Question : As an expat work permit holder living in Zurich, do I need an exit permit to leave the country for a holiday?

For an expat working and living in Zurich, you don't need an exit permit to leave the country for a short holiday. The exception is if you are taking very long holidays when you would not be living in Zurich anymore. In this case, you should notify the authorities at your Kreisbüro, and note that you will probably lose your permit. There are many kinds of permits and situations, so it is always advisable to check the rules either online: http://www.awa.zh.ch/internet/volkswirtschaftsdirektion/awa/en/arbeitsbewilligungen/rechtliche_grundlagen.html or to ask at the Kreisbüro.