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SwitzerlandResidence permit

Permit B EU/EFTA in Switzerland

The residence permit B EU/EFTA is a status for nationals of European Union and EFTA countries who move to Switzerland for a long period: to work under an employment contract, to be self-employed, to study or to live in the country on their own means without working. The permit is issued by the cantonal migration authorities after registration at the place of residence.

Threshold
Non-working applicants must have sufficient financial means.
Work
The permit is issued both to working and to non-working EU/EFTA nationals.

Source: State Secretariat for Migration of Switzerland (SEM)

Who can get it

Permit B is granted on one of four grounds.

Employees
  • An employment contract for twelve months or longer, or for an indefinite period
Self-employed people
  • Documents proving that the activity is carried on independently and on a permanent basis
Non-working people
  • Sufficient financial means for themselves and their family
  • Health insurance and accident insurance
Students
  • Enrolment at a state-recognised educational institution
  • Proven ability to support themselves for the duration of their studies

Documents to gather

The set of documents depends on the ground for the stay.

  • A valid identity card or passport
  • An employment contract stating the term and the number of working hours — for employees
  • Documents on carrying on a self-employed activity and the ability to support themselves and their family — for self-employed people
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for themselves and their family members — for non-working people
  • A health insurance and accident insurance policy
  • Proof of enrolment at a state-recognised educational institution — for students

How the process runs

The permit is obtained through registration at the place of residence.

  1. 1

    Registration at the place of residence

    within 14 days of arrival

    You must register with the local commune authorities at your place of residence and apply for the permit — before starting work, if the stay is for employment.

  2. 2

    Submission of documents

    Depending on the ground for the stay you submit the employment contract, documents on self-employment, or proof of financial means and health insurance.

  3. 3

    Issue of permit B

    The cantonal migration authorities issue the residence permit B for five years; students receive it for one year with annual extension.

Who you can bring with you

The right to reunification and the conditions for family members are set by the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.

Spouse
They can join the permit holder; the accommodation must be adequate for the whole family. The right to work in Switzerland does not depend on the spouse’s own nationality.
Children and grandchildren
They can join if they are under twenty-one or are financially dependent on the applicant.
Parents and grandparents
They can join only if they were financially dependent on the applicant before the move to Switzerland.
Students’ families
The right to reunification is limited to the spouse and children who are entitled to financial support.

Renewal and the grace period

The permit is extended for a further five years if the conditions are still met. If the permit holder has been involuntarily unemployed for more than twelve consecutive months, the first extension may be limited to one year.

Frequently asked questions about Permit B EU/EFTA

Who can get permit B EU/EFTA?
The permit is granted to EU/EFTA nationals with an employment contract of twelve months or longer or an open-ended one, to those carrying on an independent activity as self-employed people, and to non-working people — if they prove sufficient financial means and health insurance. Students receive the permit for one year with annual extension until the end of their studies.
How long is the permit valid and how is it extended?
The permit is valid for five years and is extended for a further five years if the conditions are still met. The first extension may be limited to one year if the person has been involuntarily unemployed for more than twelve consecutive months.
How does permit B differ from the short-term permit L?
Permit L is issued for an employment contract shorter than twelve months — for the term of the contract itself. Permit B is issued for a contract of twelve months or more or an open-ended one, and is valid for five years.
What happens to the permit if I lose my job?
You can usually stay in Switzerland for at least six months to find a new job, by registering as a jobseeker with the cantonal migration authorities.
Can family move together with the permit holder?
A spouse, children and grandchildren under twenty-one or financially dependent on the applicant can join, as can dependent parents and grandparents if they were dependent on the applicant before the move. The accommodation must be adequate for the whole family. Spouses and children are entitled to work in Switzerland regardless of their own nationality.
Is health insurance required?
Yes. The law requires you to take out Swiss health insurance if the stay in the country lasts more than three months. Non-working applicants must also prove that they have accident insurance.

Other ways to move to Switzerland

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Switzerland.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.