Residence Permit

Working in Switzerland or remaining in the country for more than 3 months requires a permit. The municipality of residence is the first point of contact for almost all questions regarding residence in Switzerland. It forwards applications for residence permits to the migration service. The migration service then makes a determination. There are short-term permits (up to 1 year), temporary residence permits (limited depending on nationality from 1-5 years) and settlement permits (unlimited) and cross-border commuter permits.

• Short-term permit (permit L, Ausweis L | livret L): This permit is for persons who will reside in Switzerland for a limited time (usually 1 year) for a particular reason. Most citizens of EU-/EFTA-countries who have evidence of a work contract with a duration between 3 months and 1 year are entitled to this permit.
• Residence permit (permit B, Ausweis B | livret B): This permit is for persons residing in Switzerland for an extended period of time. Most citizens of EU-/EFTA countries are entitled to this permit if they have a work contract with a duration exceeding 1 year (Arbeitsvertrag|contrat de travail). EU-/EFTA-citizens will receive permits for a duration of 5 years. Citizens of other countries will receive permits for a duration of 1 year after which an extension must be applied for. The extension may be granted under certain conditions, such as that applicants take German classes. Applicants are not entitled to an extension. Reasons that may speak against an extension include, for example, a criminal offence or dependency on welfare. Recognized refugees are also granted B permits.
• Settlement permit (permit C, Ausweis C | livret C): This permit is granted following 5 or 10 years of Swiss residency. Here, too, different conditions apply to persons from EU/EFTA states and third countries.

Foreigners living in Switzerland receive a foreigner identification card. The type of identification card depends on various criteria. There are credit card format and paper identification cards (non-biometric foreigner identification card, Nicht biometrischer Ausländerausweis | Titre de séjour non biométrique). Some individuals receive a biometric foreigner identification card. This ID card has a data chip, fingerprints and a picture are retained. Individuals must have their biometric data recorded at the passport and identity card service of the canton of Bern. In order to do so an appointment must be made. All identification documents can be retrieved at the community of residence. Lost or stolen identification must be reported to the police immediately.

According to type of permit and citizenship the process of applying for an extension may differ. If an extension is necessary one is issued a form (Verfallsanzeige | Avis de fin de validité). This form must be completed and submitted to the community of residence with a valid passport at least two weeks before the permit expires. The community of residence will forward the application to the Office of Civil Services (ABEV | OPOP). They will verify whether all requirements for an extension are met. Additional questions will be answered by the community of residence or the Office of Civil Services (ABEV | OPOP).