Switzerland — Residence Permits and Immigration

Every permit to live in Switzerland

From short-term assignments to permanent residence — guide to all permit types and naturalisation, for EU/EFTA and non-EU nationals.

About us →

2026 quotas unchanged: 4,000 L and 4,500 B for non-EU. Croatian nationals with full free movement from 1 January 2025.

Permit categories

Choose your category

Click on the category for the full guide with procedure, documents, costs and FAQ.

Short-TermPermit L

Contracts from 3 to 364 days. EU/EFTA: municipal registration. Non-EU: employer sponsorship + federal quota (4,000 permits 2026).

EU/EFTA: no quotaNon-EU: 4,000 permitsMax 24 months
Full guide →Work / ResidencePermit B

The main permit. Work, self-employment, family reunification, study, residence without employment. EU: 5 years; non-EU: 1 year renewable.

EU: 5 yearsNon-EU: 4,500 permitsRoute to C
Full guide →Permanent ResidencePermit C

Unlimited residence. After 5 years (EU-15/EFTA) or 10 years (others). Language B1/A2 and financial independence.

5 years EU-15/EFTA10 years othersLanguage B1/A2
Full guide →Cross-borderPermit G

Work in Switzerland while living abroad. EU/EFTA: no labour market test. Non-EU in border zones: labour market test.

EU/EFTA: no LMTNon-EU: labour market testNo zone restriction
Full guide →LifestyleWithout Employment

Retirees and persons of independent means. EU/EFTA: means + insurance. Non-EU: direct CH ties. Forfait fiscal available.

EU/EFTA: accessibleNon-EU: CH tiesForfait fiscal
Full guide →EntrepreneurshipStartup & Self-employed

EU/EFTA: simple registration. Non-EU: national economic interest. Professional business plan essential.

EU/EFTA: simpleNon-EU: economic interestGmbH/AG or sole trader
Full guide →

EU/EFTA vs non-EU. EU/EFTA nationals register after arrival — no quota, no labour market test, no SEM approval. Non-EU nationals face annual quotas, employer sponsorship, labour market test and federal approval.

Citizenship path
CitizenshipNaturalisation

Swiss citizenship after 10 years of legal residence (permit C required). Language B1/A2, integration assessment, cantonal and federal procedure. Dual citizenship allowed.

Permit C required10 years residenceLanguage B1/A2Dual citizenship allowed
Full guide →
Switzerland in figures

Key data

4.500
B permits non-EU
Federal quota 2026
5/10 a.
Permit C threshold
EU-15/EFTA: 5 years • Others: 10 years
14 gg
Registration
At municipality after arrival
26
Cantons
Each manages autonomously
About us

A trusted partner
at every step of the journey

Why ImmiLex

Moving to a new country is a life project. It should not be a bureaucratic maze.

ImmiLex was born from the understanding that those moving to Switzerland from distant places need more than generic advice: they need a trusted partner who knows the process in every detail, accompanies the client from start to finish and responds quickly to every need.

Our goal is to make a high-quality service accessible — one previously reserved for large law firms or those who could afford consultations costing thousands of euros — to individuals, families and companies of any size.

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Our approach
Personalisation

Every case is different. We work to fit the specific situation of each client, without off-the-shelf solutions.

Speed

Fast response times and proactive follow-up. The client does not have to chase us — we keep them updated at every stage.

360° support

We handle every aspect of the case: from initial consultation to document collection, from filing the application to final confirmation.

Professionalism

In-depth knowledge of Swiss immigration law, continuous updates and a rigorous approach to every file.

Permit L • Switzerland

Short stay — up to 24 months

For contracts from 3 months to 364 days. EU/EFTA: municipal registration within 14 days. Non-EU: employer sponsorship + SEM approval, subject to quota.

Contracts < 3 months: no permit required, but mandatory online notification before work begins. Contracts 12+ months: right to permit B, not L.

What is it

Permit L — in brief

EU/EFTA

No quota. Municipal registration within 14 days with ID and contract. Possible to change employer or profession with cantonal notification.

Non-EU

Federal quota (4,000 permits 2026). Labour market test + high qualification required. SEM approval after cantonal pre-approval.

Duration and conversion

Max 12 months, renewable up to 24 months total. After 24 months of continuous work: B permit possible.

EU/EFTA — Procedure

Registration within 14 days of arrival

1

Arrival with employment contract

EU/EFTA nationals enter freely. Work cannot begin before registration.

EU/EFTA
2

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

EU/EFTA document and contract at the Einwohnerkontrolle. Permit L issued by the municipality.

Applicant + ImmiLexWithin 14 days
3

Health insurance (within 3 months)

Mandatory, retroactive to the date of entry.

Within 3 months
ImmiLex Fees

Fees

Orientation consultation

CHF 250

1 hour • Deducted if mandate

  • EU vs non-EU assessment
  • Canton selection
  • Labour market test feasibility
Get started

EU/EFTA — Registration support

CHF 950

Orientation fee deducted

  • Document preparation
  • Health insurance guidance
  • AHV support
Get started

Non-EU — Full Service

CHF 3,500

Canton + SEM + visa • Orientation fee deducted

  • Labour market test
  • Cantonal dossier
  • Federal SEM
  • Type D visa
  • Municipal registration
Get started

Authority costs:

  • Cantonal fees: CHF 60–120
  • SEM biometric card: CHF 20
  • Type D visa: approx. CHF 80

Frequently asked questions

Can I change employer with permit L?

EU/EFTA: yes, with cantonal notification. Non-EU: no, the permit is tied to the employer and canton. A change requires a new application and uses a new quota.

My contract is 18 months. Permit L or B?

EU/EFTA: contracts 12+ months give right to B, not L. For non-EU it is preferable to apply directly for B for 12+ month contracts.

How long does the non-EU procedure take?

Canton: 2–6 weeks. SEM: 2–6 weeks. Visa: 1–3 weeks. Estimated total: 6–16 weeks.

Permit B • Switzerland

Long-term residence — the main permit

Work, self-employment, family reunification, study and residence without employment. EU/EFTA: 5 years on registration. Non-EU: 1 year renewable, subject to quota (4,500 permits 2026).

2026: 4,500 B for non-EU. In September 2025 approximately 48% of quotas was available. Croatian nationals with full free movement from 1 January 2025.

What is it

Permit B — the standard permit

EU/EFTA

5-year B permit on registration at the municipality within 14 days. No quota, no labour market test. Free change of employer; change of activity requires cantonal notification.

Non-EU

Federal quota (4,500 permits 2026). Initially 1 year, renewable. Employer sponsorship + labour market test. High qualification required.

Change of employer

B holders can generally change employer with cantonal notification, without a new quota. If the permit is tied to a specific post, a formal application is required.

EU/EFTA

Registration within 14 days

1

Arrival with contract (12+ months or open-ended)

EU/EFTA nationals enter freely. Work cannot begin before registration.

EU/EFTA
2

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

EU/EFTA document, contract, proof of accommodation. 5-year B permit.

Applicant + ImmiLexWithin 14 days
3

AHV, health insurance, VAT

Health insurance within 3 months. Self-employed: AHV at the Ausgleichskasse. VAT above CHF 100,000.

Within 3 months
ImmiLex Fees

Fees

Orientation consultation

CHF 250

1 hour • Deducted if mandate

  • Permit category
  • Optimal canton
  • Time and cost estimate
Get started

EU/EFTA — Registration

CHF 1,450

Orientation fee deducted

  • Document preparation
  • AHV and health insurance guidance
Get started

Non-EU — Full Service

CHF 4,500

Canton + SEM + visa • Orientation fee deducted

  • Labour market test
  • Cantonal dossier
  • Federal SEM
  • Type D visa
  • Registration support
  • Renewal management
Get started
Annual renewal

Permit B — Renewal

CHF 550

EU/EFTA and non-EU • Annual renewal

  • Document check
  • Cantonal submission
  • Confirmation follow-up
Get started

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose permit B if I lose my job?

EU/EFTA: they can remain at least 6 months to seek employment, registering as unemployed. Non-EU: more complex situation, depends on the canton.

When can I apply for permit C?

EU-15/EFTA: after 5 years. Most other non-EU: after 10 years. Integration requirements including language.

Does time with permit L count towards C?

No. The count towards C starts from the date of permit B.

Permit C • Switzerland

Permanent residence — the strongest status

Unlimited residence, free choice of work and cantonal mobility without restrictions. After 5 years for EU-15/EFTA, after 10 years for others. Language B1/A2 and financial independence.

EU-15 countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden + EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway). All others: 10 years.

What is it

Permit C — permanent residence

Permit C grants unlimited residence, full freedom of work and change of canton without prior approval. Not tied to employment or income. Confirmed every 5 years.

After 5 years (EU-15/EFTA)

Nationals of the 14 EU-15 countries and 3 EFTA countries: after 5 years of continuous legal residence, by virtue of bilateral settlement treaties. No quota.

After 10 years (others)

Most other non-EU nationals: after 10 years of continuous legal residence with permit B. No quota.

Route to citizenship

Naturalisation: permit C + 10 years total residence, of which 3 in the 5 years before the application. Language B1/A2. Years 8–18 count double (Art. 9 BüG).

Integration requirements

What is needed

01

Language B1 oral / A2 written

In German, French, Italian or Romansh (language of the canton). Certificate from institution recognised by SEM.

Mandatory
02

Financial independence

No dependence on social assistance at time of application. Recent dependence (last 3 years) may lead to refusal.

Mandatory
03

Respect for the legal order

No serious criminal conviction.

Mandatory
04

Continuous legal residence

No interruption: generally no more than 6 consecutive months or 12 months total in 3 years.

Mandatory
Procedura

Application at the cantonal office

1

Eligibility check

Confirm the qualifying period and integration criteria. Pre-assessment included.

Applicant + ImmiLex
2

Language certificate

SEM publishes the updated list of recognised certificates.

ApplicantBefore application
3

Application at the cantonal office

The canton assesses integration and residence history. We prepare the complete dossier.

Applicant + ImmiLex4–12 weeks
4

Permit C issued

Valid indefinitely, confirmed every 5 years.

CantonConfirmed every 5 years
ImmiLex Fees

Fees

Orientation consultation

CHF 250

1 hour • Deducted if mandate

  • Qualifying period check
  • Language requirements for your canton
  • Likelihood of approval
Get started

Full Service permit C

CHF 2,900

Complete dossier • Orientation fee deducted

  • Pre-application assessment
  • Language certificate guidance
  • Complete dossier
  • Cantonal submission and follow-up
  • 5-year confirmation support
Get started

Authority costs:

  • Cantonal fees: CHF 60–150
  • Biometric card: CHF 20
  • Language test: CHF 100–300
  • Criminal record: CHF 20

Frequently asked questions

I have been in Switzerland for 5 years. Do I get C automatically?

No. The qualifying period is necessary but not sufficient. You must meet integration criteria. For most non-EU the period is 10 years, not 5.

I have no language certificate. What do I do?

Some cantons accept a sworn declaration for long-term residents. We verify the practice of your specific canton.

Can I lose C once obtained?

Yes: prolonged absence (>6 months without authorisation), serious criminal conviction, fraud. Confirmed every 5 years.

Can I change canton with C?

Yes, freely. Simply register in the new municipality.

Permit G • Switzerland

Cross-border workers — live abroad, work in Switzerland

For those working in Switzerland while maintaining their main residence abroad. EU/EFTA: no labour market test. Non-EU in border zones: labour market test + 6+ months residence.

EU/EFTA: no zone restriction. You can reside in any EU/EFTA state and work anywhere in Switzerland. Non-EU: residence in a border zone for 6+ months + labour market test.

What is it

Permit G — for those living abroad

EU/EFTA

No quota, no labour market test. No border zone restriction. Contracts 12+ months: 5-year permit. Contracts <12 months: for the duration of the contract.

Non-EU in border zone

Possible if residing in a recognised border zone for at least 6 continuous months. Subject to labour market test: the employer must demonstrate absence of suitable candidates. Subject to quota.

Self-employed EU/EFTA

Possible if the main base is in Switzerland or services are provided to Swiss clients. Cantonal practice: at least 3 ongoing clients.

EU/EFTA — Procedure

Application to canton of place of work

1

Application to the canton of the place of work

G is applied for in the canton where work takes place, not the canton of residence. For employees: usually the employer. For self-employed: the applicant.

Employer or Applicant + ImmiLex
2

Cantonal review and issue

The canton verifies EU/EFTA nationality, employment relationship and residence abroad. Timeline: 2–4 weeks.

Canton2–4 weeks
3

Withholding tax and AHV

Cross-border workers are subject to withholding tax deducted by the Swiss employer. AHV contributions in Switzerland.

Swiss employer
ImmiLex Fees

Fees

Orientation consultation

CHF 250

1 hour • Deducted if mandate

  • Permit type confirmation (G vs B)
  • Competent canton
  • Applicable tax treaties
Get started

EU/EFTA — G Service

CHF 1,100

Orientation fee deducted

  • Document preparation
  • Cantonal submission
  • Withholding tax and AHV guidance
  • Renewal reminders
Get started

Non-EU — G Service

CHF 2,900

Labour market test + canton • Orientation fee deducted

  • Border zone residence documentation
  • Labour market test
  • Cantonal dossier
  • Approval follow-up
  • Renewals
Get started

Authority costs:

  • Cantonal fees: CHF 60–100
  • Biometric card: CHF 20

Frequently asked questions

Can I stay overnight in Switzerland with permit G?

Yes, during the working week. I must return to my main residence abroad at least once a week.

If I move to Switzerland do I lose G?

Yes. I will need to apply for permit B (5 years for EU/EFTA).

I am non-EU near the border. Can I work in Switzerland?

Yes, but with stricter conditions. You must reside in a recognised border zone for 6+ months. Your employer must pass the labour market test. We assess feasibility in the consultation.

Can my family come to Switzerland?

As a G holder you reside abroad. Swiss family reunification applies only to permit B holders.

Residence without gainful activity • Switzerland

Living in Switzerland — without working

For retirees and persons of independent means. EU/EFTA: financial means + insurance. Non-EU: direct personal ties with Switzerland. Forfait fiscal available for HNWI.

Non-EU: Federal Court case law requires ties with Switzerland independent of family ties. A family member already resident is not sufficient in itself.

Two regimes

EU/EFTA vs non-EU — different rules

EU/EFTA

Right to a 5-year B permit with: financial means above the SKOS threshold (~CHF 2,259/month for a single person) and comprehensive health insurance. Municipal registration within 14 days. No proof of ties with Switzerland required.

Non-EU

Substantial financial means (federal minimum CHF 25,200/year, cantons often require much more), health insurance, 183+ days/year in Switzerland and direct personal or socio-cultural ties independent of family ties (Federal Court case law).

EU/EFTA — Procedure

Registration after arrival

1

Canton and accommodation selection

Cantons vary in their interpretation of the financial threshold. We advise the most suitable canton for your profile.

ImmiLex
2

Health insurance

Mandatory within 3 months of arrival, retroactive.

Mandatory within 3 months
3

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

Passport/ID, proof of financial means, insurance. 5-year B permit.

Applicant + ImmiLexWithin 14 days
ImmiLex Fees

Fees

Orientation consultation

CHF 250

1 hour • Deducted if mandate

  • EU vs non-EU
  • Canton selection
  • Forfait fiscal applicability
  • Realistic financial thresholds
Get started

EU/EFTA — Registration

CHF 1,300

Orientation fee deducted

  • Financial documentation
  • Health insurance guidance
  • Municipal registration
Get started

Non-EU — Full Service

From CHF 5,000

Canton + SEM + visa • Orientation fee deducted

  • CH ties documentation
  • Financial profile structuring
  • Cantonal application
  • Federal SEM
  • Type D visa
  • Registration
  • Forfait fiscal coordination (additional fee)
Get started

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive passive income?

Yes. The prohibition concerns active gainful employment. Investment returns, pensions, dividends and foreign rental income are permitted.

What are 'ties with Switzerland' for non-EU nationals?

Federal Court case law requires direct connections independent of family ties: membership of local associations, documented extended stays, real estate ownership with effective use.

What is the financial threshold for non-EU nationals?

Federal: CHF 25,200/year (single person). Expensive cantons (Zurich, Geneva, Vaud) expect CHF 80,000–120,000/year or more.

What is the forfait fiscal?

Fixed tax based on living expenses in Switzerland rather than worldwide income. Requires no Swiss tax residence in the previous 10 years and no gainful activity.

Startup & Self-employed • Switzerland

Starting a business in Switzerland — EU or non-EU

EU/EFTA: simple municipal registration. Non-EU: economic interest test — job creation, sector diversification, investment. Professional business plan essential.

Non-EU alternative route: permit C holders and spouses of Swiss nationals or C holders have a legal right to self-employment without the economic interest test.

Two regimes

EU/EFTA vs non-EU — different thresholds

EU/EFTA

Municipal registration within 14 days with proof of activity started. The canton cannot impose high requirements. 5-year B permit.

Non-EU

Economic interest test: job creation for Swiss residents, sector diversification, significant investment, new orders for the Swiss economy. University degree + years of experience required.

Alternative route

C holders, spouses of Swiss nationals and spouses of C holders: legal right to self-employment without the economic interest test.

EU/EFTA

Arrival, registration, launch in this order

1

Prepare proof of activity

Swiss business address, any client contracts or invoices. The canton cannot impose high requirements but some evidence is necessary.

Applicant + ImmiLex
2

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

EU/EFTA document, activity documentation, proof of accommodation. 5-year B permit.

Applicant + ImmiLexWithin 14 days
3

AHV enrolment as self-employed

Register at the cantonal Ausgleichskasse with invoices and contracts.

AusgleichskasseAs soon as possible
ImmiLex Fees

Fees

Orientation consultation

CHF 250

1 hour • Deducted if mandate

  • EU vs non-EU
  • Economic interest test feasibility
  • Canton selection
  • GmbH/AG vs sole trader structure
Get started

EU/EFTA — Self-employed registration

CHF 1,650

Orientation fee deducted

  • Activity documentation
  • Municipal registration and permit B
  • AHV enrolment
  • VAT guidance
Get started

Non-EU — Full Service

From CHF 6,800

Business plan + canton + SEM + visa • Orientation fee deducted

  • Canton selection
  • Business plan preparation
  • Cantonal dossier
  • Federal SEM
  • Type D visa
  • Registration and company setup
Get started

Other costs:

  • Cantonal fees: CHF 60–150
  • Type D visa: approx. CHF 80
  • Sole trader (<CHF 100k): free; above: CHF 150
  • GmbH: approx. CHF 500 (min. capital CHF 20,000)

Frequently asked questions

I am EU and freelance. Do I need a company?

No. You can operate as a sole trader. You need permit B (municipal registration) and AHV enrolment. Commercial register mandatory only above CHF 100,000 turnover.

How many clients do I need to qualify as self-employed?

For the self-employed G permit: cantonal practice usually 3+ ongoing clients. For permit B: less strict threshold but the business must be sustainable.

I am non-EU with permit C. Can I start a business?

Yes, you have a legal right to self-employment without the economic interest test.

What happens at renewal if the startup has not met its targets?

For non-EU, the initial permit lasts 2 years. The canton assesses whether the business has achieved the business plan results. If not, renewal may be refused.

Naturalisation • Switzerland

Swiss citizenship — from eligibility to passport

After 10 years of legal residence (permit C required), Switzerland offers a structured naturalisation process at cantonal and federal level. Language B1/A2, integration criteria, criminal record checks.

Eligibility

Who can apply — key requirements

Swiss naturalisation is a right, not a discretionary grant — if you meet all criteria, the canton must grant it. The process involves the municipality, the canton and the federal SEM.

01

10 years total legal residence

Years 8–18 in Switzerland count double (Art. 9 BüG). Time with a study permit counts for half.

Mandatory
02

Permit C at time of application

Without permit C, naturalisation is not possible. Permit C itself requires 5 years (EU-15/EFTA) or 10 years (others) of continuous residence.

Mandatory
03

Language B1 oral / A2 written

In the cantonal language (German, French, Italian or Romansh). Certificate from SEM-recognised institution.

Mandatory
04

Financial independence

No dependence on social assistance in the 3 years before application. No outstanding tax debts.

Mandatory
05

Integration

Respect for constitutional values, participation in social life, knowledge of Swiss institutions.

Mandatory
06

Clean criminal record

No serious criminal conviction. Minor offences assessed case-by-case.

Mandatory
Procedure

Municipal, cantonal and federal — three levels

1

Eligibility pre-check

We verify residence years, permit C status, language level and integration criteria. We identify the most favourable canton if you have flexibility.

ImmiLex
2

Language certificate

Obtain B1 oral / A2 written certificate from an SEM-recognised institution. Timeline: 1–3 months.

Applicant
3

Municipal dossier

Application to the municipality of residence. Documents: certificate of residence history, language certificate, tax statements (3 years), criminal record extract.

Applicant + ImmiLex · 2–6 months
4

Cantonal review

The canton verifies all criteria. Some cantons require an integration interview. Timeline: 2–6 months.

Canton
5

Federal SEM

SEM issues the federal naturalisation authorisation. Timeline: 2–4 months.

SEM
6

Citizenship ceremony

The municipality issues the certificate of citizenship. From application to passport: typically 12–24 months total.

Municipality
Special routes

Facilitated naturalisation — shorter timelines

Spouse of Swiss national

After 5 years of legal residence in Switzerland + 3 years of marriage. Facilitated procedure: no cantonal requirement for C permit.

Third-generation descendants

Grandchildren of immigrants who grew up in Switzerland. Simplified procedure, age limit applies.

Stateless persons

Residence requirements reduced to 5 years.

ImmiLex Fees

Fees

Orientation consultation

CHF 250

1 hour • Deducted if mandate

  • Eligibility check
  • Required years and permit C status
  • Canton selection and timeline
Get started

Full Service naturalisation

From CHF 4,500

Complete dossier • Orientation fee deducted

  • Eligibility assessment and canton selection
  • Language and integration requirements check
  • Complete municipal and cantonal dossier
  • Federal SEM submission and follow-up
  • Full assistance to citizenship certificate
Get started

Authority costs:

  • Municipal fees: CHF 100–500 depending on canton
  • Cantonal fees: CHF 100–800 depending on canton
  • Federal SEM fee: CHF 100
  • Criminal record certificate: CHF 20
  • Language test: CHF 100–300

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose my current nationality?

Switzerland generally allows dual nationality. You do not need to renounce your original citizenship. Check your home country's rules — some countries do not allow dual citizenship.

Can I naturalise with permit B (without C)?

No. Permit C is a mandatory requirement at the time of application. You must first obtain C, then apply for naturalisation.

Do years with permit L count?

No. Only years with permit B or C count towards the 10 years. Years 8–18 count double; years with a study permit count for half.

Can I apply in any canton?

You must apply in the canton where you are currently registered. Some applicants with flexibility choose cantons with faster and more affordable procedures (e.g., Schaffhausen, Glarus).

What happens if the canton refuses?

A refusal must be reasoned and can be appealed before the cantonal administrative court, and ultimately before the Federal Supreme Court.

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