Swiss Confederation visas
Switzerland operates a dual system: EU/EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) with simplified procedures, while third-country nationals face strict quotas and labour-market tests. The cantonal migration offices (Migrationsämter) administer permits locally under federal SEM guidelines. Key permit types are B (residence), C (settlement/permanent), L (short-term), and G (cross-border commuter).
5 routes · 2 without a sponsor · 3 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) ↗ · State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Swiss Bar Association (SAV) — Federation of cantonal bar associations regulating lawyers authorised to practise in Switzerland.
Visa routes (5)
B Permit — Third-Country National (Aufenthaltsbewilligung)
Annual residence permit for non-EU/EFTA workers with a Swiss employer — subject to federal and cantonal quotas and a full labour-market test.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
L Permit — Short-Term Residence (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung)
Short-term work and residence permit for project-based or temporary assignments of up to 12 months — separate quota from the B permit.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
C Permit — Settlement (Niederlassungsbewilligung)
Swiss permanent residence permit — unrestricted work rights, no employer sponsorship, granted after 5–10 years of continuous B permit residence.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung für Studierende)
Residence permit for international students at Swiss universities and higher-education institutions — limited work rights and a 6-month post-graduation job search extension.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Family Reunification (Familiennachzug)
Residence permit for spouses and children of B and C permit holders — conditions vary by the sponsor's permit type and nationality.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Swiss Confederation have?+
We cover 5 Swiss Confederation visa routes across the work, study, family, business, and residence categories. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Swiss Confederation visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
2 of the 5 Swiss Confederation routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 3 are employer-sponsored.
Which Swiss Confederation visas lead to permanent residence?+
3 of the 5 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
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