When to renew
The permit must be renewed before it expires. Most cantons send a notice 6–8 weeks before the expiry date. If you receive nothing, take the initiative: visit your municipal residents' office or the cantonal migration service.
Documents required
- Valid passport or ID card
- Current permit
- 1 recent biometric photo (canton-dependent)
- Proof of address (lease, certificate)
- Proof of employment (contract or 3 recent payslips)
- For permit B: possibly a language course certificate (A1 oral depending on canton)
- For permit C: integration evidence (B1 oral / A1 written, financial independence)
Timeline and fees
Processing takes 2–8 weeks depending on the canton. Fee: CHF 60–142 for standard renewal. Geneva charges around CHF 65 for a B, Vaud CHF 95, Zurich CHF 142.
Grounds for refusal
A renewal can be refused for:
- Prolonged welfare dependency
- Criminal convictions (depending on severity)
- Significant debt (multiple collection cases)
- Failure to respect public order
- Insufficient integration (language, participation in economic life)
If refused
You have 30 days to file an objection or appeal, counted from the date of notification. Appeal to the cantonal administrative court, then if needed the Federal Administrative Tribunal. Get help from a lawyer or legal clinic (Caritas, CSP).
Best practices
Never let your permit expire: an expired permit puts you in an irregular situation. If you change job, canton or address, report it within 14 days. Keep all supporting documents (payslips, leases, language certificates) for at least 5 years: they prove your integration when applying for a C permit.
