ABCs of Swiss residency permits

Getting to grips with residency and work permit requirements is a necessary step for foreigners wishing to live in Switzerland. Here's a brief summary of available permits and the requirements needed in order to obtain them:

• The category C permit is an unconditional permanent residency permit given to citizens of the EU15, US and Canada after 5 years of continuous residency in Switzerland. People of other nationalities must wait 10 years for permanent residency.
• B permits grant temporary residence for EU and EFTA citizens who have a signed work contract in Switzerland for at least 365 days or who can demonstrate the resources to support themselves. For non-EU/EFTA countries, only professional specialists will be granted B Permits.
• For those intending to stay less than a year, the Category L permit allows short term residency
• For cross-border commuters with a job contract, there is the G permit.
• Other permit types (F,N and S) are for asylum seekers, political and economic refugees, or people in need of special protection.

Inform yourselves if you plan to stay here longer than 90 days as the consequences can be quite severe if you disregard the rules. Also remember that all these rules apply to your chalet help as well. If you have questions, we suggest you call the very helpful Ms Matti at the Gemeinde of Saanen (which covers Gstaad) on 033.748 92 10.