Immigration guidance for the Canton of Basel-Stadt
Published 31 March 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-canton-specific-work-permit-for-switzerland/immigration-guidance-for-the-canton-of-basel-stadt
Work permit applications
Work permit applications must be filed with the Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit (AWA). The application can only be filed via the online tool (on the Basel-Stadt Canton website).
The processing time is typically 6 to 8 weeks.
Working for a Swiss branch of a UK based company
If you are transferring to the Swiss branch of a UK-based company, or working for a Swiss company on a Swiss employment contract, your employer will need to submit an Erstmaliger Stellenantritt – Arbeitnehmende sind Angehörige eines Drittstaates (on the Basel-Stadt Canton website). The form is available in English.
In addition to the required form you will need to provide copies of your:
- employment contract
- passport
- criminal record
- CV
- relevant qualifications
Providing services to a client in Switzerland
If you will be providing services to a Swiss client your UK based employer will need to submit an Entsendung - Etsendungen von Drittstaat-Unternehmen(on the Basel-Stadt Canton website). The form is available in English.
In addition to the required form you will need to provide copies of your:
- assignment agreement
- passport
- criminal record
- CV
- relevant qualifications
In the canton of Basel-Stadt a criminal record check is required. This must be filed together with the work permit application. The form can be accessed online (on the Basel-Stadt Canton website). Is it located at the bottom of the page.
Contact
Labour market authority
Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit (AWA)
Sandgrubenstrasse 44
Postfach
4005 Basel
Alternatively you can telephone +41 61 267 87 87.
Migration office:
Bevölkerungsdienste und Migration
Migrationsamt
Spiegelgasse 12
4001 Basel
Alternatively you can telephone+41 61 267 71 71