Hello,
I've searched the forums for a bit related topic, but couldn't find anything.
So, I found a company in Zug, applied to the job posting, went through the interview process, and got a job offer, ~ 120k CHF annually. ( Software Development )
The issue is, I don't have a degree, but have ~6 years of experience ( mostly with German companies ), with some recommendations, as well as some certifications pending. I speak German, holding a C1 certificate.

What are my chances of having my visa approved? I was asked to provide all my documents (CV, Passport, Criminal record, letters of recommendation, etc. )
I'm from one of the former Yugoslavia states.

I don't think the lack of a degree will make much difference one way or another. Presumably the company thinks that they'll get the permit approved, based on your presumably rare/specific skillset, or they wouldn't be prepared to make you an offer. This is the key point here, that they must be able to justify bringing in a foreigner on the basis that they couldn't find anyone on EU/CH to do the job.


FWIW I came here ~20 years ago, before any of the FMOP agreements, and got a permit without having any degree. Yes, my skills and experience were unusual enough to easily justify it, but rather oddly, the lack of a degree meant that I wasn't eligible for a L (short-term) permit but had to go straight for a B, which took a week or two longer.

Which country in ex Yugoslavia? Bosnia (because Sarajevo)? Or really any that is not an EU member? Well then it might well be a slight issue.

Many companies have no clue what they're doing and many don't even realize that not all of ex-Yugoslavia is in the EU. Don't overestimate their abilities, seriously. I've seen it all

Somehow I have my doubts that no Software Developer with 6 years of experience can be found among any of the other 500m EU folks and a couple Swiss, unless it's a real niche and not a fabricated one. Then again I've seen strange things be approved, it can go a thousand ways.

Bottom line probably is: no one can tell or predict, all that's to do is wait and see.

Sure, nothing's certain, but the question was not whether he'll get a permit, but whether the lack of a degree will be an issue; given that they need to justify it based on the "special skills" nature of the job and the applicant, academic qualifications should be less important than specific relevant experience.

My gut feeling is rather having a high level (university) degree plays a crucial role for the company to justify the high skills that you have.

Don't think anyone here has a similar situation like yours but this could be interesting for us to know what the outcome is. Please update us.

Yes, it's Bosnia.
As for the skillset, well, it's a niche set. As a relation to that, I've worked for a couple of small and a big publicly listed German company, with good recommendations.

Yeah, my question is the lack of degree. I'm thinking of wrapping up my certificates and getting them handed out, as some type of "compensation" for the lack of the degree. As for the certificates specifically, I'm looking at niche certificates as well, which I hope should help.

Sure, I'll update as things go along

I'm asking if anyone has submitted and got approved based only on certification and proven experience. The Swiss immigration site says that it should go both ways (degree or specialised with experience - i.e. certified or degree WITH experience) , but for some reason I'm having doubts, because a lot of people tell me that I have no chance without a degree :/
Does it help that I already speak fluently German and English (both certified C1)? Although it's not related to the specific problem.

Degree isn't always necessary.

"Admissions are limited to managers, specialists and other qualified workers. ‘Qualified workers’ primarily means individuals with a degree from a university or university of applied sciences who also have several years of professional experience. Depending on the profession or the field of specialisation, individuals with special training and several years of professional experience can also be admitted."

https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home....html#Personal requirements

If you can fill that niche then you may have a good chance of getting a permit.