Secure global talent to accelerate your startup's growth
Attracting top talent from around the world is crucial for startups that want to innovate and scale rapidly. However, navigating the Swiss immigration system can be particularly challenging for startups due to specific requirements such as business plan and fair salary definitions.
At A-Link, we specialize in helping startups secure work permits for their hires, ensuring compliance and a smooth hiring process.
Can startups hire non-EU nationals?
Yes! We've successfully helped newly incorporated startups, boostrapped small companies and well-funded ventures hire non-EU citizens. By focusing on startups, we have gathered the expert knowledge to improve your chances of approval by ensuring all requirements are met.
Unique challenges for startups in hiring international employees
While the general requirements for work permits apply across businesses, startups often face additional hurdles:
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Business plan requirements: Startups must demonstrate sufficient funding to support the employment of new hires.
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Fair salary definition: Understanding what salary levels are aceptable for startups according to the cantonal regulations.
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Contribution to the Swiss Economy: Showing that hiring the non-EU/EFTA employee brings significant economic or technological benefits to the region can be a unique challenge for a startup.
Is labor market testing mandatory for startups?
For non-EU/EFTA nationals, you must demonstrate that no suitable candidate was found within Switzerland or the EU/EFTA. This involves advertising the position and documenting recruitment efforts.
However, there is a number of exceptions to this rules, such as for hiring fresh graduates or highly specialised specialists. When we assess your specific case, we cross check this requirement at the start of the process.
We provide support at each step of the process
01 Eligibility assessment
Understand your options and the best pathway for your situation.
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Initial consultation: We assess your business plan, background and goals to determine the most suitable permit type.
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Customized advice: Receive tailored recommendations based on your nationality, business sector and other key factors.
03 Permit application preparation
We ensure all documentation is accurate and complete.
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Funding proof assistance: Help prepare financial documents demonstrating your startup's stability and growth potential.
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Salary benchmarking: Advise on setting fair and compliant salaries based on industry standards while also corresponding to the startup phase.
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Economic interest demonstration: Assist in articulating the unique benefits your hire brings to the Swiss economy.
02 Navigating labor market tests
Ensure compliance with recruitment regulations.
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Job advertisement support: We guide you through the process of advertising positions.
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Documentation preparation: Help compile necessary records to prove recruitment efforts.
04 Application submission and follow-up
Manage administrative processes efficiently.
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Complete documentation: We ensure all forms and supporting documents are correctly filled and compiled.
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Authority liaison: We act as your representative in communications with Swiss immigration and labor authorities.
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Status monitoring: Provide regular updates and promptly address any additional requests.
Why us
Specialised expertise for startups
We understand the unique challenges startups face in securing work permits for non-EU hires.
All-in-one
solution
From consulting to full application management, we cover every step.
Success-based
pricing
We’re committed to delivering results, with pricing models that reflect our confidence in your success.
Here's what our clients say
Vincent M.
Co-founder & CEO
Nanoleq
I highly recommend A-Link to any founder or professional seeking reliable and efficient immigration help. The team’s ability to turn a complex process into a clear step-by-step journey and their commitment to success-based pricing truly set them apart.
Stefanie D.
Head of People & Administration
Youdera
A-Link made the process of obtaining the Swiss work permit very simple. Their expertise helped us convert our intern into a full-time hire to our startup.
