Hi there

First of all, I just wanted to say that I've read through many threads on this site and haven't been able to find one that relates to my exact scenario, so if there is one that I haven't seen then please feel free to point me to it!

I'm an Australian currently living in Australia. I am in discussions with a Swiss organisation regarding an employment opportunity based in Switzerland. Whilst arranging for a permit does not seem to be a problem for them, the approval times may be. So basically I would like to know whether there is a way that I could move over while the permit approval process is taking place. I have investigated a working holiday visa, but naturally there is no agreement between Australia and Switzerland for this.

I've done a lot of research on this and it's not looking good, but if there are any suggestions anyone has they would be welcome!

Also, for the record, I speak French fluently and have lived in Lausanne previously - would this have any impact on permit approval times?

Merci d'avance
Nate

If you start working before the work permit is approved, there can be repercussions - such as having that permit cancelled. Not sure of the chances of them finding out, though.

Yes, other than the OP being registered with the authorities for health insurance and pension contributions there's really no way to find out...

Well, if the employer's willing to get somebody over here working before the permit is approved, I'm sure they'd also look at ways 'around' those 'obstacles' ...

Thanks everyone for your responses so far.

It's a major multinational so unfortunately I think they'll do everything above board, otherwise I'd love to do a sneaky if that's what it took!

Araqyl - they've said they're going to try and think of 'creative' ways to speed up commencement, but I wanted to be a bit proactive ;-) A working holiday scenario would have been perfect, but it appears the CH government is worried about being overrun by Australians!

Good to hear they'll be doing it by the book ... and the Swiss government is justifiably worried about being overrun by Australians, as we are such revolutionaries! Can you imagine a Swiss company board meeting run by Australians? There'd be a barbie on, with lots of steaks and snags; everyone would have to drink beer, regardless of the time of day; and dress code would be stubbies & a blue singlet (thongs optional).

Haha I can see it already!

It's actually very frustrating. I really want to work in Switzerland and to be considered for a role when I'm not even in the country is just so exciting. It would be a real shame if it were dashed because of the time for a visa to be approved.

But fingers crossed!

So turns out they couldn't wait for the work permit to be approved. Needless to say I am very disappointed, but will keep trying!

Does anyone have ANY advice for a non-EU located outside CH? Or there is absolutely no way anyone will even look at me so long as I am so far away?

It depends entirely on the job and the employer - I got my job here without having once set foot in the country before the contract was all signed and then permits approved. If it's a position that is really specialised, then you've got a better chance - as there'd be fewer who fit the criteria. Also, if an employer is organised and gets the ball rolling with enough lead time, then the delay for your permit to be approved is not an issue.
The hardest part is that it is the employer who has to jump through the permit-approval hoops - and if they don't have to (ie, there's somebody 'easier' to get) then nine times out of ten they won't ... so keep looking for that one!