Which language level for which permit?

For non-EU/EFTA nationals, the national language of your place of residence matters at every stage. Here are the required levels.

The levels

  • B permit extension (non-EU): A1 spoken.
  • Family reunification: A1 spoken for the spouse, or enrolment on a course.
  • Standard C permit: A2 spoken and A1 written.
  • Early C permit: B1 spoken and A1 written.
  • Naturalisation: B1 spoken and A2 written.

Certificates

The fide language passport is the most common certificate; other recognised certificates are accepted (DELF, Goethe, telc…). A certificate costs around CHF 250. Cantonal integration offices can tell you which courses are available.

Source: SEM, language skills.

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