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Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Switzerland) — Expat Guide Switzerland (2026)

Quick Answer

What it is:: Residence Permit — a visa procedure in Switzerland.
Deadline:: 14 days
Steps:: 4 steps
Cost:: CHF 150
Documents:: 7 required
Legal basis:: AIG Art. 33

Important Deadlines

14d

Apply within 14 days of arrival for EU/EFTA citizens

-60d

Renewal: apply 2 months before expiry

Late renewal can result in gaps in legal status

Required Documents

✓Valid passport
✓Passport photos (2x biometric)
✓Employment contract or proof of self-employment
✓Rental contract or proof of accommodation
✓Health insurance certificate
✓Criminal record certificate from home country
✓Diploma/qualification recognition (for regulated professions)

Step-by-Step Guide

Determine your permit type: B (temporary), C (permanent/Niederlassungsbewilligung), L (short-term), G (cross-border commuter).

Pro tip: EU/EFTA citizens get B permit almost automatically with an employment contract ≥ 1 year. Non-EU requires employer sponsorship.

Your employer usually initiates the application at the cantonal Migrationsamt (migration office).

Pro tip: For self-employed: apply at the cantonal migration office yourself with a business plan.

Submit required documents to the cantonal Migrationsamt.

Pro tip: Processing times vary: 2 weeks (EU/EFTA) to 3 months (non-EU).

Receive your Ausländerausweis (foreigner's ID card) — carry it at all times.

Pro tip: B permit is valid for 5 years (EU) or 1 year (non-EU, renewable). C permit after 5-10 years.

Fees

B permit (cantonal fee, varies)CHF 150

C permit applicationCHF 200

Legal Basis

AIG Art. 33AIG Art. 34VZAE Art. 71

Also Known As

This procedure is commonly searched under these names:

AufenthaltsbewilligungB permit SwitzerlandC permitNiederlassungsbewilligung SwitzerlandL permitwork permit Switzerlandresidence permit SwitzerlandAusländerausweisMigrationsamtSEMforeigner ID Switzerland

Official Resources

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More Guides for 🇨🇭 Switzerland

→Address Registration (Anmeldung Switzerland)→Health Insurance (Grundversicherung Switzerland)