B Permit (EU/EFTA Resident Foreign Nationals)
SwitzerlandSwitzerlandEurope
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B Permit (EU/EFTA Resident Foreign Nationals)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

14-28 days

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Residence permit for EU/EFTA citizens staying longer than 12 months. Valid for 5 years and renewable. Permits employment and family reunification.

The B permit is a residence permit for EU/EFTA citizens staying in Switzerland for longer than 12 months. Valid for 5 years and renewable, it grants full employment authorization and family reunification rights. It is the standard permit for long-term EU/EFTA residents.

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Requirements

Eligible Nationalities

This visa is available to citizens of: AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, IS, LI, NO

Documentation

Applicant Documents

Valid passport or ID card

From EU/EFTA country

Employment contract

Minimum 12 months or unlimited duration with salary details

Proof of accommodation

Rental agreement or employer housing

Health insurance

Swiss statutory or approved private insurance

Proof of financial means

If self-employed - business plan and financial statements

Optional

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Advantages

  • 5-year validity with renewals possible
  • Allows family reunification
  • Full work authorization
  • Pathway to C permit (permanent residency)
  • No visa needed before arrival

Considerations

  • Requires employment or substantial income
  • Tied to cantonal registration
  • Integration requirements expected

Application Process

1

Secure employment or self-employment

Job offer from Swiss employer or business plan for self-employment

2

Register with cantonal office

Register at cantonal migration office within 14 days of arrival

3

Submit documentation

Provide employment contract (minimum 12 months), accommodation proof, insurance

4

Receive B permit

B permit issued for 5-year validity

Application Forms

B Permit Application

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