Best Business Visa Lawyers in Arlesheim

About Business Visa Law in Arlesheim, Switzerland

Arlesheim is in the canton of Basel-Landschaft in northwestern Switzerland and follows federal Swiss and Schengen rules for entry and short stays. A business visitor coming to Arlesheim typically travels on a Schengen short-stay visa type C for meetings, negotiations, conferences, training that does not amount to productive work in Switzerland. The short-stay business visa allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, which includes Switzerland.

Nationals of some countries are visa-exempt for short stays and can travel for business without obtaining a visa in advance. Even if visa-exempt, travelers must still meet entry conditions at the border such as purpose of stay, sufficient funds, accommodation, and valid travel insurance. If the visit involves any gainful activity for a Swiss entity or hands-on work at a Swiss client site, a work authorization is usually required, not a standard business visa.

Longer stays or any employment in Switzerland generally require a residence and work permit such as an L short-term residence permit or a B residence permit. These permits involve cantonal pre-approval and federal clearance and are subject to strict admission criteria, quotas for third-country nationals, and labor market tests.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may benefit from legal help if your planned activities in Arlesheim sit near the line between allowable business visiting and work that requires a permit. Activities such as installing equipment, troubleshooting on site, client delivery, or paid speaking can trigger work authorization, while pure meetings and negotiations typically do not. A lawyer can assess your itinerary and structure the visit to remain compliant.

Legal counsel is also helpful if you are a third-country national who needs a work permit, if your company wants to second or post workers to a Swiss client, or if you must navigate the EU or EFTA notification rules for short-term services. Counsel can coordinate with the Basel-Landschaft authorities on timing, quotas, and documentation.

Other common scenarios include prior visa refusals, criminal record disclosures, explaining complex corporate sponsorships, extending a stay due to force majeure, correcting a status violation, or managing frequent multi-country Schengen travel that affects your 90-180 calculation.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss entry and stay are governed primarily by the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act and the Ordinance on Admission and Gainful Employment, alongside the Schengen Visa Code. Switzerland differentiates clearly between business visits without gainful activity and employment or services that qualify as work. If there is any remuneration from a Swiss source or hands-on service delivery in Switzerland, work authorization is usually required.

Permits and notifications are administered jointly by the State Secretariat for Migration at the federal level and the cantonal authorities. For Arlesheim, the responsible bodies are the Basel-Landschaft Migration Office for residence and the cantonal labor market authority for work approvals. Cantonal practice and processing times can influence outcomes even when the federal legal framework is the same nationwide.

For EU and EFTA service providers, a notification regime can allow service delivery in Switzerland for up to 90 days per calendar year, with sector-specific rules. Some sectors must register from day 1, while others have an 8-day exemption from notification. Minimum wage, working time, and posted worker compliance may apply. For third-country nationals, admission for work is limited to qualified specialists and is subject to quotas, salary and working condition checks, and labor market priority rules.

For short-stay visas, applications are filed with the Swiss embassy or consulate in the country of residence. Standard processing is around 15 calendar days but can take longer. Applications can be lodged up to 6 months before travel. Usual documents include a valid passport, recent photo, travel health insurance with at least 30,000 euros coverage, itinerary, accommodation, proof of funds, employer letter, and an invitation letter from the host in Arlesheim. Visa-exempt travelers should carry similar evidence to satisfy border checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a business visa and a work permit in Switzerland

A business visa type C enables short stays for meetings, negotiations, and conferences without engaging in gainful activity in Switzerland. A work permit is required when you perform services for or under the direction of a Swiss client or employer, or when you receive remuneration tied to work in Switzerland. If in doubt, assume hands-on activities require a permit.

How long can I stay in Arlesheim on a business visa

You can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. The 180-day window is a rolling period. Time spent in other Schengen states also counts toward the 90-day limit.

Do I need a visa if my nationality is visa-exempt

No advance visa is needed for short business visits, but you must still meet entry conditions. Border guards can ask for proof of purpose, funds, accommodation, return ticket, and travel insurance. Visa exemption never authorizes work without a permit.

Can I install equipment or provide on-site support on a business visa

Generally no. Installation, maintenance, on-site support, or project delivery is considered gainful activity and typically requires work authorization. Pure meetings, training you receive without delivering services, or exploratory visits are usually acceptable on a business visa.

Can my business visa be extended in Switzerland

Extensions of a Schengen short-stay visa are rare and are granted only for exceptional reasons such as force majeure or serious humanitarian grounds. Plan conservatively and avoid scheduling that depends on an extension.

Can I apply for a residence or work permit while I am in Switzerland on a business visa

In most cases, no. Status changes are generally processed from abroad. If a Swiss employer wishes to hire you, the canton must approve the permit first and you usually need to collect the entry visa in your country of residence before returning to Switzerland.

Is multiple-entry possible for business travel to Arlesheim

Yes. You can request a multiple-entry Schengen visa if you demonstrate a recurring need and travel history. Validity can range from several months to several years, but the 90-180 rule still applies.

What insurance do I need

Short-stay travelers must have travel medical insurance valid for all Schengen states with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for emergency medical care and repatriation. Carry proof for border checks.

What documents should an Arlesheim host provide

An invitation letter on company letterhead describing the purpose of the visit, dates, location in Arlesheim, who covers costs, and contact details. Supporting documents such as commercial relationship evidence, event registration, or a schedule can strengthen the application.

Who decides on my application and how long does it take

For short-stay visas, the Swiss embassy or consulate receives your application and consults Swiss authorities as needed. Typical processing is about 15 days, which can be extended up to 45 days during busy periods or complex checks. Work permits require cantonal pre-approval and federal clearance and often take longer.

Additional Resources

State Secretariat for Migration SEM for federal policies, visa and permit guidance.

Basel-Landschaft Migration Office for residence matters affecting Arlesheim.

Basel-Landschaft cantonal labor market authority for work permit and labor market assessments.

Swiss embassies and consulates abroad for visa appointments and submissions.

Handelskammer beider Basel for regional business networking and event information relevant to business visitors.

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg border control for entry formalities specific to the Basel region.

Next Steps

Confirm whether you are visa-required or visa-exempt for short stays. If visa-required, book a timely appointment with the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If your activities may be work, consult an immigration lawyer before booking travel.

Obtain a detailed invitation letter from your Arlesheim host. Prepare employer letters describing your position and the purpose of travel, proof of funds, accommodation, itinerary, and travel insurance. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure and was issued within the last 10 years.

If any services will be performed in Switzerland, have your lawyer or HR team assess whether an EU or EFTA notification or a Swiss work permit is required. For third-country nationals, anticipate labor market and quota constraints and allow for additional processing time.

Keep records that prove your compliance with the 90-180 rule, such as entry stamps and travel logs. Carry printed copies of key documents when crossing the border.

If you need tailored advice for Arlesheim or Basel-Landschaft procedures, contact a Swiss immigration lawyer who regularly handles Schengen business travel, posted worker notifications, and Basel-Landschaft work permits.