Residence Permits
Apply for permit L (short-term residence permit)
Permit L covers stays of up to one year and is tied to the purpose of your stay and to your employer. It is issued by the cantonal migration authority following your registration with the municipality, and its validity follows the duration of your employment contract. An extension, or a switch to permit B, is a new application and not automatic. Changes of address, civil status or employer must be reported within 14 days.
Who this applies to. This guide applies if the nationality group is not Switzerland, the cross-border commuter status is no and the contract duration is over 3 and up to 12 months.
Checklist
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Have your biometric data recorded
After registration the cantonal migration authority invites you to have your photograph and fingerprints taken.
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Pay the permit fee
The canton issues the invoice; without payment the permit card is not produced.
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Collect permit L and check its validity
Validity follows the duration of your contract and is limited to 12 months.
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Apply for an extension in good time
Application to the cantonal migration authority at the latest 14 days before expiry; the permit is not extended automatically.
Costs
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Permit fee CHF 95 · one-time · per person
Applies if the nationality group is Third country.
Federal statutory maximum fee (Fee Ordinance for the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act, Art. 8). Cantons may charge less; the cantons reviewed charge the full amount.
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Permit card CHF 22 · one-time · per person
Applies if the nationality group is Third country.
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Biometric data capture CHF 20 · one-time · per person
Applies if the nationality group is Third country.
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Permit fee CHF 65 · one-time · per adult
Applies if the nationality group is EU/EFTA.
Federal statutory maximum fee (Fee Ordinance for the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act, Art. 8). Cantons may charge less; the cantons reviewed charge the full amount. The amount is a flat fee covering the photograph, signature and card production.
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Permit fee, children CHF 30 · one-time · per child
Applies if the nationality group is EU/EFTA.
Federal statutory maximum fee (Fee Ordinance for the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act, Art. 8). Cantons may charge less; the cantons reviewed charge the full amount. The amount is a flat fee covering the photograph, signature and card production.
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Permit delivery fee (LSI) CHF 5–7 · one-time · per person
Charged for each permit card delivered and set by the canton.
No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.
Frequently asked questions
Who does this guide apply to?
This guide applies if the nationality group is not Switzerland, the cross-border commuter status is no and the contract duration is over 3 and up to 12 months.
What does it cost?
Permit fee: CHF 95 (one-time, per person). Applies if the nationality group is Third country. Permit card: CHF 22 (one-time, per person). Applies if the nationality group is Third country. Biometric data capture: CHF 20 (one-time, per person). Applies if the nationality group is Third country. Permit fee: CHF 65 (one-time, per adult). Applies if the nationality group is EU/EFTA. Permit fee, children: CHF 30 (one-time, per child). Applies if the nationality group is EU/EFTA. Permit delivery fee (LSI): CHF 5–7 (one-time, per person).
What do I need to do?
Have your biometric data recorded; Pay the permit fee; Collect permit L and check its validity; Apply for an extension in good time.
As of: 08.10.2026