Hello all,

Forgive the following numpty question, I have just arrived Friday and did not manage to find out the answer through the forum search.

My Employer (ETH Zurich) applied for my work permit ages ago (3 months +) but I never heard anything back nor received any paperwork from Zurich Canton. Is this normal? I presume everything is help electronically and when I go to the Kreisburo they will simply have all the information and print out my permit (Mondays job, together with bank, phone, etc).

I am trying to pre-empt any 'issues' and don't want to go to the Kreisburo only to end up 'applying' a second time without realizing what's going on...

Any advice - generally or otherwise - would be hugely appreciated...

I think you should phone or go round to the ETH on Monday and ask them what is happening. You should have received your permit to work in Switzerland before today. Without the permit you might as well go back home, as you cannot open any bank accounts etc, and it is expensive to wait here!

So much for Swiss efficiency...

Forgot to mention I an EU (UK) citizen: it was my understanding that work permits were a formality in this case? in which case why would it matter wether the 'work permit' be received in time? Am I right in thinking the kreisburo deals with residence permit and this is a different thing?

After you have introduced yourself, please look around the Forum and read all the relevant threads, I am not typing here all night when it has all been said already, dozens of times.

I suggest that before you do any mud-slinging you check your own efficiency. It's probably difficult for you to understand how very, very frustrating it is for guys on here who try to help people sort out the Swiss system and paperwork, when basic vital information is not given. And if Ittigen says that you cannot get anywhere (open a bank account) without your permit, well, maybe he is right and you saying
makes it look like you didn't read what he said. Formality or not, Swiss authorities like to see the relevant permit not hear 'yes, but I'm sure it's just a formality so you'll have to let me open my bank acccount now'.

Hope you find the additional Info you need but as Ittigen said, check out the questions which have already been asked on here.

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Longbyt

This is not surprising. Your employer does not apply for a work permit for you in your circumstances. All you need is a residence permit and you apply for that yourself.

On arrival you go to the Kreisburo. You complete the forms provided (take some passport photo's with you) and show them your employment contract. Your residence permit will take a few days to a few weeks to arrive, depending on the kb workload.

You haven't applied once yet so .....

Thank you, Ittigen and Swissbob, for the useful advice. It is very much appreciated.