Eligibility quiz
Are you a citizen of an EU or EFTA country?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Switzerland
Your residence permit lets you live in Switzerland for the period shown on it.
Study in Switzerland
With your residence permit, you can attend education and training in Switzerland.
Work in Switzerland
You can work for an employer or work for yourself without a separate work permit.
Visit Schengen countries
With a valid passport or recognised travel document and your permit, you can travel without a visa to Switzerland.
You can also visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Rent a home
With your residence permit, you can rent accommodation in Switzerland.
Use healthcare
You can get healthcare through Switzerland's compulsory health insurance system.
How to apply
Applying at the town hallApplying at the town hall
Find your town hall
Find the town hall where you live in Switzerland. If you are a child, ask your parent or guardian to help you with the application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I register for a Swiss residence permit without work in your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents your town hall and cantonal migration office ask for.
See required documentsRegister and apply
Register at the town hall within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland and hand in your residence permit application and documents. Ask the town hall how to submit the application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register and apply for a Swiss residence permit without work at the town hall in your city?”
Complete your identification
If the cantonal office asks you to, complete an identity check or give your fingerprints and photograph. Pay the cantonal fee as the office instructs you.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I provide identification and pay for a Swiss residence permit without work in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the cantonal office to decide your application. Answer its questions and send any extra documents it asks for.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Swiss residence permit without work application take in your city?”
Receive your permit
Receive your residence permit as instructed by the cantonal office. It lets you live in Switzerland for the period shown on it.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive my Swiss residence permit without work in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Family relationship records *
Provide records showing how you are related to the family members applying with you or to your close relatives in Switzerland. Ask your canton which records it accepts.
* Only if your canton asks for proof of your family relationships.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Registration and renewal
You must disclose your identity and register with the authorities before your visa-free stay ends or you start work.
You must also notify them if you leave Switzerland permanently.
Request renewal generally no earlier than three months and no later than two weeks before expiry.
Residence can end
Your permit ends on expiry or registration of a move abroad, and renewal can be refused if your reasons to stay no longer apply.
It can be taken away for false or hidden important facts, a long prison sentence, certain court-ordered measures, or serious or repeated breaches or threats to security.
Breaking permit conditions, social assistance for you or a dependent, or failing without good reason to follow an integration agreement can also lead to loss.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
🇨🇭Expats in Switzerland ⭑ Living, Moving & Advice ✨
English Facebook group for people living in Switzerland interested in Swiss visas
Join on Facebookr/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditEXPATS IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭✨ Lifestyle, Networking & Travel Tips 🌍
English Facebook group for people living in Switzerland interested in Swiss local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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