Residence permits in Switzerland: differences between L, B and C
You need a permit to work in Switzerland. Comparis explains the differences between the residence permits in Switzerland, and the benefits of each.
06.10.2023
iStock/Olesia Bekh
1. When do I need a residence permit in Switzerland?
If you are employed and are from an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member state, you may stay in Switzerland for three months without a permit. You are simply required to register with your municipality of residence.
If you want to live and work in Switzerland longer than three months, you will need a residence permit. You must apply to the relevant cantonal authority for this permit within 14 days of arrival and before you start work.
2. Which residence permit do I get as an EU/EFTA citizen working in Switzerland?
There are various types of residence permit for foreigners who want to live and work in Switzerland. Here’s an overview of residence permits in Switzerland:
Is your employment contract for a maximum of 364 days? In this case, you are considered an employed foreign national from an EU or EFTA country. You will get short-term residence permit “L”. It is valid for the duration of your employment contract.
Is your employment contract for at least one year, or permanent? In this case, you are an employed foreign national from an EU or EFTA country, and you will get residence permit “B”. It is valid for five years and can be extended.
self-employed, you will also get a B residence permit. You must provide proof of your self-employed activity. Here you can find out more about how people from EU and EFTA member states can start a business in Switzerland.
Have you been living in Switzerland for more than five years? If you are an employed foreign national from an EU or EFTA member state and have been living legally in Switzerland for more than five years uninterrupted, you will be granted the a permanent residence permit, also known as the “C” permit. This permit is valid indefinitely but there is a renewal check every five years.
Being a cross-border commuter means: you work in Switzerland, but live in a neighbouring country. In this case, you will receive cross-border commuter permit “G”.
If you have an employment contract of at least one year, your cross-border worker permit is valid for five years. If your employment contract is for a maximum of 364 days, the duration of your permit depends on the duration of your employment contract. If you work in Switzerland for a maximum of three months, you must register online.
3. Residence permits for third-country nationals
Are you not a national of an EU or EFTA country? Then you may need a visa. You can see, for example, whether you need one on the page of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
In order to work in Switzerland, you also need a residence permit. There is a special procedure to get one. Among other things, your employer must prove you are specially qualified. In addition, the annual number of permits for third-country nationals is limited.
You can find more information on the authorization procedure for third-country nationals at SEM.
4. Residence permit “B”: pros and cons
B permit: pros
Up to an annual salary of 120,000 francs, you do not need to fill out a tax return.
You only pay withholding tax. The amount is determined by your canton of residence, and is deducted directly from your monthly salary.
You can pay into a pillar 3a pension scheme. This is part of the Swiss three-pillar system for old-age, disability and survivors’ insurance.
Depending on the canton, you may have tax advantages compared to permanent residents with a C permit.
B permit: cons
Your residence permit is usually tied to a specific purpose. This means you may lose your permit if your circumstances change.
Depending on your employment contract, the permit may be temporary.
5. Permanent residence permit “C”: pros and cons
C permit: pros
You have the right to permanent residence.
Your right to residence in Switzerland cannot be linked to conditions such as attending German or French lessons
With the C permit, you will receive the the same rights and obligations as Swiss citizens, except for the right to vote and be elected. As a rule, foreigners are not allowed to take part in federal referenda and elections in Switzerland. There are exceptions at the cantonal and municipal levels.
C permit: cons
You must complete a tax return every year. You then pay all taxes at once.
If you are not considered to be “sufficiently integrated”, your permit can be downgraded to a B residence permit. An example of insufficient integration is the receiving social assistance benefits.
This article was first published on 27.11.2018
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