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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Swiss Settlement Permit (Permit C - Permanent Residence)

An open-ended permanent-residence permit granting the right to live and work freely in Switzerland, generally after five or ten years of prior residence.

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Under review — check current rules

Reduced (5-year) settlement eligibility depends on bilateral settlement agreements and integration criteria that vary by nationality and canton; verify the applicable period for a specific case before publishing.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Switzerland government website before you apply.
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Issued by
Cantonal migration office (with SEM approval)
Permit type
Permit C (settlement / permanent residence)
Qualifying period
Generally 10 years' residence (5 for some nationalities / EU-EFTA or on early integration)
Duration
Unlimited; permit card periodically renewed
Integration
Language skills and financial independence required
Work rights
Free access to the labour market, any employer or canton

Who it's for

  • Long-term B permit holders who have lived in Switzerland for the qualifying period
  • Well-integrated foreign nationals ready for permanent residence
  • People seeking freedom from employer/purpose-bound permits and a route towards citizenship

Requirements

  • The required period of continuous lawful residence (generally 10 years, or 5 in qualifying cases)
  • Successful integration, including adequate knowledge of the local national language
  • No dependence on social assistance and no relevant criminal record
  • Respect for public safety, order and the values of the Swiss constitution
  • Compliance with tax and financial obligations

What you can do

  • Live in Switzerland permanently, with no fixed expiry on the status
  • Work for any employer, be self-employed, and change job or canton freely
  • Sponsor family reunification on more favourable terms
  • Build towards Swiss naturalisation

How to apply

The holder applies to the cantonal migration authority once the qualifying residence period is reached, providing evidence of integration, language ability and financial independence. SEM approval is required.

Early settlement after five years may be granted where integration is especially good. The C permit card itself is subject to a periodic control (typically every five years) but the underlying status is permanent.

Documents

  • Valid passport and current residence permit
  • Proof of continuous residence for the qualifying period
  • Language certificate meeting the required level
  • Evidence of financial self-sufficiency (no social assistance)
  • Extract from the debt-enforcement register and criminal-record clearance
  • Proof of accommodation

Frequently asked questions

  • Usually ten years of continuous residence for third-country nationals, reduced to five years for nationals of countries with settlement agreements, for EU/EFTA nationals, or for applicants with especially good integration.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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