Moving to Switzerland from South Korea is easier when you see the whole path first. You do not need to learn every Swiss rule today. You need to know which rules apply to you, in which order things happen, and what you can prepare before you leave Seoul, Busan or anywhere else in Korea.
This page walks you through that path step by step. It explains the general rules. It does not give advice on your personal case: a specialist looks at that.
The first thing to know: you are a third-country national
Switzerland has two regimes for people who want to live and work there. Citizens of EU and EFTA countries use the free movement agreement (ALCP in French, the agreement between Switzerland and the EU). Citizens of all other countries, including South Korea, are "third-country nationals" and follow the stricter rules of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (LEI) (State Secretariat for Migration, SEM).
In practice this means:
- A Swiss job offer is normally the starting point. The employer files the request, not you.
- Admission depends on conditions such as qualifications and the needs of the Swiss labor market. The exact conditions are set by the authorities and checked case by case.
- Yearly limits (quotas) apply to the most common work permits.
Nobody can promise an outcome. The cantonal and federal authorities decide.
What the yearly quotas mean for you
Each year the Federal Council sets maximum numbers of permits for third-country workers. For 2026, the limit for skilled workers and specialists is 8,500: 4,500 permits B (residence) and 4,000 permits L (short-term) (Federal Council, 19 November 2025). These numbers are unchanged from 2025. The cantons then share out their part.
Why does this matter to you? Because a permit request is not only about your file. It also depends on whether the canton still has room in its share. That is one reason employers start early, and why a Swiss employer usually leads the process.
Permit B and permit L in plain words
- Permit B is a residence permit for a longer stay, usually linked to a job.
- Permit L is a short-term permit, usually linked to a limited contract.
Which one fits depends on your contract and your situation. You can test the basics with the permit finder, then let a specialist confirm.
Step by step: before you leave Korea
Here is the order that works for most people who arrive from abroad.
- Secure the job or the basis for your stay. For most Korean citizens this is a Swiss employment contract or a transfer within a company. If you are in that situation, read about a Swiss job offer.
- Let the permit process run. Your employer or a specialist files the request with the canton. Do not book a one-way flight or end your lease in Korea before you know the outcome.
- Collect your documents. Passport, civil status documents (marriage, birth), diplomas and your employment papers. Ask early whether any document needs an official translation or legalization. Korean-language papers often need a translation into German, French or Italian.
- Plan the practical side. Shipping, pets, schools, the end of your Korean contracts. A relocation calendar helps you put these in order.
- Choose where to live. Switzerland has several language regions, and the city you pick decides the language of daily life. You can compare options with the city comparator.
Example: a couple from Seoul with one child of school age receives a job offer in Zurich. They plan the permit first, then look at schools, and only then ship their belongings. They start the apartment search once the permit path is clear.
What changes: health, taxes, housing
Health insurance
In Switzerland, basic health insurance is mandatory for people who live there. You choose an insurer yourself and pay your own premiums. This is different from a national scheme where enrollment is automatic. Details such as deductibles and the cover you choose depend on your situation, so a specialist explains your options.
Taxes
Switzerland taxes at three levels: the federal state, the canton and the commune. The result depends on where you live. We do not give personal tax advice here. A specialist can explain how the rules apply to you.
Housing
Rental files are usually detailed, and landlords often ask for several documents. Arriving from abroad without a Swiss address can slow things down. Check your file with the rental file check and prepare it before you travel.
What waits for you after arrival
When you arrive, you register with your commune (Gemeinde, the local administration) and the cantonal migration office issues or confirms your permit. After that come the basic steps: health insurance, a bank account, school or childcare for children, and your daily-life setup. If you bring a dog or cat, see moving with pets.
If you have children, the school choice tool helps you think about school types before you decide on a city.
Other Asian countries share similar paths. If useful, compare with Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong or China.
Ready to organize your move?
You can send a short description of your plans through the request at the bottom of the page. The service connects you with a relocation company in Switzerland that fits your needs. A specialist then looks at your case.
Frequently asked questions
Do Korean citizens need a visa to live in Switzerland?
You need a permit to live and work there. Korean citizens follow the third-country rules, so the permit process has to be completed before you start. The authorities decide on each request.
Can I look for a job in Switzerland while living in Korea?
Yes, many people do. A Swiss employer then files the permit request. Admission depends on the conditions that apply to third-country nationals and on the yearly quotas.
Who files the permit request, me or my employer?
Usually the employer, with the cantonal authorities. You supply documents and answer questions. Your employer or a specialist tells you what is needed.
What are the yearly quotas?
They are maximum numbers of permits for third-country workers. For 2026, the figure for skilled workers and specialists is 8,500, split into 4,500 permits B and 4,000 permits L (Federal Council).
What is the difference between permit B and permit L?
Permit B is a residence permit for a longer stay. Permit L is a short-term permit. Which applies depends on your contract.
Is Switzerland part of the EU?
No. Switzerland is not an EU member, but it has agreements with the EU. Citizens of EU and EFTA countries use those agreements. Korean citizens do not, so they follow the third-country rules.
Can my family come with me?
Often family members can apply to join a permit holder, but the rules depend on the permit and the canton. A specialist can check your family situation.
Do I need to speak German, French or Italian?
It depends on where you live and on your job. Daily life is easier with the local language, and some employers work in English. Schools and administrations mostly use the local language.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes, basic health insurance is mandatory for people who live in Switzerland. You choose your insurer and pay the premiums yourself.
Do I pay taxes in both countries?
This depends on your situation and on the rules between the two countries. We cannot give personal tax advice. A tax specialist can check your case.
Can I rent an apartment before I arrive?
It is possible but harder, because landlords often prefer to meet applicants and see a complete file. Prepare your documents at home and ask a specialist about timing.
Can I bring my pet from Korea?
Rules for pets exist and depend on the animal. See moving with pets and ask the authorities what is required.
Where can I find more answers?
Our general questions page covers many topics. For your own case, use the request at the bottom of the page.