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 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.

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.

Residence Without Employment Switzerland

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

Canton and accommodation selection

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

ImmiLex

Health insurance

Mandatory within 3 months of arrival, retroactive.

Mandatory within 3 months

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

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

Applicant + ImmiLexWithin 14 days

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EU vs non-EU
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Financial documentation
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Non-EU — Full Service

From CHF 5,000

Canton + SEM + visa • Orientation fee deducted

CH ties documentation
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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.

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

Living in Switzerland — without working

EU/EFTA vs non-EU — different rules

EU/EFTA

Non-EU

Registration after arrival

Canton and accommodation selection

Health insurance

Municipal registration (within 14 days)

Cantonal pre-approval before arrival

Cantonal assessment

Federal SEM review

Type D visa + arrival + registration

Fees

Orientation consultation

EU/EFTA — Registration

Non-EU — Full Service

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive passive income?

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

What is the financial threshold for non-EU nationals?

What is the forfait fiscal?

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