Migration to Uri – working and living in the canton

Separate regulations apply in Switzerland to nationals from non-EU and non-EFTA countries with regard to residence and gainful employment. Taking up employment or self-employment requires a formal permit, the conditions for which are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

In order for third-country nationals to be granted a work permit, both the applicant's qualifications and the employer's conditions must meet certain criteria. It is crucial that the applicant has specialised knowledge or management responsibility and that the advertised position could not be filled by a suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA applicant.
 

The employer must prove that:

• No suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA applicant has been found.
• The position has been advertised on the Swiss labour market.
• The salary and working conditions correspond to the standards customary in the industry.

Highly qualified third-country nationals wishing to take up employment as employees must submit a formal application to the Uri Office for Labour and Migration.

Two-stage assessment procedure:

• Labour market assessment (employment office): Checking whether the position can be filled by a suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA applicant.
• Migration law assessment (Migration Office): Assessment of the conditions for granting a permit under Swiss law.

A permit can only be granted if the outcome of both assessments is positive.

Permit type:

• Permit B: Residence permit for long-term employment
• Short stay (L permit): Depending on the case and contract duration

Third-country nationals are not automatically entitled to a residence permit. Even if the criteria are met, the permit may be refused. Permits are generally only granted to persons with special professional or economic potential.

There is no simplification for short-term employment – every activity requires a permit.
The reunification of family members is possible to a limited extent, for example in cases of secure integration and sufficient income.