How do you apply for a Swiss residence permit after arrival in 2026?

EU/EFTA means the European Union and European Free Trade Association route under Swiss free-movement rules. An EU/EFTA citizen staying for work beyond the short notification cases normally registers in the municipality within 14 days of arrival and before starting work. Bring a valid identity document and the employment contract or other evidence supporting study, self-employment, family, or residence without work.

A third-country national, meaning someone outside EU/EFTA, follows the ordinary Swiss admission rules. For employment, the Swiss employer normally applies first to the cantonal labour or immigration authority. Approved cases go to SEM, the State Secretariat for Migration, which performs the federal review. If an entry visa is required, the Swiss representation issues it only after the relevant authorisation. Do not arrive as a visitor expecting the municipality to convert every case.

Register with the Gemeinde or commune, meaning municipality, where you live. The residents' counter checks the local arrival file and routes permit information to the cantonal migration office, meaning the regional authority that issues residence permits.

Prepare your passport, entry visa or prior cantonal decision where applicable, employment or study evidence, lease or host confirmation, health-insurance evidence when requested, and civil-status records for accompanying relatives. Each family member needs the correct basis and documents. A spouse or child is not added merely because one worker registered.

The canton may request a photograph, signature, and fingerprints, collectively called biometrics, before producing the permit card. Fees, appointment systems, and whether the municipality or canton takes biometrics vary by canton. Keep the filing receipt and answer requests from the office named on it.

An L permit is a short-stay residence permit, often linked to a limited period or contract. A B permit is a residence permit for a longer qualifying stay. Under the EU/EFTA employment route, SEM states that work of up to 364 days normally leads to L status, while a contract of at least one year or unlimited duration normally leads to B status.

A C permit is a settlement permit granted only after the applicable residence and eligibility conditions are met. It is not the normal first card issued simply because you plan to remain.

Read the actual card and decision for employer, work, canton, and validity conditions. Notify the municipality and migration office as required after an address, employer, family, or purpose change. Start renewal before expiry using the canton's instructions.