Migration to Uri – working and living in the canton

This information is aimed at nationals from third countries outside the EU and EFTA who wish to take up self-employment in the Canton of Uri. For example, by founding and managing a company, including a start-up.

Self-employment is defined as an activity that is carried out in an independent, freely chosen organisation that is geared towards generating income, is under one's own authority, and in which the entrepreneurial risk is borne by the individual.

Third-country nationals may only take up self-employment in Switzerland if there is an overriding economic interest in the business activity. The following requirements must be met cumulatively.

Prerequisites

• The project is sustainable and economically viable and brings recognisable benefits for Switzerland as a business location
• Jobs are created
• It is plausible that the activity generates sufficient income to cover operating costs and living expenses
• Sufficient start-up capital is available; a business plan or budgeted balance sheet must be submitted (e.g. rental or loan agreements are helpful)
• The applicant is a qualified worker (in particular, a specialist) and can provide evidence of the necessary qualifications

Required documents

• Application B1
• Copy of valid passport
• Current criminal record extract from your home country (not older than 3 months), if not already submitted with the visa application
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Proof of qualifications such as diplomas and job references
• Information on organisational or other links to companies in Switzerland
• Certificate of incorporation/entry in the commercial register, if applicable
• Detailed justification of the application with information on business operation, organisation, project description
• Business plan for at least three years with details of:
  • Planned activities
  • Market opportunities (reference to sector-specific market/competitive situation)
  • Development of personnel capacities (job creation, quantitatively and qualitatively)
  • Financial impact (planned investments, sales, income, financial planning, budget, income statement)
• Copy of the tenancy agreement or purchase contract for residential property

Power of attorney (for representation by a third party)

Third-country nationals who wish to take up self-employment are subject to a formal authorisation procedure in which the economic viability and benefits for Switzerland as a business location are examined. The complete application must be submitted to the Office for Labour and Migration:

Office for Labour and Migration
Migration department 
Klausenstrasse 4 
6460 Altdorf 

A residence permit can only be issued if the decision is favourable.

Completion of the procedure must always be awaited abroad. The application is reviewed by the Migration Department, which examines both the labour market and migration law aspects. Authorisation can only be granted if all legal requirements are met. If the cantonal assessment is favourable, the application must also be approved by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

For third-country nationals who are self-employed, a residence permit is only granted in exceptional cases. As a rule, a short-term residence or B residence permit is used. There is no simplified registration for short-term activities – authorisation is always required.

Anyone from a third country who wishes to be authorised to work requires a permit from day one.