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.

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 stay overnight in Switzerland with permit G?

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

If I move to Switzerland do I lose G?

Yes. You will need to apply for permit B.

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

Yes, but with stricter conditions. Must reside in a border zone for 6+ months. Employer must pass labour market test.

Can my family come to Switzerland?

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

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 B Switzerland — Residence & Work

Q: 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.

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

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

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

EU/EFTA

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

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

Applicant + ImmiLexWithin 14 days

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

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EU/EFTA — Registration

CHF 1,450

Orientation fee deducted

Document preparation
AHV and health insurance guidance

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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.

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Under the nFADP, the user has the right of access, rectification, erasure and portability of their data, as well as the right to object to processing. To exercise these rights: info@immilex.ch.

The user also has the right to lodge a complaint with the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC).

Long-term residence — the main permit

Permit B — the standard permit

EU/EFTA

Non-EU

Change of employer

Registration within 14 days

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

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

AHV, health insurance, VAT

Employer dossier before arrival

Application to canton by employer

Cantonal pre-approval + federal SEM

Type D Visa

Arrival + registration (within 14 days)

Fees

Orientation consultation

EU/EFTA — Registration

Non-EU — Full Service

Permit B — Renewal

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose permit B if I lose my job?

When can I apply for permit C?

Does time with permit L count towards C?

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