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Switzerland is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for skilled professionals and expatriates.?If you’re planning to relocate there for work, it’s natural to wonder whether your spouse or registered partner can also work while accompanying you.
This guide explains the rules, eligibility conditions, and application process for spouses who wish to work in Switzerland under family reunification rights.
1. Can a Spouse Work in Switzerland?
Yes — in most cases, spouses of foreign workers in Switzerland are allowed to work, but the rules depend on your nationality and residence status.
Switzerland’s immigration law distinguishes between EU/EFTA citizens and non-EU nationals, and the spouse’s right to work varies accordingly.
2. If You Are an EU/EFTA Citizen
If you are a citizen of an EU or EFTA country, your spouse (even if they are not an EU citizen) generally has the automatic right to work in Switzerland once they join you.
Key conditions:
• You must hold a valid Swiss residence permit (usually a B permit).
• Your spouse must apply for a residence permit for family members of EU/EFTA nationals.
• Once approved, your spouse can work or be self-employed without needing a separate work authorization.
This applies equally to married spouses and registered partners under Swiss law.
3. If You Are a Non-EU/EFTA Citizen
If you are a non-EU citizen working in Switzerland on a residence and work permit, your spouse may also be eligible to work, but approval is not automatic.
Requirements for a non-EU spouse to work:
• You must hold a valid Swiss residence permit (B or C type).
• Your spouse must first obtain a family reunification residence permit.
• The spouse’s work activity must be approved by the Cantonal Labour Market Authority before employment starts.
Authorities will assess:
• The local labor market situation
• The spouse’s qualifications and job offer
• Whether the job meets Swiss employment standards
Once permission is granted, the spouse can work for any employer in Switzerland.
4. Documents Required for the Spouse to Work
When applying for authorization to work, your spouse must provide:
• Valid residence permit (family reunification)
• Copy of your residence/work permit
• Employment contract or job offer
• Passport and proof of residence
• Qualifications or CV (if required by the employer)
All documents must be submitted to the cantonal migration or labor office for approval.
5. How Long Does Approval Take?
Processing times depend on the canton (region), but most applications are reviewed within 3 to 6 weeks after submission.?In many cases, the spouse can begin working as soon as their residence card is issued with employment authorization.
6. Duration of the Work Right
The spouse’s right to work in Switzerland is tied to the main permit holder’s residence permit.?If your employment or residence permit expires or is revoked, your spouse’s right to stay and work also ends, unless they qualify for an independent permit.
7. Key Benefits of Family Work Authorization
Allowing accompanying spouses to work provides multiple benefits:
• Encourages family stability and integration in Switzerland
• Enables dual-income households
• Supports career continuity for accompanying partners
• Simplifies renewal procedures for families under one residence status
This policy aligns with Switzerland’s commitment to balancing work-life opportunities for expatriate families.
Key Takeaway
Your spouse can generally work in Switzerland if they accompany you, but the process depends on your nationality:
• EU/EFTA citizens — spouses can work freely once registered.
• Non-EU citizens — spouses need authorization from cantonal authorities before employment.
Applying early, submitting complete documentation, and following cantonal guidelines help ensure a smooth process for family work permissions.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.?Employment and residence rules for accompanying spouses may vary by canton and nationality.?Always verify current requirements with the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) or your local cantonal migration office before applying.
