How to get permanent residency in Switzerland

According to the International Monetary Fund, Switzerland has the eighth-highest per capita GDP in the world. In terms of quality of life, Swiss cities Geneva and Zurich rank among the best in the world. These are some of the factors that make Switzerland the top choice for anyone looking to relocate overseas. This blog will provide a comprehensive explanation of how to obtain permanent residency in Switzerland.

What is a C permit?

Switzerland is renowned for welcoming a considerable number of immigrants each year. People from other nations make up over a quarter of Switzerland’s total population. To stay in Switzerland for more than three months, regardless of nationality, you must apply for a Swiss residency visa. Anyone wishing to apply for a Swiss resident permit should first obtain permanent residency by obtaining a C permit.

A ‘C permit’ allows you to stay in the country indefinitely. The C permit holder is not required to change jobs or work independently. C Permit differs from Switzerland’s other two permits, which are-

L permit – a temporary residence permit issued for durations of up to a year.

B permit- a temporary residency permit that is usually valid for a year but can be renewed.

Although the need for a C permit in Switzerland is ten years, EU/EFTA citizens and US and Canadian nationals can apply after five years.

How can you get a C permit?

A C-permit can be requested under two conditions-

If a person has lived in Switzerland for at least ten years on a B or L permit or has spent the previous five years in the nation without incident.

If the person does not justify, the permit might be denied. In other words, if they have no criminal past, they have no debts, and they pose no threat to national security.

C permit expiry

If a person leaves Switzerland for more than 6 months, his or her C permit automatically expires. Following that, the individual must adhere to the standard entrance conditions outlined in the Law on Foreigners and Integration (LEI) and apply for a new permit when they intend to return.

However, if C permit holders decide to leave the country for study or professional activity, they can keep their work permit for more than four years. Their work permit won’t expire only if they notify the cantonal authorities in writing. When the request is authorized by the higher authorities, the permission is not applicable for the duration of the holder’s absence.

Other examples are provided below-

If a C permit holder is relocated overseas for more than 6 months by his recruiter, the C permit can be valid for a period not exceeding 4 years or the duration the person spent under the C permit in Switzerland.

If the time spent in another country is less than 6 years and the holder lived in Switzerland for at least 10 years with a C permit before departing for another country, authorities may issue the C permit two years after the holder returns.

Children of migrants who have lived in Switzerland for a longer amount of time and retire with a C permit can also halt their permission for four years if they intend to return home.

Requirements for permanent residency in Switzerland

Though the qualifications for permanent residency in Switzerland differ by canton, the individual application for Swiss permanent residence is that they must have lived in Switzerland for at least ten years.

There are several exceptions for those who can seek permanent residency after 5 years.

These are the exceptions-

• Citizens of the EU/EFTA
• Citizens of the United States and Canada, wives, and children of Swiss citizens aged 12 to 18, or C permit holders
• Aside from that, children under the age of 12 who migrate to Switzerland to live with their families can immediately obtain permanent residency.

What are the requirements for B permit holders to apply for a C permit?

• If the applicant has a B permit, they can apply for a C permit in certain cantons.
• A spotless criminal record.
• You are not a threat to Swiss security or public order, and you have A2 written and B1 spoken proficiency in the national language. 
• You are financially independent and do not receive government funding.
• You have to be acquainted with Swiss culture and customs.

Cost of Permanent residency in Switzerland

The cost of Permanent Residence for C permit holders varies based on the canton to which you apply. As a result, it is always a good option to enquire about the amount with your specific canton.

Certain cantons charge more for permanent residence permits issued to non-EU/EFTA nationals. You have to pay less for children.

The cost of an adult permit

• On average, the cost exceeds 100 CHF (Swiss franc)

Cost of Children’s permit

• The cost for a children’s permit is roughly CHF 35, which varies from canton to canton.

Key takeaways

• Switzerland is one of the most developed countries in the world and it welcomes a considerable number of immigrants each year.
• The individual application for Swiss permanent residence is that you must have lived in Switzerland for at least ten years.
• The cost of Permanent Residence for C permit holders varies based on the canton to which you apply. On average, adults have to pay more than 100 Swiss francs and for children, it is 35 Swiss francs.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Click here to contact us for more information on permanent residency in Switzerland. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

Liked this blog? Read next: 4 easy steps to getting permanent residency in Ireland

FAQs

Q1. Can I move to Switzerland without a job?

Ans- If you want to live in Switzerland without working, you must apply for a residence permit from the cantonal immigration and labor market authorities.

You must additionally secure a visa from the Swiss representation abroad, depending on your nationality.

Q2. Can I get residency in Switzerland if I buy a house?

Ans- Foreign nationals are not all permitted to buy property in Switzerland.

Some people require permission to purchase a home or land. Buying a house, apartment, or plot of land in Switzerland does not grant you a residence permit.

Q3. What is the golden visa for Switzerland?

Ans- The Swiss Residence Program is commonly known as the Swiss golden visa. Under this program, you must pay a lump sum tax of CHF 200,000 to the Swiss canton where you live. This amount might range from CHF 400,000 to CHF 600,000 per year, depending on the canton. You are not permitted to work under this program.