Press releasePublished on 19 November 2025, updated on 5 December 2025

Federal Council leaves third-country quotas for 2026 unchanged

Bern, 19.11.2025 — The Swiss economy must be able to recruit the skilled workers it requires. At its meeting on 19 November, the Federal Council therefore decided to leave unchanged the quotas for third-country nationals in gainful employment, service providers from the EU/EFTA and UK nationals in 2026. The Ordinance on Admission, Period of Stay and Employment (ASEO) will be amended accordingly and enter into force on 1 January 2026.

As in 2025, a maximum of 8,500 qualified workers and specialists from third countries may be recruited in 2026. There are 4,500 residence permits (B permits) and 4,000 short stay permits (L permits) available for this purpose. Quotas also remain unchanged for service providers from EU/EFTA countries who are to be employed for more than 120 days per year. Up to 3,500 permits can be issued: 3,000 L permits and 500 B permits. For the UK, 3,500 permits will be available to people in employment: 2,100 B permits and 1,400 L permits.

Quotas not fully utilised

In recent years, the quotas have not been fully utilised. As of 31 December 2024, companies had used 74 per cent of the available 2024 quotas for third-country L and B permits. Fifty per cent of the quota units (L and B) for service providers from the EU/EFTA were utilised. The separate UK quotas, which were introduced on a transitional basis after the UK's withdrawal from the EU, were utilised at a rate of 21 per cent (L and B).

By the end of September 2025, the cantons had used around 52 per cent of the available quotas for workers from third countries (L and B) and 38 per cent of the quotas for service providers from EU/EFTA countries (L and B). As in the past, there was only moderate demand for the separate quotas for UK nationals in employment. Utilisation stood at 17 per cent at the end of September (L and B).

Tailored to the labour market situation and skills shortage

Companies in Switzerland have the option of filling their vacancies with employees from non-EU/EFTA countries, provided they can prove that their efforts to recruit domestic or EU/EFTA skilled workers have been unsuccessful. Permits can be issued in line with the quotas that the Federal Council sets each year, taking into account the economic and socio-political environment and the needs of the cantons and companies.

By continuing with the same quota figures for the coming year, the Federal Council is ensuring planning security for Swiss companies in view of the uncertainties surrounding US customs policy and their impact on the Swiss economy, the still comparatively low unemployment rate and the demand for skilled workers. The Federal Council bases its decision on factors such as consultations with the cantons and social partners, current immigration figures and economic forecasts, and the utilisation of quotas in previous years. The separate UK quota will also be continued next year.

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