Swiss Residence Permits: L, B, C and G
Who needs which Swiss permit, how to get it, and what comes next — a practical overview for newcomers from both EU/EFTA and non-EU countries.
1. EU/EFTA citizens
Switzerland has bilateral agreements with the EU (the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, AFMP) which means EU/EFTA citizens can move to Switzerland freely for employment, self-employment, or job-seeking. There is no visa requirement and no quota for EU/EFTA nationals.
The process is straightforward:
- Arrive in Switzerland
- Register at your local Gemeinde (commune) within 14 days of taking up residence
- Bring your passport or national ID, employment contract (or proof of means), and rental contract
- The Gemeinde issues your permit automatically based on your purpose of stay
EU/EFTA citizens with a contract of 12 months or more receive a B permit (5 years). Those with contracts under 12 months receive an L permit. Self-employed EU/EFTA citizens who can demonstrate economic independence also qualify for the B permit.
2. Non-EU/EFTA citizens
The rules are stricter for citizens of countries outside the EU/EFTA. Switzerland operates a quota-based system for non-EU/EFTA workers under the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (AIG).
Key points:
- You generally need a job offer from a Swiss employer before entering Switzerland
- Your employer must demonstrate there is no suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate available (Inländervorrang / priority for domestic workers)
- Annual quotas apply; not all applications are approved
- Permits are issued by the cantonal migration authority and confirmed by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
- You can apply for your permit once it is approved — processing times vary by canton
The initial B permit for non-EU/EFTA citizens is typically valid for 1 year and is renewable if the qualifying conditions continue to be met.
3. The permit types: L, B, C and G
4. Detailed guides
5. Next steps after your permit
Once your permit is in hand, three tasks are time-sensitive:
- Health insurance: Mandatory within 90 days of arrival. Coverage is backdated to your arrival date, but you must choose a provider yourself — if you don't, your canton assigns one. Choose your health insurance →
- Bank account: You need a Swiss IBAN for salary payments. Digital expat-friendly banks make opening quick. Finance & Banking guide →
- Mobile & internet: A Swiss SIM is needed almost immediately for two-factor authentication at banks. Mobile & Internet guide →