What is the main difference between a D long stay visa and the other types (L/B/C) for work purposes?

N, F, L, B, C, G etc. are permits

EU and non-EU Permits, Schengen, Naturalisation.

OK but you need both right?

Not sure what you mean by needing both.

A visa is generally needed to enter a country (if you are french/EU, assumption based on your current location) then you do not need a visa to enter switzerland as it is covered by the schengen agreement (see links above).

To live/work in Switzerland you would need to apply for a work/living permit. Generally these will initially be an L or B permit (depending on job contract length etc).

Nothing to do with Schengen, all to do with the EU.

Ah yes of course I should have known that seeing as I came from a non Schengen country.Always mixing these things up. Doh! Cheers for setting me straight

Yes I live in France but I'm not French.

So is this correct? EVERYONE needs the work (L/B/C or G) visa to work in Switzerland but only non-EU need the Visa D.

None of those are visas, they are work/study permits as was explained in the first response to your inquiry by jrspet. Are you looking to "visit" Switzerland (visa) or "work" (study) in Switzerland (work permit)..?

I have already applied for the D visa (to stay and work) but wondering do I need it before I apply for the work permit? Or should I have my employer apply for it for me right now?

As an Australian you have no choice - your employer must apply for the work permit.

The visa D will grant you the right to work (under the circumstance you're coming for your job) if you are accepted. Then, you will have to bring your passport to the local Foreigner office to apply for either L or B residence permit within 8 days of arrival...

Absolutely not. The visa only allows you to enter the country. The work permit allows you to work. The work permit must be successfully applied for by the employer prior to the visa being issued. The employee get a residence permit from the local town hall.

Visa D is not a "stay visa". Its used to enter switzerland and travel within schengen area and expires in 3 months. The permits are for staying more than 3 months only within switzerland. In my case(non-EU fiance), stay permit is valid 6 months, would be extended only after i get married.

My visa expires next week so i may not leave switzerland until i get it renewed...costs 80chf. I guess thats too much info, but hope it helped.

In my point of view, they grant you the working visa = they allow you to work in Switzerland. But, you're right, the visa "only allows" the holder to enter country, officially. They won't give you the working visa but refuse the application for the residence permit, right? I hope not =P

Nope. The visa is not a work permit. You can get a D visa for other reasons than work.

Yes I know, that's why I said under the circumstance applying for a working visa...