What You Need to Know Before Joining NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful and safest countries in the world, and tattooing here is a rewarding experience for many international artists. We receive inquiries from talented tattooists across the globe who want to join us temporarily as guest artists at NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern.

However, if you are a non-EU/Non-EFTA citizen, it is important to understand that Switzerland has very strict immigration and work-permit laws, especially for professions that are not part of the official “artist” exception category.

Tattoo artists are not considered performing artists (like musicians, dancers, or actors), so we must follow the regular non-EU labour market process, which is more complex and requires advanced planning.

This blog post explains everything you need to know before applying.

1. Tattoo Artists Do Not Fall Under the “Artist Exception” Rule

Switzerland offers simplified, fast-track work permits for certain performing arts professions.

These include:

musicians dancers actors circus performers

Unfortunately, tattoo artists are not included on this list.

This means you must go through the standard non-EU procedure, which has more requirements and takes more time.

2. The Studio Must Apply for the Permit – You Cannot Apply Yourself

If you want to work at NKINK, the application must be submitted by us, the host studio, not by you.

A non-EU tattoo artist cannot legally tattoo in Switzerland without prior approval, even if the stay is temporary.

This is a legal requirement, not a studio policy.

3. Switzerland Requires Proof That You Are Uniquely Needed

The immigration authorities will ask:

Why this specific artist? Do you bring a unique skill, style, or technique to our studio? Is your expertise not available in the Swiss or EU labour market?

This is called the labour market test.

In practice, this means Switzerland wants to ensure that:

Jobs go first to locals or EU artists, unless a clear reason shows that your talent is unique and essential.

This is one of the main reasons the process is strict.

4. Salary and Working Conditions Must Meet Swiss Standards

To protect workers, Switzerland requires that all foreign artists receive:

Fair and competitive salary Safe and legal working conditions A clean, hygienic, certified workspace

At NKINK, we fully comply with Swiss hygiene regulations, Canton Bern rules, and EU REACH standards.

But the government will still check this during the permit application.

5. Two Separate Authorities Must Approve the Application

Your work permit request must be approved by:

✔️ Canton Bern Migration Office (MAP)

and

✔️ The Swiss Federal State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)

If either authority says no, the permit cannot be issued.

This dual-approval process is what makes the procedure longer and more detailed compared to EU citizens.

6. Switzerland Has Annual Quotas for Non-EU Workers

Permits for non-EU citizens are limited.

Each year, Switzerland allocates a fixed number of “quota permits” to non-EU workers. Tattoo artists must compete with other professions, including IT specialists, engineers, researchers, and healthcare workers.

This is why applications must be strong, complete, and justified.

7. What We Expect from Interested Non-EU Guest Artists

To begin the process, NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern requires:

A strong professional portfolio (Instagram, website, healed tattoos) Exact working dates (guest spot period) Detailed information about your skills and signature style Proof of professional experience (years tattooing, guest spots, studios) Clear motivation why you want to join our studio Willingness to follow all Swiss hygiene, safety, and legal standards

We take our profession seriously and expect the same commitment.

8. How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Realistically:

6–12 weeks

depending on:

permit quotas document completeness government workload international embassy processing (visa for entry)

Artists should plan in advance and never book flights before official approval.

9. Is It Difficult to Receive Approval?

Honest answer:

Yes, the process is strict.

But:

If you are highly skilled, have a unique style, and meet professional standards, we will support your application.

Switzerland values excellence and craftsmanship. Tattooing here is about quality, precision, hygiene, and professionalism — values that we at NKINK Tattoo Studio share deeply.

10. Interested in Working With Us? Start Here.

If you are a non-EU tattoo artist and wish to work with NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern:

👉 Send us an email with the subject: “Non-EU Guest Artist Application”

to: info@nkink.ch

Include:

Full name & country Portfolio links Short biography Proposed dates Your signature style Why you want to work at NKINK Previous guest artist experience Any questions you may have

We review all applications carefully and will contact you if we believe your profile fits our studio and Swiss requirements.

Final Thoughts

Working in Switzerland as a tattoo artist is a privilege.

It requires:

✔ professionalism

✔ patience

✔ a strong portfolio

✔ respect for Swiss laws

If you meet these criteria, we are happy to guide you through the process.

At NKINK Tattoo Studio Bern, we are always open to collaborating with talented and respectful artists from around the world — as long as the legal conditions allow it.