Residency Permits in Switzerland

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Residency Permits in Switzerland

A foreigner entering Switzerland must carry an appropriate travel document. Citizens of the EU (European Union) or EFTA (European Free Trade Association) may enter with a valid passport or photo ID. Some non-EU nationals may enter with a valid passport only; others may require a visa. No residency permits are required for a visit up to but no more than three months (90 days).

Switzerland is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement and therefore part of the Schengen area. Schengen visas are issued for up to three months and accepted for entry to Switzerland.

• To find out each nationalities' required entry documents: Click here (PDF in English)
• For more information on visa requirements in Switzerland: Click here

Staying in Switzerland

All foreigners living or working in Switzerland longer than three months require a residence permit. The type of permit required varies depending on an individual's nationality and reason for staying.

Residency regulations applying to nationals of the EU and EFTA are fairly straightforward with few restrictions. Residency procedures are more complicated and restrictive for third-country nationals (non-EU/EFTA citizens).

The Swiss Federal Government website, The Swiss Portal, has comprehensive information (in English) regarding the various types of residence permit relevant to a person's particular situation.

• For links to detailed information on entry permits: Click here

EU/EFTA nationals' rights of residence

The "Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons" existing between Switzerland and the EU allows all nationals of Member States the right of entry, of residence and the right to work, study or retire in Switzerland. 

There are restrictions for citizens of the new accession countries (Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia): a work permit is needed until the end of the transition period - 30 April 2011.

• Comprehensive information for Europeans in Switzerland: Click here (PDF)

EU/EFTA nationals may enter Switzerland to search for work with no permit necessary for up to three months. If the search for employment is unsuccessful, a short-term residence permit can be issued for another three months' job search. 

An EU/EFTA citizen who stays in the country longer than three months must obtain a residence permit. which is issued by the local Cantonal Migration Office (Migrationsamt/Office Cantonale des Etrangers). 

Non-EU nationals' rights of residence

Non-EU/EFTA nationals have no automatic right to live or work in Switzerland. Residency is granted based on an individual's circumstances. Application must be made to the Cantonal Migration Office before settling in Switzerland.

The Swiss Embassy of the country of current residence can provide further guidance.

Residency in Switzerland

Residency applications and the issue of permits are handled at a local, cantonal level. A distinction is made between short-term residence permits (less than one year), annual residence permits (up to ten years) and permanent residence permits (unlimited duration). Within this, there are five types of permits issued. 

They are:

1. B permit: annual residence permit
2. C permit: permanent residence permit
3. Ci permit: residence permit with gainful employment
4. G permit: cross-border commuter permit
5. L permit: short-term residence permit

• For full details on each of these: Click here

Applying For Residency in Switzerland

Application forms are available from the cantonal authority, usually the Migration or Foreigners Department (Migrationsamt or Office Cantonale des Etrangers), which is responsible for approving applications and issuing permits. 

• To find the contact information of all local Cantonal Migration Offices: Click here

The application differs depending on status as employed, self-employed or resident without income. The relevant application form details the documents that must be presented. All applications require the following:

• Completed application form
• Two passport photos with name on the back
• A photocopy of the passport pages related to identity, validity and entry to Switzerland
• Proof of address (a copy of the rental contract)

An employer must sign their employees application form. Self-employed people also require a letter of motivation, a CV and a copy of all relevant documents, such as business plan, contacts, degrees. Retirees are also required to show proof of funds and Swiss health insurance. 

Registration with the Cantonal Office

All foreign nationals must register with the Cantonal Resident Registration Office (Einwhonerkontrolle or Office Cantonale de la Population) within eight days of their arrival in the commune where they will be living. The Cantonal Resident Registration Office will then forward all documentation to the cantonal migration authorities,

EU/EFTA citizens do not need to apply for a residence permit if they are staying or working in Switzerland for less than three months, however, they must still declare themselves at the Cantonal Resident Registration Office. 

Cantonal offices

Related Information

• Federal Office for Migration
• Switzerland-EU Integration Office
• Swiss portal

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