📢 Breaking Immigration News – Switzerland Confirms 2026 Quotas

The highly anticipated announcement has just been released: Switzerland will keep immigration quotas unchanged for 2026.
This confirms the country’s continued need to attract and retain highly skilled global talent to support economic growth.

At its meeting on 19 November 2025, the Federal Council confirmed that current quota levels will remain in place for:

• Skilled workers from non-EU/EFTA countries

• Service providers from EU/EFTA member states

• Nationals of the United Kingdom

The amendment to the Ordinance on Admission, Residence and Employment (OASA) will take effect on 1 January 2026.

Why this matters

Labour immigration from non-EU/EFTA countries remains regulated and subject to economic justification. Swiss employers must demonstrate a genuine need — prioritising first the local workforce, then EU/EFTA talent.

However, due to persistent talent shortages across several key industries, the Federal Council aims to maintain Switzerland’s competitiveness and support business continuity by ensuring access to essential international talent.

2026 Quota Overview:

🔹 Non-EU/EFTA Nationals

A total of 8,500 permits will again be available:

• 4,500 Residence Permits (B)

• 4,000 Short-Term Permits (L)

🔹 EU/EFTA Service Providers (over 90/120 days)

Quotas remain unchanged:

• 3,000 L permits

• 500 B permits

These will continue to be released quarterly to the cantons.

🔹 UK Nationals

Post-Brexit quotas also stay unchanged, with a total of 3,500 permits available:

• 2,100 B permits

• 1,400 L permits

In the medium term, the Federal Council intends to integrate the UK quota into the standard framework.

In summary: Switzerland remains committed to balancing labour market protection with economic competitiveness — ensuring access to qualified global talent where local and EU/EFTA labour supply is insufficient.