A C permit is Switzerland’s permanent residency, allowing unrestricted work and residence nationwide. It is typically granted after 10 years of residency or 5 years with a B permit if the holder is well integrated (Art. 34 al. 4 LEI).
Naturalisation is possible after 10 years of residency, provided the applicant holds a C permit, meets the integration and language criteria, and has lived in Switzerland for at least 3 of the last 5 years (Art. 9 LN).
C permit holders must reside permanently in Switzerland and actively participate in economic and social life. However, the permit can be suspended for up to 4 years for overseas work or studies. The suspension must be formally requested at least 30 days before departure by providing the planned date of return and an address of contact overseas (Art. 61 al. 2 LEI).
Indeed, if the C permit holder plans to stay abroad for over 6 months, the suspension of the permit is possible but capped at 4 years. Cantonal authorities will issue a formal authorization of absence upon request (LEI Directives 2025).
Without requesting a suspension, a C permit expires automatically after 6 months abroad. Re-entry would then require a new permit application under Swiss regulations.
In exceptional cases, returnees after a maximum of 6 years abroad may reclaim their C permit 2 years after re-establishing residence, if they held the C permit for at least 10 years before departure (Art. 61 OASA).
Children raised in Switzerland and retirees may also suspend their permit for 4 years to explore settling in their country of origin (LEI Directives 2025).
The law does not explicitly define when a new leave of absence can be granted after returning to Switzerland. However, repeated use of the absence mechanism would undermine art. 61 para. 2 LEI, which restricts the total absence period to four years. As such, a minimum stay of six months in Switzerland is typically required to reactivate the C permit before applying for another absence.
Key points to remember:
- Apply to freeze the C permit at least 30 days before leaving;
- Preserve your C permit and right to return within 4 years;
- The absence cannot exceed four years in total;
- Failing to freeze the permit will result in automatic expiration after six months abroad.
Let us help you navigate the process smoothly so you can focus on what is next. Every week we offer consultations via Zoom or in person, providing legal advice to expats considering freezing their permit temporarily for work, travel or family reasons. Book your appointment via legalexpat.ch, our English-speaking team is ready to assist you!
23/06/25 – Anne Konikoff, Immigration specialist
