Residence permit in Switzerland
A residence permit in Switzerland is issued by a cantonal migration authority to a foreign citizen. Depending on the type of residence permit, a foreigner may be granted the right to reside in Switzerland indefinitely or for a limited period, and/or for a specific purpose. In addition, the residence permit category imposes conditions for whether a person can work.
The ways to get a residence permit in Switzerland are diverse; often, they are tied to the specific purpose of being in the Confederation. Due to the complexity of migration legislation, the topic of residence permit and permanent residence in Switzerland should always be tackled carefully and with the appropriate information.
The current procedure for issuing residence permits to foreign citizens in Switzerland works according to the so-called “dual system”.
This means that all foreigners are divided into two broad categories:
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Persons holding an EU / EFTA passport (the latter, in addition to Switzerland, includes Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. Croatia is going through a more complicated process.
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Citizens of countries other than the EU and EFTA (i.e., Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Americans, etc.).
Short-term residence permit in Switzerland (Permit L)
This type of permit is applicable to nationals of any country with a short labor contract.
A short-term residence permit is issued for stays of up to one year in Switzerland. Moreover, the permit L can only be extended for another year (i.e., only 2 years) once.
Most often, a short-term residence permit in Switzerland is issued for educational purposes (including for internships), medical treatment, babysitting (Au-Pair) or work for nationals of countries outside the EU / EFTA under annual quotas.
Temporary residence permit Permit B
1. Work permit
EU / EFTA
The Confederation signed special international treaties with the states of this group. These allow for more favourable conditions for obtaining a residence permit for employment purposes for citizens of the member countries. In other words, EU/EFTA citizens are substantially equal to Swiss nationals in terms of economic rights.
In practice, this means that they can seek work in the Confederation and, when they find it, expect to obtain work permits without excessive administrative barriers. True, it is essential to remember that anyone holding an EU passport must have sufficient funds to stay in Switzerland.
Other Countries
Passport holders from countries other than EU / EFTA fall under a whole range of restrictions and requirements. The latter implies the obligation to obtain a preliminary work permit from the cantonal migration authorities.
Getting a residence permit for work purposes in Switzerland is possible only for jobs requiring significant skills and experience. For example, IT specialists, financiers with many years of experience, biologists, and chemists with a specialized field of expertise.
For standard administrative positions (for example, secretary, translator, courier) or positions for which, by definition, specific abilities are not required (for example, janitor, cleaner, driver), the grant of a residence permit is excluded.
If the candidate meets all of the legal conditions, they may be granted both a short-term residence permit in Switzerland (Permit L) - see above, and an ordinary residence permit (Permit B). The decision on the type of residence permit issued is determined not only by the duration of the work contract but also by the number of permits available.
2. Student Residence Permit
Requirements for student permits:
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confirmation of admission at the institution;
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availability of accommodation;
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financial resources (stricter requirements apply in Switzerland than in Germany, for example);
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suitability for study (the migration authorities assess the fulfillment of this requirement on their own; confirmation of admission at the institution is not a self-sufficient argument in favour of suitability for study).
Usually, a student residence permit in Switzerland is issued to persons under the age of 30. The total period of study may not exceed 8 years (exceptions must be well justified).
The migration authorities in Switzerland, as well as in consulates and embassies, have a list of countries whose citizens most frequently apply for student permits for the purposes of abusing the system.
Important: the issue of granting student permits for citizens of countries outside EU / EFTA always remains at the discretion of the migration authorities; in this regard, if there are suspicions concerning the applicant's intentions, the refusal is possible.
3. Residence permit for wealthy foreigners
It is not possible to purchase Swiss citizenship. However, affluent foreigners may be able to relocate to the Confederation provided they can persuade the authorities of the respective canton that their anticipated future residence in Switzerland will benefit them with new tax revenue.
In many circumstances, a special agreement on lump-sum taxation is signed between a foreigner and the authorities.
In addition, obtaining a residence permit may provide another benefit: a legal reduction in the tax burden.
Obtaining a Swiss residence permit is especially vital for wealthy Russians, Ukrainians, Chinese, and citizens of non-EU / EFTA nations.
The conditions under which a foreigner can relocate to Switzerland are determined on a case-by-case basis.
4. Residence permit when opening a company/firm/business
The fastest and most correct way to move when opening a business is as follows: an investor can obtain a residence permit in Switzerland, but it is challenging and requires uncommon preliminary preparation.
It is critical to understand that doing business in accordance with Swiss legislation is required; otherwise, the residence permit will not be extended. The same applies in the event of bankruptcy.
The decision to issue a permit is heavily influenced by the policy of the canton of Switzerland in which you are planning to open a business.
Permanent residence permit in Switzerland (Permit C)
A distinguishing feature of a permanent residence permit is, as the name implies, its indefinite duration. A formal document update occurs every 5 years. The holder of Permit C has the same economic rights as the citizens of the Confederation. Nevertheless, in certain circumstances stipulated by law, the Swiss government has the authority to cancel or withdraw it.