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Permits and immigration in Switzerland

Permits and quotas, handled.

EU/EFTA citizens register; everyone else needs a quota permit, a labour-market case and the right salary. 36 agencies handle permits, and all of them the whole move around it: the flat, the registration, the first weeks.

Get matchedSee the 36 agencies

Free for youNo obligationPartner agencies first, then ranked by reviews

agencies list permits and immigration
36
non-EU work permits in the 2026 quota
8,500
permit types, each with its own rules
B · L · C
of the 2025 quota used by the end of September
52%
Google reviews talk about permits, visas or the migration office
55

Top 4 partner agencies for permits and immigration in Switzerland, and why

Ratings from Google reviews, September 2026

The top 4 in Switzerland are partner agencies we work with directly: Auris Relocation, Prime Relocation, Relonest and Welcome Service, in alphabetical order. No agency pays for its place here. Partner agencies work across Switzerland; named here are those that list immigration & permits and have at least 10 Google reviews.

  • Auris RelocationPreferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Score 4.98★ 5.0 from 197 Google reviews (68 in the last 24 months)office in ZurichHome search, Permits, Settling-inEN, DE, FRfree first consultation

  • Prime RelocationPreferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Score 4.81★ 4.8 from 68 Google reviews (19 in the last 24 months)office in ZugHome search, Permits, Settling-inEN, DE, FREuRA, EuRA Global Quality Sealfree first consultation

  • RelonestPreferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Score 4.73★ 4.6 from 21 Google reviews (13 in the last 24 months)office in ZurichHome search, Permits, Settling-inEN, DE, FR, ITSARA, EuRAfree first consultation

  • Welcome ServicePreferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Score 4.61★ 4.3 from 18 Google reviews (6 in the last 24 months)office in GenevaHome search, Permits, Settling-inEN, FR, DE, ITfree first consultation

ReloFinder score (Bayesian average)Google ratings captured – partner agencies we work with directly are in the top groupHow we rankupdated

The top 10 for permits and immigration

Of the 36 agencies that list permits and immigration, in the same order as everywhere on ReloFinder. The top five are partner agencies we work with directly. All other agencies follow their review score.

All 36 agencies

Top 5 partner agencies

  • Top 5

    Auris Relocation

    Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Zurich · EN DE FR

    Google rating 5.0197 reviewsGoogle rating of Auris Relocation’s own listing, captured 11 May 2026.

    Score 4.98

    Taking new clients

    Get matchedProfile →
    Newest review: Auris Relocation
    “From day one, Corinne provided exceptional service during our recent relocation. She was friendly, organized, and so helpful when it came to paperwork and…”
    ★★★★★Rebecca P. · Google ·

    Clients mention 8 consultants by name

    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools
    • Orientation
    • Temporary housing
    • Departure

    ReloFinder score 4.98

    Preferred partner: pays for introductions, never for rank

  • Top 5

    Prime Relocation

    Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Zug · EN DE FR

    Google rating 4.868 reviewsGoogle rating of Prime Relocation’s own listing, captured 1 May 2026.

    Score 4.81

    Taking new clients

    Get matchedProfile →
    Newest review: Prime Relocation
    “Silvia from Prime Relocation did an outstanding job. We were very happy with the service.”
    ★★★★★Cecilia B. · Google ·
    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools
    • Temporary housing
    • Departure
    • Partner support
    • Pets
    • Tax & legal

    ReloFinder score 4.81

    Preferred partner: pays for introductions, never for rank

  • Top 5

    Rel-Ex (Relocation & Expat Services GmbH)

    Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Andelfingen · EN DE FR

    Google rating 5.07 reviewsGoogle rating of Rel-Ex (Relocation & Expat Services GmbH)’s own listing, captured 21 Sep 2026.

    Score 4.87

    Taking new clients

    Get matchedProfile →
    Newest review: Rel-Ex (Relocation & Expat Services GmbH)
    “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Relex for their outstanding support throughout our family’s relocation process. Relex made what could have been…”
    ★★★★★Atte V. · Google ·

    Clients mention 1 consultant by name

    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools
    • Temporary housing

    ReloFinder score 4.87

    Preferred partner: pays for introductions, never for rank

  • Top 5

    Relonest

    Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Zurich · EN DE FR IT ES

    Google rating 4.621 reviewsGoogle rating of Relonest’s own listing, captured 11 May 2026.

    Score 4.73

    Taking new clients

    Get matchedProfile →
    Newest review: Relonest
    “Relonest is the best relocation service for Zürich. Arabella and the whole team did a fantastic job in supporting me on the apartment scouting and migration…”
    ★★★★★Max F. · Google ·

    Clients mention 1 consultant by name

    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools
    • Temporary housing
    • Departure

    ReloFinder score 4.73

    Preferred partner: pays for introductions, never for rank

  • Top 5

    Welcome Service

    Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Geneva · EN FR DE IT

    Google rating 4.318 reviewsGoogle rating of Welcome Service’s own listing, captured 1 Feb 2026.

    Score 4.61

    Taking new clients

    Get matchedProfile →
    Newest review: Welcome Service
    “Welcome Service did an excellent job understanding our needs, helping us find a place, and helping us to settle in.”
    ★★★★★Simo H. · Google ·
    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools
    • Temporary housing
    • Departure
    • Partner support
    • Pets
    • Tax & legal

    ReloFinder score 4.61

    Preferred partner: pays for introductions, never for rank

  1. Rank 6

    Relocation Basel (h.o.m.e.s. GmbH)

    Riehen · DE EN FR IT ES

    Google rating 5.0102 reviewsAverage of the 102 reviews captured from Relocation Basel (h.o.m.e.s. GmbH)’s own Google listing, 31 Mar 2026.

    Score 4.97

    Taking new clients

    Profile →
    Newest review: Relocation Basel (h.o.m.e.s. GmbH)
    “Recently relocated to Basel from US and very lucky to be guided through the integration process by Claudia. So many things managed perfectly including securing…”
    ★★★★★Daniel M. · Google ·

    Clients mention 2 consultants by name

    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools
    • Temporary housing
    • Departure
    • Partner support
    • Pets
    • Tax & legal

    ReloFinder score 4.97

  2. Rank 7

    Silver Nest Relocation

    Zürich · EN DE

    Google rating 5.062 reviewsGoogle rating of Silver Nest Relocation’s own listing, captured 11 Nov 2025.

    Score 4.95

    Taking new clients

    Profile →
    Newest review: Silver Nest Relocation
    “I couldn’t recommend Silver Nest Relocation more than enough to anyone searching for an apartment in Zürich’s competitive housing market. From the very…”
    ★★★★★Sean K. · Google ·

    Clients mention 2 consultants by name

    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools
    • Departure
    • Pets

    ReloFinder score 4.95

  3. Rank 8

    Schmid & Hoppler

    Wollerau · EN DE

    Google rating 5.027 reviewsGoogle rating of Schmid & Hoppler’s own listing, captured 21 Nov 2025.

    Score 4.92

    Taking new clients

    Profile →
    Newest review: Schmid & Hoppler
    “We were very pleased with Sandra's support when we were looking to rent an apartment in Canton Schwyz. From the beginning, she was very friendly and sensitive…”
    ★★★★★Taylor F. · Google ·

    Clients mention 2 consultants by name

    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools

    ReloFinder score 4.92

  4. Rank 9

    SwissNest Relocation

    Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

    Zurich · EN DE RU

    Google rating 5.023 reviewsGoogle rating of SwissNest Relocation’s own listing, captured 21 Sep 2026.

    Score 4.91

    Taking new clients

    Get matchedProfile →
    Newest review: SwissNest Relocation
    “Wir befinden uns aktuell noch in der Planungs- und Orientierungsphase unseres möglichen Umzugs nach Zürich und wurden von SwissNest Relocation bereits sehr…”
    ★★★★★Jacob R. · Google ·
    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools
    • Temporary housing
    • Partner support
    • Pets
    • Tax & legal

    ReloFinder score 4.91

    Preferred partner: pays for introductions, never for rank

  5. Rank 10

    Lodge Relocation

    Geneva · EN FR DE

    Google rating 4.9159 reviewsGoogle rating of Lodge Relocation’s own listing, captured 11 May 2026.

    Score 4.89

    Taking new clients

    Profile →
    Newest review: Lodge Relocation
    “In one word: perfect ! Barbara and the Lodge Relocation team did a remarkable work, end-to-end, with the highest level of care, reactivity and kindness.”
    ★★★★★Nicolas P. · Google ·
    • Home search
    • Permits
    • Settling-in
    • Schools
    • Temporary housing
    • Departure
    • Partner support
    • Tax & legal
    • Moving

    ReloFinder score 4.89

Score = Bayesian average of the Google rating, weighted by review count (captured per agency between November 2025 and September 2026). Quotes: each agency's newest Google review of 80+ characters, any rating. How we rank

Permits and the full move, from one agency

All 36 permit agencies also do home search and settling-in, so one consultant carries the permit, the flat and the registration. In the order of the list above: partner agencies we work with directly first, then by score:

Auris Relocation

Zurich · EN DE FR

Google rating 5.0Google rating of Auris Relocation’s own listing, captured 11 May 2026.Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

Taking new clients

Clients mention 8 consultants by name

  • Home search
  • Permits
  • Settling-in
  • +4 more
Get matchedProfile of Auris Relocation

Prime Relocation

Zug · EN DE FR

Google rating 4.8Google rating of Prime Relocation’s own listing, captured 1 May 2026.Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

Taking new clients

  • Home search
  • Permits
  • Settling-in
  • +6 more
Get matchedProfile of Prime Relocation

Rel-Ex (Relocation & Expat Services GmbH)

Andelfingen · EN DE FR

Google rating 5.0Google rating of Rel-Ex (Relocation & Expat Services GmbH)’s own listing, captured 21 Sep 2026.Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

Taking new clients

Clients mention 1 consultant by name

  • Home search
  • Permits
  • Settling-in
  • +2 more
Get matchedProfile of Rel-Ex (Relocation & Expat Services GmbH)

Relonest

Zurich · EN DE FR IT ES

Google rating 4.6Google rating of Relonest’s own listing, captured 11 May 2026.Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

Taking new clients

Clients mention 1 consultant by name

  • Home search
  • Permits
  • Settling-in
  • +3 more
Get matchedProfile of Relonest

Welcome Service

Geneva · EN FR DE IT

Google rating 4.3Google rating of Welcome Service’s own listing, captured 1 Feb 2026.Preferred partner: how it worksVetted and audited by ReloFinder. Requests sent through ReloFinder go only to preferred partners. They pay for introductions, never for rank. The top five of every list are partner agencies we work with directly; outside the top five, partners are ranked by score like everyone else.

Taking new clients

  • Home search
  • Permits
  • Settling-in
  • +6 more
Get matchedProfile of Welcome Service

Relocation Basel (h.o.m.e.s. GmbH)

Riehen · DE EN FR IT ES

Google rating 5.0Average of the 102 reviews captured from Relocation Basel (h.o.m.e.s. GmbH)’s own Google listing, 31 Mar 2026.

Taking new clients

Clients mention 2 consultants by name

  • Home search
  • Permits
  • Settling-in
  • +6 more
Profile

Permits & immigration, city by city

Local agencies only: an office in the region or the region in their own service area. Where the local data is deep enough, the city has its own permits and immigration page.

How a permit case runs

  1. Eligibility and permit type

    Nationality, role and salary decide the route: free movement for EU/EFTA, a quota case for everyone else.

  2. Employer and quota

    For non-EU cases the employer files; the agency prepares the labour-market and salary case the canton expects.

  3. Documents

    Contract, diplomas, CV, passport, photos and cantonal forms, complete and correctly translated the first time.

  4. Cantonal and federal filing

    Submission to the cantonal migration office and, for non-EU cases, approval by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

  5. Arrival and registration

    Collect the permit, register at your commune and add family reunification where it applies.

What permits and immigration costs

Prices agencies and schools publish, not quotes. 35 of the 36 agencies price your case in a free first consultation.

Checked on 24 September 2026 on the published price pages. Your consultant quotes exactly after the first call.
PackagePriceWhat it covers
First permit assessmentCHF 99–120Which permit, what the canton will ask for, and the risks in your file.
Full permit caseper caseNo agency we checked publishes a fixed price; ask for one after the first call.
Registration helpCHF 99–190 / hourCommune registration and paperwork, billed by the hour.

Sources: Sgier + Partner, SwissNest Relocation, Schweizer Relocation, Wielgoss Relocation, Swiss Relocation Services GmbH.

EU/EFTA or third country

EU/EFTA nationals register and receive a permit almost as a formality. Third-country nationals need an employer-sponsored quota permit, a salary at local market level and a case that the role could not be filled locally.

The quota is rarely the problem

The 8,500 non-EU permits of 2026 (4,500 B, 4,000 L) were not used up in recent years: 52% of the 2025 quota was used by the end of September. What stops a case is a weak labour-market or salary file, so file complete.

Read before you start

Plain answers, updated for 2026.

All guides

Permits & immigration: questions, answered

Does ReloFinder file my permit?

No. We pass your request to a partner agency that does. In the directory, 36 agencies list permits and immigration, and 36 of them also do home search and settling-in. 35 offer a free first consultation.

My employer handles the permit. Do I still need help?

Often the employer covers only the work permit. The flat, family reunification and the first weeks are left to you, which is where an agency earns its fee.

How long does a permit take?

EU/EFTA registration takes days to a few weeks. Non-EU quota cases take several weeks to a few months, depending on canton and time of year. 55 Google reviews of these agencies mention permits, visas or the migration office.

Can I start work before the permit arrives?

Non-EU nationals generally may not start work before the permit is approved. An agency times the move so you are not stuck unable to sign a lease or start your job.

Or start with something else

Get your permit, and your move, from people who file them every week.

Two minutes of questions, then a consultant from one of our partner agencies with time for you gets in touch. Free, with no obligation.

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