Swiss Settlement Permit - C Permit
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 4-12 weeks
- Fee
- CHF 100-300 (cantonal fee)
- Validity
- Indefinite/permanent, renewed every 5 years (administrative renewal)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
C permit is the most secure residence status short of Swiss citizenship. Requires successful integration: language proficiency (B1 oral in national language), no criminal record, financial independence, and participation in economic and social life. Can be revoked if holder leaves Switzerland for more than 6 months.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All nationalities, subject to residence duration requirements.
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Criminal record
Clean criminal record in Switzerland. No welfare dependency.
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Visa history
5 years continuous B permit residence for EU/EFTA nationals. 10 years for most third-country nationals (5 years for nationals of certain countries with bilateral agreements).
Required history: 5-10 years continuous B permit residence
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 6
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: Certified language tests in German, French, or Italian; Minimum score: B1 oral, A1 written in national language of canton
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather proof of integration: language certificates, employment history, tax records, proof of financial independence, and clean criminal record.
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Document submission
Submit C permit application to the cantonal migration office with all supporting documents.
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Processing wait
Cantonal authority evaluates integration criteria and residence history.
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Visa collection
Collect C permit card from cantonal migration office.