B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National)
EU/EFTA nationals with a permanent or 12-month-plus Swiss employment contract.
The B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) is a Swiss work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee) and processing time (~2-4 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) is for
EU/EFTA nationals with a permanent or 12-month-plus Swiss employment contract.
C settlement permit after 5 years of continuous residence for most EU/EFTA nationals.
B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) - eligibility criteria
- EU/EFTA citizenship
- Open-ended or 12-month-plus employment contract (or self-sufficiency)
- Registration at the commune of residence
- Adequate health insurance and no reliance on welfare
B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) (Switzerland) is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee, with an indicative processing time of ~2-4 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Register at the commune of residence in Switzerland |
| Length of stay | 5 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Full labour-market access |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee |
| Processing time | ~2-4 weeks |
| Route to PR | C settlement permit after 5 years of continuous residence for most EU/EFTA nationals. |
Pathway & next steps
C settlement permit after 5 years of continuous residence for most EU/EFTA nationals.
Many applicants also compare Permit C · C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence), Permit L · L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence), Permit G · G Permit (Cross-Border Commuter). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Swiss route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) pitfalls we fix
B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) - frequently asked questions
How much does the B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) cost?
The B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) government fee is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) before applying.
How long does the B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-4 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) lead to permanent residence?
C settlement permit after 5 years of continuous residence for most EU/EFTA nationals.
Can I work on the B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National)?
Work rights: Full labour-market access.
Who can apply for the B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National)?
EU/EFTA nationals with a permanent or 12-month-plus Swiss employment contract.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Switzerland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) - official Switzerland immigration authority