Permit C vs Permit B: which Swiss visa is right for you?
The B permit is a renewable residence permit; the C settlement permit is permanent, unrestricted settlement usually granted after five to ten years of residence.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence) (Permit C) | B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) (Permit B) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Temporary |
| Who it's for | Long-term residents granted open-ended permanent residence in Switzerland. | EU/EFTA nationals with a permanent or 12-month-plus Swiss employment contract. |
| Government cost | ~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee | ~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee |
| Processing time | ~8-12 weeks | ~2-4 weeks |
| Length of stay | Permanent (card renewed every 5 years) | 5 years, renewable |
| Where to apply | Apply to the cantonal migration office | Register at the commune of residence in Switzerland |
| Work rights | Unrestricted work, including self-employment | Full labour-market access |
| Pathway to PR | Is permanent residence; holders may seek ordinary naturalisation after meeting residence requirements. | C settlement permit after 5 years of continuous residence for most EU/EFTA nationals. |
Which is right for you?
C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence) (Permit C)
Long-term residents granted open-ended permanent residence in Switzerland.
Full Permit C guide →B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) (Permit B)
EU/EFTA nationals with a permanent or 12-month-plus Swiss employment contract.
Full Permit B guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Permit C or Permit B?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence) (Permit C) is the lowest at ~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Permit C or Permit B?
Indicatively B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) (Permit B) is the quickest at ~2-4 weeks. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
Permit C is permanent. Permit C: Is permanent residence; holders may seek ordinary naturalisation after meeting residence requirements. Permit B: C settlement permit after 5 years of continuous residence for most EU/EFTA nationals.
What's the main difference between Permit C and Permit B?
C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence) (Permit C) is for long-term residents granted open-ended permanent residence in Switzerland. B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National) (Permit B) is for eU/EFTA nationals with a permanent or 12-month-plus Swiss employment contract.