Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur)
People in serious personal hardship granted a residence permit on discretionary humanitarian grounds.
The Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) is a Swiss humanitarian & refugee visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee) and processing time (~several months (discretionary)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) is for
People in serious personal hardship granted a residence permit on discretionary humanitarian grounds.
A granted hardship B permit can lead to a C settlement permit over time.
Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) - eligibility criteria
- Severe personal hardship (long residence, deep integration, family ties)
- Strong integration and self-sufficiency
- Clean public-order record
- Cantonal support and federal SEM approval
Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) (Switzerland) is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee, with an indicative processing time of ~several months (discretionary). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Canton submits the case to SEM for approval |
| Length of stay | B permit, renewable |
| Work rights | Permitted once granted |
| Study rights | Permitted |
| Government fee | ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee |
| Processing time | ~several months (discretionary) |
| Route to PR | A granted hardship B permit can lead to a C settlement permit over time. |
Pathway & next steps
A granted hardship B permit can lead to a C settlement permit over time.
Many applicants also compare Permit F · Temporarily Admitted Persons (Permit F), Asylum · Asylum and Recognised Refugee Status (Permit B), Permit C · C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence). 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 Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) pitfalls we fix
Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) cost?
The Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) government fee is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) before applying.
How long does the Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~several months (discretionary). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur) lead to permanent residence?
A granted hardship B permit can lead to a C settlement permit over time.
Can I work on the Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur)?
Work rights: Permitted once granted.
Who can apply for the Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur)?
People in serious personal hardship granted a residence permit on discretionary humanitarian grounds.
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