SwitzerlandShort-term residence permit

Short-term permit L in Switzerland

The short-term residence permit L EU/EFTA is a status for nationals of European Union and EFTA countries who come to Switzerland for a limited period: to work on a fixed-term employment contract or to look for work. The permit is issued by the cantonal migration authorities, and its length is tied to the term of the employment contract.

Source: State Secretariat for Migration of Switzerland (SEM)

Who can get it

The permit is granted on one of two grounds.

With an employment contract

An employment contract for a term of 3 to 12 months — the basis for permit L
The term of the permit matches the term of the contract

Without an employment contract

EU/EFTA nationals can obtain permit L to look for work, without an employment contract
This practice does not create any entitlement to social assistance

Documents to gather

An employment contract for a term of 3 to 12 months — the main document for employees

How the process runs

Permits for EU/EFTA nationals are issued by the cantonal migration authorities.

1
Employment contract
Sign an employment contract for a term of 3 to 12 months — it serves as the basis for permit L. A permit to look for work without a contract is also available, but it gives no entitlement to social assistance.
2
Application to the cantonal authority
Permits for EU/EFTA nationals are issued by the cantonal migration authorities — that is where the application is made.
3
Issue of permit L
up to 12 months in total
The permit is valid within the term of the employment contract and can be extended as long as the total term remains less than twelve months. For longer employment you need permit B.

Timelines and rights

Work

For employment you need an employment contract for a term of 3 to 12 months. Work on a contract shorter than three months within a calendar year requires no permit: the online notification procedure applies.

Who you can bring with you

The rules for the family of an L permit holder differ from those for the family of a holder of the annual permit B.

Spouse and children

For a family member of an L permit holder to work, the employer files a separate application for a work permit. For the family of a B permit holder no such separate approval is required.

Family reunification for EU/EFTA nationals

For EU/EFTA nationals there are no strict deadlines for making a family reunification application — the matter is governed by the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.

Trips, renewal and the grace period

The term of the permit equals the term of the contract. It is extended so that the total comes to less than 12 months; after that a different permit is needed.

Permit L is extended within the term of the employment contract, but the total term must remain less than twelve months. For longer employment you need the annual permit B EU/EFTA.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to permanent residence

The settlement permit C is granted after five years of continuous residence to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, France, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway — Switzerland has settlement treaties with these countries. Nationals of the other EU countries qualify after ten years.

Route to citizenship

The application is made once you hold a settlement permit C and have ten years of residence in Switzerland, three of them within the last five years before the application. Spoken language is required at level B1 and written language at A1.

Frequently asked questions about Short-term permit L

Who can get the short-term permit L EU/EFTA?

Nationals of EU and EFTA countries who are in Switzerland for a limited time, as a rule less than a year. The permit is granted to those with an employment contract for a term of 3 to 12 months, and also to those who have come to look for work without a contract.

For how long is permit L issued and can it be extended?

The term of the permit matches the term of the employment contract. It can be extended, but the total term must remain less than twelve months.

Is permit L needed for work of less than 3 months?

No. For EU/EFTA nationals hired by a Swiss employer for up to 3 months no permit is required — the online notification procedure applies, and the employer files it no later than the day before work starts.

Can permit L be obtained without an employment contract?

Yes, EU/EFTA nationals can obtain permit L to look for work without an employment contract. According to SEM guidance, this practice does not create any entitlement to social assistance.

Can the family of an L permit holder work in Switzerland?

They can, but only on a separate application filed by the employer. This differs from the family of a holder of the annual permit B: there no additional work approval is required.

How does permit L differ from the annual permit B EU/EFTA?

L is issued for the term of an employment contract of 3 to 12 months, for a short stay. B is issued for 5 years — to those with a contract of 12 months or more or an open-ended one, and also to non-working people with sufficient financial means.

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.