Hi all

I am heading over to Switzerland very soon from Australia , and have received my visa D work permit (non-EU), and my husband has received his visa D permit, and is coming based on the family reunion (also non-EU).

So my question is for my husband- although he plans to continue working remotely/freelancing as a web designer, is he ACTUALLY allowed to try and work or study in CH?

I am so confused over this, and wondering if he was going to try and study for example does he need a different visa? or can he automatically study with the visa D permit? (if accepted by the university course)

My apologies is this subject has been discussed, I cannot see the relevant post, and am happy to be directed to it

Firstly, understand that the Type D visa is not your permit. The visa only allows you to enter Switzerland long term legally. It has nothing to do with allowing you to live/work here. Depending on your contract you will have either an L (temporary) or a B (residence) permit. L permits are usually for positions that are expected to last less than a year but can be extended for another year, B permits for unlimited contracts. For non-EU nationals there are quota limits for both these types of permits so sometimes, even if you have an unlimited contract, you may end up with an L permit because the B quota has been used up.

If you/he have a B (he'll get the same permit type as you), then working/studying isn't a problem although he'll need to take any employment contract to the migration office to add the work part to his residence permit. Self-employment I'm not sure, you'd need to check with the migration office on whether or not he needs pre-approval (may need to submit a business plan, financial funding info, etc). If you/he get an L, then he will need permission to do any type of work (employed/self-employed) from the Swiss authorities. Studying shouldn't be a problem with an L though.

Hi Medea Fleecestealer

thank you so much for your response, this really helps a lot!!

-ah yes good point! sorry, I keep calling it a visa D permit! But yes I assumed it would change over to a B permit (based on the fact that I have an unlimited contract), but I wasn't aware about the L vs B situation for Non-EU, so thanks for the info. Perhaps it is best I do not to expect a B just in case.

- great news that there is a least possibility to study or work- albeit difficult especially the work part!


Thank you again!

They cut the quota limits back this year because the previous quotas weren't being met and they're looking for ways to cut immigration due to the vote to curb it last February. So where you may have gotten a B last year, that may not be the case this time around because there less of them available (2,500 for the year, issued per quarter so only 625 available for January to March throughout the whole of Switzerland).

You could try asking your new employer if they know what you'll get. The permit has already been approved otherwise you wouldn't have been issued with the visa.

Thank you Medea Fleecestealer

I will ask my employer and see what they say- fingers crossed it is a B.

Cheers