Continuing with our articles focused on helping people from Latin America who are thinking of coming to live in Switzerland, this time we want to talk a little about the different types of residence permits that are needed to live in this country.

Since the bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU for the free movement of workers was made, all persons belonging to countries outside the EU can only obtain a work permit in Switzerland if the company in which they will provide their services can prove that There is no other person of Swiss or EU nationality who is available to perform such work.

There are certain exceptions to this rule that only apply to highly qualified specialists and senior executives. If you manage to obtain a work permit, it will appear on your residence permit.

Types of Residence Permits to live in Switzerland

Residence permits for citizens from countries outside the EU are very similar to those given to EU citizens, although they are often more difficult to obtain and renew.

Next we name the types of residence permits that every citizen of Latin America needs to be able to live in Switzerland:

1. Short residence permit (Permit L)

A short residence permit L (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung EG) has a maximum validity of one year and also offers the possibility of being renewed.

This type of permit is linked to a job and a specific company, with the limitation that if you want to change jobs in the future, you will not be able to obtain another permit.

At 24 months this residence permit expires definitively.

2. Residence permit B (Permit B)

The residence permit B is valid for one year and can be renewed.

This type of permission is only granted to citizens from outside the EU in special situations; for example, if the person is a highly qualified specialist in a profession of which there is a shortage of qualified personnel either in Switzerland or in the EU.

3. Permanent residence permit C (Permit C)

In the case of the C permit, this is granted to those people who plan to reside in Switzerland permanently, and it is renewable indefinitely.

For citizens who belong to countries outside the EU, this permission is granted after 10 years of living in Switzerland, although there are usually some exceptions for women of Swiss citizens and other groups.

A great advantage of this type of permit is that with the C permit a person can change jobs, companies and / or become autonomous without problems.

4. Border permit G (Permission G)

The G permit (Grenzgängerbewilligung / permis frontalier) is the one granted to people who live in another country but work in Switzerland.

There are many people who come and go to Switzerland for work reasons, but prefer to live in another country since the cost of living in Switzerland is usually higher.

The G permit does not give people any right of residence; It is renewed annually and cannot become a residence permit.

We hope you find this information useful and remember that in Sentencia we specialize in helping Latin American citizens through our platform who are thinking of coming to live in Switzerland and require legal assistance. If you want more information, we invite you to contact us.