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Swiss residence permits: L, B, C or G, which one applies to you?

For EU/EFTA nationals, the permit mainly depends on your employment contract: under 3 months, a simple online notification; from 3 months to 1 year, an L permit; 1 year or more, a B permit, valid for 5 years. Cross-border commuters get a G permit, and the C permit comes after 5 or 10 years of residence.

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Which permit do I need? The 3-question test

1. Your nationality
2. Your situation
3. Length of your contract
Answer the questions to see your permit.

Under 3 months: a notification is enough

Work of no more than 3 months per calendar year needs no permit: an online notification procedure is enough.

L permit: short stay

It is issued with a contract of 3 months to 1 year. It is valid for as long as the contract (364 days at most). With a new assignment it can be extended to 12 months in total; beyond that, it is renewed without limit with a new contract, and each extension or renewal is charged. EU/EFTA jobseekers can also get it, but it gives no right to social assistance.

B permit: residence

With a permanent contract or one of at least 365 days, it is valid for 5 years, then extended by 5 years if the conditions are still met. The first extension may be limited to 1 year after more than 12 consecutive months of involuntary unemployment. Without gainful employment, you need sufficient financial means and full health and accident insurance. With a B permit, your salary is usually subject to Withholding tax (B permit).

G permit: cross-border commuters

For people who work in Switzerland and return to their home abroad at least once a week. It is valid for 5 years with a contract of at least 1 year or a permanent one, otherwise for the length of the contract. There are no border zones any more: you can live anywhere in the EU/EFTA. See also our guide Cross-border.

C permit: settlement

You get it after 5 years of regular, uninterrupted residence as a national of 15 EU states (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal) and EFTA, and after 10 years for the other EU countries. The status has no time limit and no conditions attached, but the card is checked and renewed every 5 years.

How much does a permit cost?

For EU/EFTA nationals, the fee for an L, B or G permit is capped at CHF 65 per adult and CHF 30 per child under 18. You pay it when the permit is issued and at each extension or renewal: every 5 years for a B or G permit, with each new contract for an L permit. Some cantons add postage or card production costs.

  • Vaud: L or B permit, CHF 70 per adult and CHF 35 per child; switching from B to C, CHF 110; C renewal, CHF 80 (plus CHF 15 for biometrics for an adult).
  • Valais: B permit renewal, CHF 70 per adult and CHF 35 per child.
  • Geneva: L, B or G permit, CHF 65 per adult and CHF 30 per child, on arrival and on extension.
  • Neuchâtel: CHF 65 for all services.
  • Zurich and Basel-Stadt: L, B or G permit, CHF 65 per adult and CHF 30 per child; issuing a C permit, CHF 95 (30 per child).
  • Obwalden and Thurgau: CHF 65, plus postage.

These amounts come from the federal fees ordinance (art. 8), which applies to every canton: elsewhere, expect CHF 65 per adult and CHF 30 per child, plus any postage. For a C permit, issuing it costs at most CHF 95 (30 per child) and each 5-year check CHF 65, plus data capture and card production depending on the canton. Fees checked on 2 October 2026.

Outside the EU/EFTA

For nationals of other countries, the conditions are different and stricter: ask your canton’s migration office.

Check the formalities and deadlines that apply to you

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Frequently asked questions

Which permit with a permanent contract?

The B permit, valid for 5 years, if you are an EU/EFTA national.

How long is an L permit valid?

For the length of your contract, 364 days at most. It can then be renewed with a new contract, with no limit.

How much does a residence permit cost?

For EU/EFTA nationals, at most CHF 65 per adult and CHF 30 per child for an L, B or G permit, when issued and at each renewal. Some cantons charge more: CHF 70 per adult in Vaud and Valais.

When can you get a C permit?

After 5 years of regular residence for nationals of 15 EU states and EFTA, after 10 years for the other EU countries.

Do you need a permit to work under 3 months?

No: up to 3 months per calendar year, an online notification is enough.

Sources

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