Just wondering if anyone (non EU) has ever managed to get their work permit sorted in anything less than the 6 to 8 week timeframe?

I am due to start at a new job in July, but my start date is only 4 weeks from when the paperwork was submitted. My boss doesn't think this will be a problem, maybe HR have a winning way with the immigration powers that be?

I know the work permit for my last employer took at least 2 months, which doesn't seem to be at all unheard of. I was also planning on a quick holiday in what will be week 5-6 of the process (ie. what is meant to be my first week of work- planned before I applied for the job), so I am kind of hoping that they take their time a bit with my application (I know, priorities, right? )

Also, if anyone has ever had to pick up a Swiss visa at the embassy in Paris, do you know if it's a walk-in walk- out process? Or should I be anticipating a few days wait (read- shopping)?

Thanks for your help!!

From my experience:
I am also non-EU.
The process will not take less than 2 weeks. Mine took 4 weeks (this was 2001).

From my HR then, they also said all was ok, once the papers ARE SUBMITTED. It seems it is also ok to work BEFORE the papers arrive. Of course, there are no raids on private company premises, etc. In the worst case, you can say you are not working, but just attending meetings and surfing the internet for English Forum news.


Hope you get things sorted out!

So, just for future reference, I received a copy of my 'ermächtigung zum visumerteilung' (authorization to grant a visa) form today, a little over 3 weeks after the paperwork was submitted.
Way sooner than what I expected!!

I will give you the Swiss answer to everything related to time for receiving something (in my short time here):

"You will receive it soon."

Janiesar, thanks for posting this question and following up when you actually received your work permit.

No worries! In case anyone is interested in the visa application process at the Paris embassy, I dropped my passport off at 9am, went away and had breakfast, and everything was sorted out by the time I returned at 11.30am. Pretty straightforward!

Hi Janiesar,

I am presently based out of Belgium and have recently got offer from Swiss company. I am from non EU country. just wanted to check how complex is work permit process ? as you mentioned it took just 3 weeks in your WP I hope it is same case for me :-)

Thanks in advance for your reply !

Do you think that you can work even before you have officially received the papers?

I always start work before my permit arrives. I apply for my permit the day before I start work (L permit, temporary contracts). Then permit usually arrives 2 weeks later. This is in Zermatt, trust me if it wasn't allowed you wouldn't get away with it.

Not a very useful reply, sorry, but I would ask your potential employer. If they have a lot of international employees then hopefully they will have a fairly good idea of the process involved, and the average processing times needed for the permits of their other employees.