Residence permit in Switzerland

• Permit L – allows to stay in the country for a 1-year period with possible extensions.

It is usually issued to foreign nationals who came to Switzerland with an intention to work. The validity period is defined by employment contract; however it is not usually issued for more than 2 years.

• Permit B – is initially issued for a 5-year period with possible extensions without any supplementary documents required. It is usually issued to highly skilled foreign specialists or students of Swiss universities.

Permit L and permit B are the most common types of residence permit that are issued to foreign nationals, such as businessmen, highly skilled employers, students of Swiss universities, as well as spouses and children of Swiss nationals.

• Permit C – allows permanent residence in the territory of Switzerland. The period of 5 years of continuous residence is required for EU citizens and 10 years are required for nationals of other countries. The holders of this type of residence permit are entitled with all the same rights as Swiss nationals have, except the right to vote and be voted for. This is the only type of residence permit which allows applying for the citizenship of Switzerland.

• Permit G is a permit for foreigners who are employed in Swiss territory with simultaneous residence in another country, which is usually a neighbor to Switzerland.
• Permit Ci is issued to spouses and children of diplomats and government officials. This type of residence permit gives the right to work in the territory of Switzerland. The validity period expires as soon as the main holder of residence permit ceases to perform his duties in Switzerland.
• Permit F is issued to foreigners who were obliged to leave Switzerland, but do not have possibility for this due to unfavorable international situation or death threat. This type of residence permit is issued for 1-year period with possible extensions and the right for being employed.
• Permit H is issued for a consideration period in regard with asylum request in the Swiss territory and does not imply the right of being employed.
• Permit S is issued to foreign nationals who are protected by the Swiss Government.

There are annual quotas established by the Swiss Government for employment of foreign nationals. Quotas are usually directed for highly skilled specialists in amount of 6000-8000 people.

In order to be employed with Swiss company the following requirements must be met:

1. In accordance with an appointment an alien must provide his diploma on higher education, have an appropriate work experience and possess excellent skills in the field;
2. Any EU or Swiss national should not aspire to this position;
3. No employment quota breaches;
4. Wages should not be lower than that of UE and Swiss nationals;
5. Dwelling availability (purchased or leased);
6. Proficiency in English language; depending on canton it may be necessary to speak German, Italian or French language.

Graduate form Swiss university with further employment is a real prospect for permanent residence and citizenship of Switzerland. 

For admission to higher educational institution it is required:

1. Provide the certificate of secondary education; for Ukrainian and Russian nationals it is required to have 2 years of higher education;
2. B2 level of English, French, German or Italian, depending on the tuition language;
3. Possess funds that are sufficient for studying; the sum depends on the university and comes to 1000-8000 euros per year;
4. Availability of dwelling (purchased or leased) and funds sufficient for food, housing, and related costs.

Spouses and children of Swiss nationals or residents with Permit C can automatically obtain the Permit B with the right for further permanent residence and citizenship application under condition of co-residence.

It is a challenge to get Swiss residence permit by businesspersons. The Swiss authorities are very careful in this regard and impose the following conditions on foreigners:

1. Provide a promising and long-term business plan, as well as get the canton’s permission for its implementation;
2. Business must be innovative and of real benefit to the canton;
3. It is obligatory for the director or manager to be a Swiss citizen;
4. Job positions must be created for nationals and residents of Switzerland.

In case of meeting all the requirements an alien can apply for Permit B.

This type of immigration is suitable for wealthy foreigners.

A foreigner pays a fixed tax regardless of income. Every canton sets the tax independently, in relation to the standard of living and economic development of the region.  The lump-sum tax is still payable after obtaining a permanent residence, as well as it also does not negate the payment of other taxes (real estate, car purchase, etc.).