Construction contracts performed by Swiss companies
in Germany
Work permit
Swiss nationals do not require a work permit if they are going to spend less than 90 calendar days of the year
working in Germany. If the work takes longer than this, a work permit is required. Swiss workers can obtain one
from the German Federal Employment Agency, at the regional administration in Baden-Württemberg.
Residence permit
Swiss nationals do not require a residence permit if they are going to be staying in Germany for less than 90
days in any given calendar year. If this time period is exceeded, a residence permit is required. These can be
obtained from the town’s Ausländermeldeamt (foreign registration office) or Einwohnermeldeamt (resident
registration office). Workers who are not Swiss nationals or citizens of the EU or EEA will automatically require
a work permit. A visa may also be required for entry into Germany. These can be obtained from the German
Embassy in Bern.
Law on posting of workers
This law obliges foreign firms who have construction contracts in Germany to comply with working conditions
laid down by collective agreements. In particular, this includes the payment of a minimum wage, the application
of regulations regarding holiday entitlement and the payment of contributions into the holiday savings fund. In
addition, foreign firms are required to register. This must be done at the Regional Finance Office in Cologne
(department for Financial Control of Undeclared Employment) before the start of the contract. The relevant
application form can be found on the German customs website, along with further information on the posting of
workers within the construction industry.1
Registering with a German Chamber of Handicrafts
The newly-revised EU/EEA craft work rules require businesses not resident in Germany but undertaking
contracts there to register before starting work. Following initial registration, companies are required