What is the B permit
- Valid 5 years, renewable
- EU/EFTA: on presentation of contract ≥ 12 months
- Third countries: stricter procedure, subject to quotas
- Right to work without restriction (EU/EFTA)
- Mobility: all cantons, all sectors
Required documents
- Passport valid ≥ 6 months
- Signed work contract
- Housing proof (lease or attestation)
- Photo Swiss format (35x45 mm, light background)
- Birth certificate + translation if non FR/DE/IT
- Recent criminal record (< 3 months) for third countries
- Cantonal form completed
Procedure
EU/EFTA:
- Find job and sign contract
- Register arrival at commune within 14 days
- Submit application to canton (Cantonal Population Office)
- Timeline: 2-6 weeks
- Cost: CHF 65-150 by canton
Third countries:
- Employer submits justified application
- Cantonal validation (4-8 weeks)
- Federal SEM Bern validation (4-8 weeks)
- Total timeline: 2-4 months
- Cost: CHF 200-400
Rights linked to B permit
- Work throughout Switzerland
- Housing: possible purchase (primary residence)
- Family: family reunification for spouse and children
- Social security: AHV, BVG, LAMal
- Voting: not at federal level, possible at commune level by canton
- C permit after 5 years (EU) or 10 years (third countries)
Renewal
- To request 3 months before expiry
- Conditions: employment or sufficient resources
- Cost: CHF 65-150
- Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Pitfalls to avoid
- 14-day arrival registration not respected = fine
- Temporary housing insufficiently documented = refusal
- Criminal record not up to date = third-country refusal
- Canton change without registration = administrative complication
