Residence in Switzerland: permits and requirements
Living legally in Switzerland is possible through 8 permit types: temporary, permanent, work, international protection. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
EU/EFTA Permit B (Temporary Residence for EU/EFTA Nationals)
Residence type #1 of 8
Temporary residence permit for nationals of EU/EFTA member states engaging in gainful activity in Switzerland (salaried or self-employed work)
Requirements
- Nationality of an EU or EFTA member state
- Employment contract of at least 12 months or of unlimited duration (or an operating own business in Switzerland)
- Economic activity in Switzerland (salaried or self-employed work)
- Domicile registration in the relevant canton
Documentation
- Completed application form
- Valid passport or identity document of an EU/EFTA state
- Work contract or self-employed company certificate
- Domicile certificate (Anmeldung)
- Health insurance certificate (OAML/KVG)
- Photographs
- Proof of cantonal fee payment
Frequently asked questions about residence in Switzerland
How many types of residence permits are there in Switzerland?
Switzerland offers 8 residence permit types, grouped into the categories temporary, permanent, work, international protection. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Switzerland last?
Durations vary by permit type: 5 years (renewable); Indefinite (card renewed every 5 years); Duration of the employment contract (contracts of 3 to 12 months; total extension under 12 months); 1-2 years (renewable annually). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Switzerland be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Switzerland (8 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Switzerland?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Photographs; Formulario de solicitud; Seguro médico; Proof of cantonal fee payment; Certificado de antecedentes penales. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Switzerland lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Ordinary naturalization pathway, which requires 10 years of total stay in Switzerland (permit C), 3 of them within the last 5 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Switzerland.
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Anything to correct or add about Switzerland?
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