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.

My contract is 18 months. Permit L or B?

EU/EFTA: contracts 12+ months give right to B. For non-EU it is preferable to apply directly for B.

How long does the non-EU procedure take?

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

Do I lose permit B if I lose my job?

EU/EFTA: can remain at least 6 months to seek employment. Non-EU: more complex, 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.

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

No. The qualifying period is necessary but not sufficient. Integration criteria must be met. For most non-EU the period is 10 years.

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, serious criminal conviction, fraud. Confirmed every 5 years.

Can I change canton with C?

Yes, freely. Simply register in the new municipality.

Can I receive passive income?

Yes. The prohibition concerns active 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: local associations, extended stays, real estate ownership.

What is the financial threshold for non-EU nationals?

Federal: CHF 25,200/year. 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.

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

No. You can operate as a sole trader. You need permit B 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 G permit: cantonal practice usually 3+ ongoing clients. For permit B: less strict 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 plan results have been achieved.

Permit G Switzerland — Cross-border Commuter

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

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

Cantonal review and issue

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

Canton2–4 weeks

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

60 + 30 min • 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.

Cross-border workers: live abroad, work in Switzerland

Permit G: for those living abroad

EU/EFTA

Non-EU in border zone

Self-employed EU/EFTA

Application to canton of place of work

Application to the canton of the place of work

Cantonal review and issue

Withholding tax and AHV

Labour market test + proof of border residence

Proof of residence in border zone for 6+ months

Employer dossier + labour market test

Cantonal approval

Non-EU permit G issued

Fees

Orientation consultation

EU/EFTA: G Service

Non-EU: G Service

Frequently asked questions

Can I stay overnight in Switzerland with permit G?

If I move to Switzerland do I lose G?

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

Can my family come to Switzerland?

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