SWITZERLAND / RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMITS
Switzerland has several residence and work permit categories. The most relevant permits for business immigration and relocation are generally the L permit for short-term residence, the B permit for residence, the C permit for permanent residence and the G permit for cross-border commuters. Other permits, such as N, F or S, relate mainly to asylum, provisional admission or temporary protection and should be described accurately if mentioned.
Permit N
Permit N is issued to asylum seekers while their asylum application is pending. It should not be described as a permit for provisional admission.
Permit F
Permit F concerns provisionally admitted foreign nationals. It is distinct from Permit N and does not have the same legal meaning or practical consequences.
Permit S
Permit S is a protection status for people in need of protection. It is not a standard business immigration permit.
Permit B
Permit B is a residence permit for foreign nationals who reside in Switzerland for a longer period for a specific purpose, with or without gainful employment. The conditions and duration depend on nationality, purpose of stay and the applicable legal basis.
Permit L
Permit L is generally used for short-term residence. It may apply to limited-duration employment or other temporary stays, subject to the applicable rules and quotas where relevant.
Permit G
Permit G applies to cross-border commuters who reside outside Switzerland and work in Switzerland, subject to the conditions applicable to their nationality and place of residence.
Permit C
Permit C is a permanent residence permit. It is generally available only after several years of lawful residence in Switzerland and subject to the applicable integration and legal requirements.