Settlement permit (C permit) for non-EU/EFTA nationals
The C permit is an unlimited, unconditional settlement permit. Third-country nationals can generally get it after 10 years in Switzerland on short-stay or residence permits, with the last 5 years on an uninterrupted B permit, if they are integrated. Early grant after 5 uninterrupted years on a B permit is possible for people who communicate well in the local language, and cantons decide each case.
Life in Switzerland
Money
3
Currency
Swiss Franc
CHF
Swiss Franc
Cost of living
128
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
0.77–11.5%
Income tax (national)
VAT 8.1%
Federal direct tax only: rises in steps (marginal rate peaks at 13.2%) to a flat 11.5% on very high incomes (about CHF 794,000+ for single people, before inflation indexing); cantonal and communal taxes come on top and are usually much larger.
Living
1
Happiness
#10 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Non-EU/EFTA nationals who have lived in Switzerland for many years on B (and L) permits and are well integrated.
Eligibility
Ordinary route: 10 years
You need at least 10 years in total on a short stay or residence permit, with the last 5 years on a residence permit without interruption.
Time required
- Total time
- 10 years
- Latest period
- 5 years
- Legal basis: FNIA Art. 34(2)(a)
Official wording
At least 10 years in total on a short stay or residence permit, with the last 5 years on a residence permit without interruption (FNIA Art. 34(2)(a)).
Early route: 5 years
You need a residence permit held for the past 5 years without interruption, plus integration and good command of the local national language.
5 years
Time required
- Legal basis: FNIA Art. 34(4)
Official wording
Residence permit held for the past 5 years without interruption, plus integration and good command of the local national language (FNIA Art. 34(4)).
Integration
Respect for public safety and order, respect for constitutional values, language skills, and participation in working life or education (FNIA Art. 58a).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementLanguage (ordinary)
- Document checklistApplication form
- FeesCantonal fee
The full requirements are for members
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- 4 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Official sources
- Fedlex - Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (FNIA/AIG, SR 142.20), English consolidated text 1 Aug 2025
- Fedlex - Ordinance on Admission, Period of Stay and Employment (VZAE, SR 142.201), version 12 Jun 2026
- SEM - Factsheet on proof of language skills for B and C permits (Merkblatt Sprachkompetenzen)
- SEM - Language requirements
Other routes to Switzerland
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyResidence permit for education or training
- Work permitsWork and residence permit for non-EU/EFTA nationals
- FamilyFamily reunification for non-EU/EFTA family members
- CitizenshipOrdinary naturalisation
