📋What you'll learn in this guide:
- Permit Types: B vs C vs L vs G explained
- Eligibility: EU vs Non-EU rules
- Permanent Residency: Path to C permit
- Job Changes: How permits affect mobility
Swiss bureaucracy loves letters. Your life in Switzerland revolves around one: your permit type.
Here's the quick answer: Most expats get a B permit (residence permit for employed persons). After 5-10 years, you can apply for a C permit (permanent residence).
Permit Impact
But here's what most people miss: Your permit affects taxes, job mobility, and even apartment hunting. Understanding the system helps you plan.
The Permit Types
Swiss Permit Types
- B (Residence): Standard for workers. 1-5 years. Tied to canton/employer initially.
- C (Settlement): Permanent. Unrestricted mobility. The goal.
- L (Short-Stay): Under 1 year. Interns, temp work. Limited renewal.
- G (Cross-Border): Lives in EU, works in CH. Return weekly.
- S (Protection): Special status for refugees (e.g., Ukraine).
For most working expats, B and C are the relevant ones.
B Permit: The Standard Work Permit
This is what you get when a Swiss employer hires you.
For EU/EFTA Citizens
Getting it: Almost automatic. Your employer registers you. Permit arrives in weeks.
Duration:
- 5 years if you have a permanent contract
- 1 year if fixed-term, renewable
Renewal: Straightforward. Show ongoing employment.
For Non-EU Citizens
Getting it: Requires employer sponsorship. They must prove no suitable local/EU candidate exists.
Additional requirements:
- Company applies on your behalf
- Quota limits per year
- Higher-skilled roles prioritized
- Timeline: 4-12 weeks
Renewal: Annual, requires continued employment with approved employer.
B Permit Limitations
- Tied to canton: You must live in the canton that issued it
- Tied to employer: Changing jobs requires notification (EU) or new permit (non-EU)
- Tax implications: B permit holders usually pay Quellensteuer (source tax)
C Permit: Permanent Residence
The C permit is the goal. It's permanent, gives you more freedom, and simplifies life.
How to Get It
EU/EFTA citizens: After 5 years of continuous residence (10 years for some nationalities)
Non-EU citizens: After 10 years of continuous residence (5 years for specific nationalities with bilateral agreements)
What Changes with C Permit
| B Permit | C Permit |
|---|---|
| 1-5 year validity | Permanent |
| Tied to canton | Free to move |
| Quellensteuer (often) | File tax return |
| Renewal required | No renewal |
| Job change restrictions | Work anywhere |
Application Process
- Check eligibility (years of residence)
- Apply at your Gemeinde
- Provide: passport, residence history, employment proof
- Pay application fee (CHF 50-150)
- Wait 4-12 weeks
L Permit: Short-Stay
For temporary work up to 12 months.
Common for:
- Project-based work
- Interns
- Seasonal workers
- Assignments under 1 year
Limitations:
- Cannot be extended beyond 12 months cumulative in 24 months
- Usually must leave Switzerland between stays
G Permit: Cross-Border Commuters
For people who live in EU (Germany, France, Italy) and commute to work in Switzerland.
Requirements:
- Live within specific border zones
- Return home at least weekly
- Work for Swiss employer
Tax implications: Varies by country and canton. Some pay in Switzerland, some in home country.
Changing Jobs: What Happens to Your Permit
EU Citizens with B Permit
- Same canton: Notify Gemeinde, usually no issue
- Different canton: Apply for transfer, straightforward
Non-EU Citizens with B Permit
- Same employer, same canton: No change needed
- New employer: New permit required. Your new employer must sponsor you and prove the role can't be filled locally.
- Between jobs: Usually 3-6 months grace period to find new employment
⚠️ Watch Out: Non-EU workers have less mobility. Changing jobs is possible but requires bureaucracy. Don't quit without a new offer secured.
Family Reunification
B Permit Holders
You can bring:
- Spouse
- Children under 18
- Parents (in some cases, if dependent)
Requirements:
- Adequate housing
- Sufficient income to support family
- Apply through your canton
C Permit Holders
Same as B, but faster processing and fewer restrictions.
Common Questions
Can I lose my permit?
B permit: Yes, if you leave Switzerland for extended periods (6+ months without notification) or lose employment (for non-EU).
C permit: Hard to lose. Only for serious crimes or extended absence (6+ months).
Can I work while waiting for my permit?
Yes, if you've applied and have a work contract. You receive a confirmation that serves as temporary work authorization.
What if I'm unemployed?
EU B permit holders can stay unemployed for up to 3 months. Non-EU holders should find new employment quickly, as the permit is tied to work.
Conclusion
Swiss permits are simpler than they seem:
- B permit = Standard work permit, tied to canton and employer
- C permit = Permanent residence, more freedom
- L permit = Short-term/temporary
- G permit = Cross-border commuters
Your goal as an expat: Build toward C permit. It simplifies taxes, housing, and job changes.
Read Next
- Moving to Switzerland Guide – The full checklist
- Swiss Job Market Guide – Finding work as an expat
- Swiss Taxes for Expats – B vs C tax implications
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a B permit take?
EU citizens: 2-4 weeks from employer registration. Non-EU citizens: 4-12 weeks, requires sponsorship.
What's the difference between B and C permit for taxes?
B permit holders often pay Quellensteuer (taken from salary). C permit holders file annual tax returns. C permits usually offer more deduction opportunities.
Can I apply for C permit early?
Only if you meet residency requirements. Some nationalities qualify after 5 years. Others require 10 years. Integration (language, community involvement) can sometimes reduce timeframes.
One letter at a time.