Swiss Work Permit Classes (B, L, G, C)
Switzerland regulates foreign labor through distinct statutory categories under the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA / AIG). Understanding your permit determines your job mobility, tax regime, and path to permanent residence.
B Permit (Residence Permit)
Aufenthaltsbewilligung / Autorisation de séjourThe primary long-term residence authorization granted to foreign nationals taking up employment in Switzerland. Valid 5 years for EU/EFTA citizens and 1 year (renewable) for third-country nationals.
L Permit (Short-Term Residence Permit)
Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung / Autorisation de séjour de courte duréeA short-term residence permit designed for fixed-term employment contracts of up to 364 days. Subject to strict federal quotas for non-EU/EFTA nationals.
G Permit (Cross-Border Commuter Permit)
Grenzgängerbewilligung / Autorisation frontalièreFor cross-border workers (frontaliers / Grenzgänger) who reside in neighboring EU/EFTA countries and commute to work in Switzerland. Weekly return to foreign residence is mandatory.
C Permit (Settlement Permit)
Niederlassungsbewilligung / Autorisation d'établissementPermanent residence status conferring unrestricted access to the Swiss labour market without employer ties or quota caps. Eligible after 5 or 10 continuous years in Switzerland.
Statutory Rights & Restrictions Matrix
Direct comparison of key legal criteria governing foreign workers in Switzerland.
| Feature / Statute | L Permit (Short-term) | B Permit (Residence) | G Permit (Commuter) | C Permit (Settlement) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Nature | Short-Term Stay | Residence Authorization | Cross-Border Commuter | Permanent Settlement |
| Standard Duration | Max 364 days | 1 to 5 years | 5 years (renewable) | Indefinite |
| Swiss Residence | Mandatory | Mandatory | Forbidden (Daily/weekly return) | Mandatory |
| Employer Tied | Strictly tied | Non-EU initially; EU free | Free inside boundary | Unrestricted |
| Tax at Source (Quellensteuer) | Yes (Automatic) | Yes (unless spouse is CH/C) | Varies by bilateral treaty | No (Ordinary Assessment) |
| Path to C Settlement | Generally not credited | Direct (5–10 years) | No direct path | Already achieved |