Hi,

I am an EU citizen (EU-17) working abroad for a swiss company, that I actually want to leave in the short term (let's just say the company is not doing that well at all). They offered me to come over and work directly at the headquarters in Switzerland.

I suppose I will receive a B-permit from my current employer. If I want to change jobs in Switzerland and start applying, is it beneficial to already have the B-permit or doesn't it make any difference at all (for the new employer)?

The point is: my current employer wants to relocate me to Switzerland under less favourable conditions than I am in today. So my dilemma is:

1. Stay under my current contract and apply for another job in Switzerland
or
2. Make the move, receive the working permit and apply for a new job.

Looking forward to your advice,

CI

As an EU citizen you could look for a position in Switzerland any case. But to move to Switzerland I think it would be easier to move with a job already then look for a better one. That way you have a permit and the security of a salary while you hunt for a better position.

I don't know about the employment market... but it is much easier to find accommodation in Switzerland if you have a permit. I had a really difficult time finding somewhere to live because all I had was a 'promise of employment', not a permit. So I'd say talk to your employer about what they are willing to do to get you to Switzerland. If they are willing to help with the relocation, finding accommodation and perhaps even paying for temporary accommodation while you find somewhere to live... I'd say go for it. Then when you are settled and have a place to live and a permit you will be in a much better position to start looking elsewhere... and you will also have the advantage of having already worked in Switzerland (experience) and having had a Swiss employer who will provide you with work certificates etc that the Swiss will like.

- Is the working permit still valid if I would work abroad, let's say for a year for example, and come back afterwards or will it be withdrawn if I leave the country?

- my employer told me the only thing I had to do is go to the town hall with my labour contract, passport and proof of good conduct and I would obtain the B-permit. Is there nothing more to it?

Best regards,

CI

It's not a work permit - it's a residence permit. If you leave it is withdrawn. If you come back you get it back. Your employer is correct - you just turn up and register.