Posting of workers by foreign employers

When foreign workers are sent to Switzerland, they become subject to registration or permit requirements under certain conditions.

Here, a distinction is made between the origin of the workers from the following countries:

• EU-17/EFTA
• EU-8
• EU-2
• Third countries

Posting by employers from EU-17/EFTA and EU-8

‍When posting workers in the context of cross-border service provision for up to 90 days, registration is required from the first day in the following sectors:

• Primary construction industry
• Secondary construction industry
• Guarding and security services
• Erotic industry
• Trade fairs and traveling sales
• Hotel and catering industry
• Cleaning industry in industrial or domestic areas

In all other sectors, the obligation to register arises only if the duration of work exceeds 8 days. If registration is required, it must be completed 8 days before the work begins. Posting of foreign workers for more than 90 days generally requires a permit.

Posting by employers from EU-2

‍When posting workers in the context of cross-border service provision for up to 90 days, a permit is required from the first day in the following sectors:

• Primary construction industry
• Secondary construction industry
• Guarding and security services
• Erotic industry
• Horticulture
• Cleaning industry in industrial or domestic areas

In the hotel and catering industry and the trade fairs/traveling sales, registration is required from the first day of work. In all other sectors, the obligation to register starts only if the work duration exceeds 8 days. Moreover, the registration must be made 8 days before the start of the work. From 1 June 2016, the same regulations also apply to postings from EU-2 states as for EU-17 and EU-8 states. Upon exceeding the 90-day limit, the workers also require a permit.

Posting by employers from third countries

‍The posting of workers from third countries in the following sectors requires a permit from the first day of work:

• Primary and secondary construction industries
• Erotic industry
• Hospitality industry
• Cleaning industry in enterprises and households
• Trade fairs and traveling sales
• Guarding and security services

All other sectors become subject to permit requirements from the 8th day of employment.

Our experts are happy to advise you on all issues related to the registration and permitting obligations.

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