The complete guide to Swiss residence permits for EU/EFTA and non-EU nationals looking to settle in Switzerland.
4
Visas covered
4–12 wks
Average timeline
Jun. 2026
Updated
Free · Results in 3 minutes
Overview
Switzerland — permits A, B, C, G — two distinct regimes.
Switzerland is not an EU member but applies the bilateral agreements with the EU/EFTA. EU/EFTA nationals benefit from free movement. Non-EU nationals are subject to strict annual quotas.
EU / EEA
Free movement
Quotas
For non-EU nationals
SEM
Migration secretariat
Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Area but not of the EU. It has its own permit system: L (short stay), B (annual residence), C (permanent settlement), G (cross-border commuter). Non-EU nationals are subject to very limited quotas.
Which permit for your situation in Switzerland?
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Available visas and permits
The main visas we support.
Click a permit to see the requirements, required documents, timelines, and practical tips. Each of these visas comes with full guidance in your nomadpass space.
B-HC
Work permit (skilled employee)
Managers and specialists · non-EU · subject to quotas
Non-EU · Quota-basedSelective
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Timeline
4 to 12 weeks
Cost
CHF 65–95 (permit) + D visa if required
Duration
1 year, renewable
Requirements
Manager · Specialist · Quota available · Demonstrated economic interest
Non-EU quotas are very limited (~8,500 B permits / year at the federal level). Priority goes to profiles with no equivalent available in the EU or Switzerland.
ETU
Student residence permit
Higher education · non-EU
Non-EUAccessible
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Timeline
4 to 8 weeks
Cost
CHF 65–95 (permit) + D visa if required
Min. funds
~21 000 CHF / an
Work allowed
15 hrs / week during studies
Non-EU students are not subject to quotas. Admission to a Swiss university is required before applying for the permit.
IND
Self-employment / entrepreneur permit
Self-employed activity · non-EU · quota-based
Non-EU · Quota-basedVery selective
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Timeline
EU/EFTA: 2–6 wks · Third countries: several months
Cost
CHF 65–95 (permit) + D visa if required
Duration
1 year, renewable
Documents
Business plan · Swiss client contracts · Funds · Diplomas
Extremely selective for non-EU nationals — Switzerland requires demonstrable economic added value and established Swiss client contracts.
SA
Residence permit without gainful activity (retiree / person of independent means)
EU/EFTA: 2 to 6 wks · Third countries: several months
Cost
CHF 65 to 95 + D visa if required
Means (EU/EFTA)
≥ CHF 20,670/year (single person)
Min. age (third countries)
55 (art. 28 LEI) + ties to Switzerland
No gainful activity is allowed in Switzerland with this permit.
Two distinct regimes: EU/EFTA free movement or art. 28 LEI for third-country nationals.
This list presents the main residence permits, which cover the vast majority of relocation situations. It is not exhaustive: other specific visas exist for particular situations, available from the country's official authorities.
Not sure which permit to choose?
Our assessment identifies the right visa in 3 minutes
Competent authorities
The official bodies for your procedure.
The competent authorities vary depending on your nationality and your project.
4 visas and permits are covered for Switzerland, including Work permit — Qualified employee (L / B) · Student residence permit (L / B) · Self-employment / entrepreneur permit. The free assessment identifies the one that fits your situation in 3 minutes.
How long does it take to get a visa for Switzerland?
From 6 weeks to about 6 months depending on the visa. For example, Work permit — Qualified employee (L / B): EU/EFTA: 2 to 6 weeks · third countries: 6 to 14 weeks.
How much does a visa for Switzerland cost?
Official fees depend on the visa. For example, Work permit — Qualified employee (L / B): CHF 65 to 95 (permit) + D visa if required.
Is the information on Switzerland up to date?
Yes: every sheet cites its official sources (SEM — Basics of labor market admission, SEM — Work FAQ, ch.ch — Working in Switzerland) and carries a verification date. Last verified: 2026-10-06.
