Permits
Swiss permits
Switzerland offers a structured range of residency pathways, from initial L and B permits for EU and non-EU citizens to G authorizations for cross-border commuters. The legal framework also includes specialized permits for self-employment, family reunification, and retirement. For those established in the country, the permanent C permit provides unrestricted living and working rights, eventually leading to the path of Swiss naturalization.
Expert Application Management
Legal Expat provides comprehensive legal support to navigate these complexities with ease. We manage the entire lifecycle of your residency—from initial B, L, G, and C permit applications to naturalization and family reunification cases. Our specialists ensure full regulatory compliance and offer expert representation for legal appeals and permit denials, securing your future in Switzerland with total peace of mind.
Essential Guide to Swiss Immigration
Navigate the Swiss immigration system with ease. Find key answers about permit procedures, work authorizations and naturalization pathways here. Contact our team today for expert guidance and support.
Legal Expat Consultation Desk
We offer immigration services and handle your permit application on your behalf. Consult a Swiss immigration specialist – online or in person. Chf 300 Up to 45 minutes. Case review, focused consultation, and a clear written summary with next steps.
Our consultations typically cover the following issues:
- Work & Residence Permits (B, L, G)
- Permanent Residency (C Permit)
- Family Reunification
- Self-Employment Permits
- Retirement & Student Permits
- Swiss Naturalization
- Legal Appeals & Denials
In the case of additional assistance, the activity is charged on an hourly rate basis.
Apply for a B Permit
We provide comprehensive support for B permit applications, whether you are moving for professional reasons, family reunification, retirement, or higher education
Apply for an L Permit
We streamline L permit applications for short-term stays, including temporary work assignments, internships, and specialized training programs in Switzerland.
Apply for a C Permit
We guide you through the transition to permanent residency, managing your C permit application whether you qualify through the standard 10-year period or the 5-year fast-track integration process.
Apply for a L-G-B-90 Days Permit
We expertly manage every pathway, including long-term B residency, short-term L permits, cross-border G authorizations, and 90-day service notifications.
CDL and Ci Permits
We assist with CDL legitimacy cards for international organization employees and Ci work permits for their family members
Family Reunification Permits
Family reunification allows Swiss and permit holders to bring relatives to Switzerland. Our in-house specialists guide you through housing, financial, and visa requirements for a smooth transition.
Swiss Naturalization
Swiss naturalization requires 10 years of residency and a C permit. Our in-house specialists provide expert guidance through all requirements to navigate this final legal step
Retire in Switzerland
We guide you through every step of retiring in Switzerland, from securing your B residency permit to managing financial and insurance requirements
Articles about Swiss Permits
Browse our free content topics below. Some answers to most of the important and frequently asked questions can be found here.
The potential impact of the 2026 motion “No Switzerland with 10 million inhabitants” on the Swiss immigration system
On June 14th 2026, the Swiss population is required to vote on the latest UDC right party initiative: “No Switzerland with 10 million inhabitants”, aiming...
Read More
Business visitors to Switzerland
If you are planning a short-term business trip to Switzerland, it is crucial to understand and comply with the relevant immigration regulations. The Schengen...
Read More
UK citizens planning to move to Switzerland: the 7 things you need to know to apply for a work permit
UK citizens planning to move to Switzerland: the 7 things you need to know to apply for a work permit From January 2021, UK citizens...
Read More
Swiss residency and housing: Permit and rental insights
Switzerland is a country where Alpine serenity meets economic dynamism! With its world-class infrastructure, political stability, and exceptional quality of life, it is no surprise...
Read More
Moving to Valais as an expat? The 10 golden rules you need to know
Valais canton offers an incredible work-life balance with a choice of international schools of high teaching quality and dynamic expat communities. Integration is the key...
Read More
Flash News: New UK Travel Rules for Swiss & EU Citizens from April 2025
As of April 2, 2025, all Swiss and EU citizens, including children and babies, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK...
Read More
Are you holding a carte de légitimation or Ci permit and are planning to apply for a Swiss permit ?
Are you holding a carte de légitimation or Ci permit ? What is a CDL? The “carte de légitimation”, or Cdl, is an authorization to...
Read More
Swiss naturalization: what are the 5 conditions to be eligible?
Swiss naturalization: obtaining Swiss citizenship is often perceived as the holy grail by foreigners, as the ordinary procedure is said to be one of the...
Read More
UK citizens and the protection of acquired rights, what are the rules ?
Since the end of the post-Brexit transition measures in January 2021, UK citizens no longer hold the same residency rights as EU citizens. However, UK...
Read More
Are you dreaming of working in the Swiss Alps this winter ? Check out the requirements for the seasonnal L work permit!
Switzerland is a prime destination for seasonal workers, especially during the winter months. Given the short duration of their stay, typically four to six months,...
Read More
Obtaining the Swiss citizenship
What changes under the new law? In June 2014, the Swiss Parliament modified the law regarding the conditions to obtain the Swiss citizenship. This change...
Read More
What is happening in 2017 with Swiss work permit quotas?
The quotas for work permits attributed to non-European citizens in 2017 have been now established by the Federal Council. Bern decided that Switzerland must be...
Read MoreOur in-house team
Your first point of contact for immigration matters in Switzerland
Independent Swiss Attorneys
Legal consultations are concluded directly between the client and the independent attorney. Legal Expat
Switzerland does not provide legal services and does not collect legal fees for legal consultations.
Fiona Scherrer
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Family law / Employment law / Tenancy Law
Languages: English, French, German
Matteo Detraz
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Inheritance Law / Employment Law / Family Law
Languages: English, French, German
Fabien Gillioz
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Start a company in Switzerland / Corporate Law
Languages: English, French
Jean-Yves Haussmann
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Start a company / Corporate Law
Languages: English, French
Nicolas Mossaz
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Family Law / Employment Law / Inheritance Law
Languages: English, French
Gabriel Raggenbass
Attorney-at-Law, Geneva Bar
Inheritance Law / Tenancy Law
Languages: English, French
Book a consultation
Book your legal consultation with immigration specialists or independent Swiss attorneys. Our consultation can be made on Zoom or in Our office in Geneva for a flat fee of CHF 300.-.
