Residence permits in Switzerland – Support in English
Looking to stay, work or relocate in Switzerland? This page provides a clear overview of the main residence permits – including Permits B, C, L and G – in English. Designed for expats, foreign workers, and companies seeking legal clarity.
Some information
Are you looking for information about Swiss residence permits (B, C, L, or cross-border G)?
Permit B
Long-term residence in Switzerland
What is Permit B?
Permit B is a long-term residence permit usually granted to EU/EFTA citizens or, in certain cases, to third-country nationals. It allows individuals to stay in Switzerland for more than 12 months.
Who qualifies?
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Employment contract of at least 12 months (or open-ended)
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Family reunification
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Studies, humanitarian reasons, or special cases
🔍 Key points:
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📅 Duration: usually 5 years (renewable under conditions)
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♻️ Renewal: subject to employment, housing, insurance, integration
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🧭 Mobility: change of canton possible, but regulated
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💼 Requirements: sufficient income, valid health insurance, stable housing
Please note: Permit B may be revoked if legal conditions are not met and does not always grant access to social assistance.
This permit is often the first step toward long-term integration or future Permit C.
📚 Useful links:
📩 Need help understanding your situation?
For reliable support with Permit B (renewal, refusals, canton change, or family matters) you could contact our partner:
🔹 Desmos Avocats – Swiss residence & immigration law
Legal assistance for individuals & companies: residence permits, foreign workers, company creation, labor law, and more.
Permit C
Permanent residence in Switzerland
What is Permit C?
Permit C grants permanent residence in Switzerland and is typically available after several years of living in the country with a Permit B. Eligibility depends on your nationality, length of stay, language skills, integration, and clean fiscal/legal record.
It offers greater stability and freedom, including the ability to change employers or cantons without prior authorization. It is often the final step before applying for Swiss citizenship.
🔍 Key points:
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📆 Minimum stay: 5 or 10 years, depending on nationality and canton
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🗣️ Integration: language test, professional and social integration
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🏠 Stability: continuous stay, adequate housing, financial autonomy
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📑 Rights: more flexible employment, easier canton mobility
Note: A special Ci permit may be granted to certain family members of international officials living in Switzerland. See the official Swiss government site for more info.
Permit C is usually accessible after several years under Permit B.
You can refer to our Permit B section for starting conditions.
📚 Useful links:
📩 Need support?
For legal advice on Permit C applications, renewals, refusals, or family reunification, you could contact our partner:
🔹 Desmos Avocats – Residence and immigration law in Switzerland
Also assisting companies with foreign staff, business creation, and labor/immigration matters.
Permit G
Cross-border commuter work permit
What is Permit G?
Permit G is intended for EU/EFTA nationals who live in a neighboring country (France, Germany, Italy, Austria) and work in Switzerland without residing there permanently.
Holders of this permit must return to their foreign residence at least once per week.
🔍 Key requirements:
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🏠 Residence: must live in a neighboring country (not in Switzerland)
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💼 Employment: must have a valid Swiss work contract (fixed-term or open-ended)
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🚗 Weekly return: must commute home at least once per week
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📋 Authorization: subject to approval by the canton of employment
📅 Validity & renewal:
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Typically valid for up to 5 years, depending on contract duration
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Renewal depends on maintaining employment, foreign residence, and compliance with Swiss fiscal obligations
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Some cantons may impose additional administrative, tax, or language conditions
📚 Useful links:
📩 Need guidance?
Our partner:
🔹 Desmos Avocats – Swiss immigration & cross-border employment law
Support for cross-border workers, SMEs, and employers:
tax analysis, legal compliance, and company relocation assistance.
Permit L
Short-term stay in Switzerland
What is Permit L?
Permit L is for individuals staying in Switzerland for less than 12 months, typically for temporary employment, internships, or fixed-term projects. It mostly applies to EU/EFTA nationals or certain third-country citizens with special authorization.
🔍 Key requirements:
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⏳ Stay duration: under 12 months (usually 3–12 months)
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📃 Work or training contract required
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🌍 Proof of return to a residence outside Switzerland after the assignment
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📝 Registration with cantonal authorities is mandatory
📅 Validity & renewal:
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Permit L is valid for the duration of the contract or project
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It may be renewed up to 12 months, but it does not lead to Permit C
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After this period, a new permit (often Permit B) may be required based on eligibility
📚 Useful links:
📩 Short-term contract, internship, or project in Switzerland?
🔹 Desmos Avocats – Swiss legal support for short stays and Permit L
Our partner is advising companies, NGOs, universities, and institutions on short-term permits for foreign staff and interns – including compliance, tax, and transition to other permit types.
Still unsure about your permit situation or would you have further questions?
Whether you’re moving to Switzerland, working cross-border, or applying for a long-term or short-term permit, professional legal guidance in English for Swiss residence permits (B, C, L, G), our partner Desmos Avocats & Experts offer professional legal guidance in English. They support individuals and companies across Vaud, Geneva and all of Switzerland.
* Important information: permissuisse.ch website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized support, please consult a qualified legal advisor or directly the institutions.*
