniMia said Yes is the answer - but what is the question? You can get a residence permit. That requires your girlfriend agreeing to support you and showing that you are living together etc. A work permit would currently fall under non-EU and would stay that way until the new EU countries are aligned with the rules applying to the EU17. I guess that will take a year or two longer. Checking out non-EU permit rules here will give you an idea about your ability to work.

Yes, they do.


No, you're not 'entitled' but depending on the circumstances you may get one.

I see that on someone elses thread you added a caveat of with child. Is this child yours and are you then on the birth certificate of said child? If so then the answer is yes and your work permit application is somewhat, as in a hell of a lot, easier as you have a Swiss dependent... It does help to give a complete picture when you ask questions!

Many thanks guys for the replies.

My question was in regards to work permit- if anyone knew of a situation where a 'new EU' person with swiss partner has it easier in getting a work permit as compared to a non-EU?.

I brought this question up because recently i have heard of situations where this it may/may not be possible.. e.g a post by awe112, estonian citizen with swiss partner, not married but granted work permit----- sorry i forgot the thread name.

As I have been in and out of switzerland quite a few times over the years (i work overseas), I have looked into this but its amazing how you still discover new things. For example the rules between the old EU and new EU have not been clear in regards to Switzerland till recently (finally the dept of immigration here have updated there site regarding EU8)- previously it was just a grey area- and also very frustrating (for example, call with authorities: ahhh well if slovakia is EU then u shouldnt have problems---me: ahhhhrrrrggggg). Of course my point being that I knew the work permit was not easy for 'new' EU, BUT what i needed to know was how different is it from 'completely' non EU. For example almost all EU rules apply to me here except the 'right to work' (doh)- which still seems like a grey area. anyway,, sorry about the confusion.

many thanks again.

lex

A new EU has it easier by definition (special dedicated quotas) than a non-EU, Swiss partner or not.

Hi Richard, just a question about the "with child" comment. My girlfriend will be giving birth to our child in August here in Zurich.

My question; Does me being the father give me rights to work here in Switzerland? If so can I aquire such rights before birth or do I have to wait until after. Any help would be appreciated.

For the record I'm a New Zealander with no EU passport.

Thanks

under family reunification laws you will receive a B permit when decide to live here as a family! _you_ will HAVE to be an officially recognised as a parent of the child for this to happen. the easiest way for this to happen is to get married before the birth, otherwise under CH law, you, the father, have to effectively adopt your own child.

i don't believe you can do anything until you get married, or join in a civil partnership, or the child is born.

added later: this assumes your girlfriend has a B/C permit or is Swiss!