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 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 L Switzerland — Short-term Stay

Q: 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.

Q: How long does the non-EU procedure take?

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

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

Arrival with employment contract

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

EU/EFTA

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

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

Applicant + ImmiLexWithin 14 days

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

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EU/EFTA — Registration support

CHF 950

Orientation fee deducted

Document preparation
Health insurance guidance
AHV support

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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.

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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).

Short stay — up to 24 months

Permit L — in brief

EU/EFTA

Non-EU

Duration and conversion

Registration within 14 days of arrival

Arrival with employment contract

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

Health insurance (within 3 months)

Employer dossier before arrival

Application to canton by employer

Cantonal pre-approval + SEM

Type D Visa

Arrival + registration (within 14 days)

Fees

Orientation consultation

EU/EFTA — Registration support

Non-EU — Full Service

Frequently asked questions

Can I change employer with permit L?

My contract is 18 months. Permit L or B?

How long does the non-EU procedure take?

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