Swiss settlement permit C: Application after 5 years for Third Country Nationals
A settlement permit (C-permit) can be granted before having stayed in Switzerland for 10 years if there is proof for a successful integration. For this, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Continuous stay in Switzerland under a residence permit for the last five years
- Respect for the rule of law and the values of the Federal Constitution
- Good knowledge of the national language at the place the applicant is living (orally at least reference level B1 and in writing at least reference level A1 – caution, there are cantonal differences!)
- Will to participate in economic life and to acquire education
- An open-ended employment contract
- Financial and economic independence
- No social welfare assistance
- No debts
- Residence in the respective canton of application
- Possession of a valid residence permit
- Good conduct (i.e. no reason for permit withdrawal); no judicial record
The application must be filed and reviewed at the canton of living, which then submits it to the federal authorities (SEM) for approval. If the federal authorities give their consent, the cantonal migration office issues the foreigner’s Permit Card C and sends it to the residential community office to be handed over.
Documents required:
- Language diplomas proving the requested language skills
- Copy of current work confirmation/teaching company confirmation
- Yearly pay reviews of the last three years as well as last three monthly pay slips
- Tax account reports of the last three years
- Extract from the register for recovery of claims, covering the last 5 / 10 years
- Extract from judicial record
- Written justification for the application
Some cantons deny an application after 5 years. However, an application can nevertheless be tried as the federal authority SEM is responsible for the final decision.
Please don’t hesitate to contact International HR Services Ltd for further questions.
