Permits & visas · 13 guides
Plain answers on B, L, C and G permits, the 2026 quotas and what to do when a renewal goes wrong. Then an immigration consultant, if you want one.
Free for you — agencies pay for introductions, not for ranking.
EU and EFTA citizens register at the commune and can usually start work within weeks. Everyone else needs a permit their employer applies for, from a yearly quota: 4,500 B and 4,000 L permits in 2026. Permanent residence (the C permit) comes after 5 years for EU/EFTA citizens and usually after 10 for others.
Start with the B, L and C comparison, then read the guide for your situation: renewing, changing jobs, moving canton or bringing family. If your file has a gap, an immigration consultant checks it before the canton does.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent residence (C permit) | After 5 years for EU/EFTA citizens, usually after 10 for others | C permit guide, as of 20 May 2026 |
| Language level for a C permit | A2 spoken, A1 written (standard track) | C permit guide, as of 17 Jun 2026 |
| Non-EU quotas, 2026 | 4,500 B and 4,000 L permits | Federal Council, as of 19 Nov 2025 |
| Non-EU L permit | 24 months at most, then a one-year break | L permit guide, as of 25 Jun 2026 |
| Appeal against a refusal | Within 30 days | B permit guide, as of 28 May 2026 |
| Agencies on ReloFinder that handle permits | 36 | ReloFinder directory, as of 24 Sep 2026 |
Each figure links to its source: an official page, a published price list, a guide or the ReloFinder directory.
Start with the first one. Most open with the short answer, and each shows when it was last updated.
B, L and C side by side: who needs which, how long each takes, and what a non-EU hire needs from the quota.
ReadWhen you can settle for good: after 5 years for EU/EFTA citizens, usually 10 for others, plus the language levels.
ReadLost your job on a B permit? What EU and non-EU holders face at renewal, and what to do in the first days.
ReadNon-EU L permits stop at 24 months. When an extension works and how to switch to a B in time.
ReadThe population cap was rejected in June 2026. What stayed the same for permits, and what to watch next.
ReadLiving next door, working here: the weekly-return rule, the telework limit and how you are taxed.
ReadThe application itself: documents, the A2/A1 language rule and the gaps that delay approval.
ReadMoving canton on a non-EU B permit takes 8 to 12 weeks of approval. What to file, and when.
ReadConverting an L to a B without leaving: file at least 30 days before expiry, and mind the quota.
ReadTypical processing times by canton and permit, and the missing documents behind most delays.
ReadFive mistakes that get a renewal refused, and the 30 days you have to appeal.
ReadThe EU Entry/Exit System is live. Who gets scanned at the border, and why permit holders are exempt.
ReadHow B and L permits work for EU/EFTA and non-EU citizens, step by step, with the quota numbers.
ReadThe top 3 for immigration & permits by our ranking: verified Google reviews, weighted by how many there are, captured 24 September 2026. No agency can pay to rank.
Zurich · EN DE FR
Clients mention 8 consultants by name
“From day one, Corinne provided exceptional service during our recent relocation. She was friendly, organized, and so helpful when it came to paperwork and registration. Corrine communicates…”
Riehen · DE EN FR IT ES
Clients mention 2 consultants by name
“Recently relocated to Basel from US and very lucky to be guided through the integration process by Claudia. So many things managed perfectly including securing a wonderful apartment…”
Zürich · EN DE
Clients mention 2 consultants by name
“I couldn’t recommend Silver Nest Relocation more than enough to anyone searching for an apartment in Zürich’s competitive housing market. From the very beginning, Caroline was a huge help…”
Go further: Agencies that handle permits · All relocation agencies, ranked · How we rank agencies
Two minutes of questions, then two or three local people who can help. Free, with no obligation.
