Longer stays

Stays of more than three months also require a permit for persons who are not gainfully employed (retirees, students, job seekers and others). Permits are issued by the cantonal migration offices. A distinction is made between short stays (less than one year), temporary stays (of limited duration) and permanent stays (of unlimited duration).

Non-EU/EFTA nationals must submit the application for a residence permit (together with the visa application) to the relevant Swiss consulate before entering Switzerland. Depending on the purpose of the stay (schooling, retirement, medical purposes, etc.), different documents will be required. If the conditions for a permit are fulfilled, then a short-stay permit (L permit) for a stay of less than one year will be issued, or a residence permit (B permit) valid for one year will be issued if the applicant is to stay longer than one year. After entering the country, the permit holder must register with the relevant municipality.

EU/EFTA nationals who are not gainfully employed are granted the right to stay in Switzerland based on the free movement of persons agreement. After arrival, a residence permit must be applied for at the municipality and will be granted if the following requirements are met:

• The unemployed person must have sufficient financial funds to prevent them from becoming dependent on state aid so they do not become a burden on their new country of residence.
• They must have health insurance that covers all risks (even accidents).

The EC/EFTA residence permit is valid throughout Switzerland for five years and is automatically extended by the relevant authorities, if the above-mentioned requirements continue to be met. Unemployed persons may bring their families with them, if they have sufficient financial funds to care for them.