Guidance

Immigration guidance for the Canton of Berne

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-berne

Work permit applications

Work permit applications must be filed with the Amt für Wirtschaft. The application can either be submitted via mail or via email to info.ae-bew@be.ch. If you submit via email it needs to be submitted in PDF format. The processing time is typically 8 to 10 weeks.

If you are:

  • transferring to the Swiss branch of a UK-based company
  • working for a Swiss company on a Swiss employment contract
  • providing services to a client in Switzerland

Then your employer will need to submit the online form (on the Berne Canton website). The form is under section 2 ‘Gesuch zum Stellenantritt’. This form is only available in German.

 The form asks for:  

  • employer information: company name, address, point of contact, email, phone, and industry
  • employee information: name, date of birth, marital status, profession, nationality, current address, job in Switzerland, weekly hours, gross salary, and employment duration

In addition to the required form you will need to provide copies of your:

  • employment contract or assignment agreement
  • passport
  • CV
  • relevant qualifications

Contact

Labour Market Authority:

Amt für Wirtschaft
Laupenstrasse 22
3008 Bern

Alternatively you can telephone +41 31 633 55 85 or email info.ae-bew@be.ch.

Migration office

Amt für Bevölkerungsdienste des Kantons Bern
Ostermundigenstrasse 99B
3006 Bern

Alternatively you can telephone +41 31 633 53 15.

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