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Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung / Permis de séjour / Permesso di dimora)
Switzerland
Last verified: 2026-02-20
Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate. Always verify with official sources.
Key Registrations & Procedures
Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung / Permis de séjour / Permesso di dimora)
Deadline: Apply within 14 days of arrival — BEFORE starting work
Processing Time: 2–6 weeks for the permit. Temporary confirmation usually issued at the Gemeinde.
Fees: CHF 70–150 depending on canton. Plus CHF 65 for biometric identity card.
Appointment: Step 1: Register at Gemeinde (walk-in). Step 2: Cantonal migration office — appointment varies by canton.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport or EU/EEA national ID card
- Employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag) with Swiss employer — must show duration, salary, and working hours
- Proof of accommodation — rental contract (Mietvertrag) or confirmation from housing provider
- Passport-sized biometric photos (2)
- Health insurance confirmation — mandatory in Switzerland, must arrange within 3 months of arrival (compare at priminfo.admin.ch)
- Completed registration forms (vary by canton)
- Marriage/birth certificates for family members (if applicable)
Where to Do It:
Step 1: Municipal office (Gemeindeverwaltung / Administration communale) — register your address. Step 2: Cantonal migration office for the permit. In Zürich: Migrationsamt des Kantons Zürich, Berninastrasse 45. In Geneva: Office cantonal de la population et des migrations (OCPM). In Basel: Migrationsamt Basel-Stadt.
If You Don't Do It:
Fines may apply for late registration (varies by canton: CHF 100–1,000). Working without a permit is illegal and can result in employer fines and permit denial. Without registration, no access to Swiss healthcare, banking, or public services.
Regional Variations: Each of 26 cantons manages its own process. Zürich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern each have different forms, fees, and wait times. German, French, and Italian-speaking cantons have forms in their respective languages.
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