Who: Anyone on a contract or plan that lasts under one year (interns, project staff, gap-year partners, etc.).
How long: Up to 12 months, extendable to max 24.
Notes: Usually tied to one job or study spot; time on an L rarely counts toward permanent status.
Who: Most people moving here for work, study, or family.
How long:
EU/EFTA: one shot for 5 years.
Everyone else: issued in 1-year chunks, renewable.
Notes: Lets you live, work, change flats; non-EU holders may need OK to switch employer or canton. The clock toward a C permit starts here.
Who: Long-timers who’ve proved they’re “integrated.”
When: Usually after 5 years (many EU/US/CA nationals) or 10 years (most others).
For non EU/EFTA countries, an early settlement C Permit after five years is possible in case of a successful integration (sufficient German level – Kanton dependant)
Notes: Permanent status, no renewal hassle, free to work anywhere, nearly full citizen rights (minus voting & passport).
Live in France/Germany/Italy/Austria, work in Switzerland, sleep at home at least once a week. No path to Swiss permanent residence.
Spouse/kids (≤ 25 yrs) of UN staff, diplomats, etc. Lets them work while the posting lasts; ends when the diplomat’s mandate ends.
N: waiting for asylum decision.
F: removal not possible, so stay is “provisionally admitted.” Both are temporary humanitarian statuses, not normal expat permits.
This permit allows provisional stay, with job changes and renewals needing approval, and address changes reported within eight days.
