Permit for EU/EFTA citizens

Free movement simplifies your procedures, but the procedure remains regulated. We help you navigate it efficiently.

Nationals of European Union and EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (ALCP). Concretely, you can obtain a B residence permit for a period of 5 years upon simple presentation of an employment contract of at least one year. For contracts of less than one year, an L (short stay) permit is issued.

Despite this ease, the steps remain necessary: online announcement (for stays of less than 90 days), formal request to the canton, and registration for residents' control. Our team ensures that everything is done according to the rules and on time.

What's Included

Checking eligibility for the EU/EFTA scheme
Preparation of the B or L permit application file
Online announcement procedure for stays of less than 90 days
Filing with the competent cantonal authority
Follow-up until obtaining the physical permit
Advice on associated rights (family, change of job)

Steps and Timeline

Verification of the contract

We check that your employment contract meets the requirements for the type of permit concerned (duration, salary, conditions).

Creation of the file

We gather the required documents: passport, contract, photos, cantonal forms, possible certificate from the employer.

Deposit and tracking

The file is submitted to the cantonal office. We monitor the treatment and manage any additional requests.

Receipt of the permit

You receive your biometric residence permit, generally within 2 to 4 weeks. We check that all data is correct.

Common Mistakes

Do not register with the municipality within 14 days of arrival
Confusing the announcement procedure (< 90 days) and the permit application
Working without completing any formalities, assuming that free movement is sufficient
Forgetting to notify the authorities of a change of employer
Do not anticipate the renewal of the B license before its expiration

Related Services

Service Non-EU Work Permit in Switzerland Service Family Reunification in Switzerland Service Permit Renewal and Canton Change

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit if I am an EU citizen and coming for less than 3 months?

For a stay of less than 90 days with gainful activity, a simple online advertisement is sufficient. You do not need a formal permit, but notification is mandatory and must be made before the activity begins. Beyond 90 days, an L or B permit is required.

What is the difference between a B license and an L license for an EU citizen?

The B permit is issued for contracts of one year or more, with a renewable validity of 5 years. The L permit is intended for contracts of less than one year, with a validity corresponding to the duration of the contract. The associated rights (family reunification, geographical mobility) also differ.

Can I change employers with an EU/EFTA B permit?

Yes, EU/EFTA B permit holders can freely change employers. You simply have to announce the change to the cantonal authority. Unlike non-EU permits, there is no prior authorization procedure for changing jobs.

Is my EU B license automatically renewed?

Renewal is not automatic but almost systematic if you have a lucrative activity or sufficient resources. You must file a renewal application before expiration. In the event of prolonged unemployment, renewal may be conditional on certain criteria.

Are British nationals still covered after Brexit?

British citizens who obtained a permit before December 31, 2020 retain their acquired rights. For new arrivals, British nationals are now treated as third-country nationals, subject to corresponding quotas and conditions.

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