Your first permit as an EU/EFTA citizen
The Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons entitles you to a permit if you work in Switzerland, set up your own business there or have sufficient funds.
Employees
- Contract of at least one year or permanent contract: B permit valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Contract of 3 to 12 months: L permit for the length of the contract.
- Less than 3 months per calendar year: a simple online registration is enough.
Register your arrival with the municipality within 14 days. Our package: CHF 390.
Self-employed
You must prove a genuine, viable self-employed activity: entry in the commercial register or AVS (old-age and survivors' insurance) registration, business plan, first assignments or contracts. Our package: CHF 890, including putting together your proof file.
Not in gainful employment or retired
You need sufficient financial means so as not to depend on social assistance, and health and accident insurance. For retirees, funds must exceed the threshold for supplementary benefits. Our package: CHF 990.
Jobseekers
You can look for work for 3 months without a permit, then obtain a short-term permit if you have the necessary funds. You are not entitled to social assistance.
Source: SEM, EU/EFTA B permit.
FAQ
Can my EU B permit be shortened?
Yes: after more than 12 months of involuntary unemployment, the first renewal may be limited to one year.
Start with the free test
In under a minute: your permit, your timeline and when you will be able to apply for the C permit.