Switzerland short-term work notification procedure in 2026
The notification procedure is a narrow free-movement mechanism for defined short-term work. It is not a general visitor-to-work conversion.
It can cover:
- EU/EFTA nationals employed by a Swiss company for up to three months;
- qualifying posted workers sent by a company established in the EU/EFTA;
- EU/EFTA self-employed service providers established in an EU/EFTA state.
For cross-border service provision under the AFMP framework, the liberalised limit is generally 90 effective working days per calendar year. Service provision beyond that threshold requires a permit and does not create an automatic entitlement to one.
For a foreign worker taking short-term employment with a Swiss company, notification is generally due no later than one day before work begins. For posted workers and self-employed service providers, the general rule is notification at least eight days before the assignment, subject to the official sector-specific exceptions.
A third-country national posted by an EU/EFTA employer generally needs to have been permanently admitted to the regular labour market of an EU/EFTA state; SEM normally treats 12 months of standard/permanent residence there as satisfying that criterion.
Official guidance: SEM notification procedure and Free Movement FAQ.
Related: EU/EFTA employed residence, cross-border G permit, remote work options, Switzerland hub.
Official and supporting sources
- SEM — Notification proceduregovernment · accessed 2026-09-21
- SEM — Free Movement FAQgovernment · accessed 2026-09-21