Non‑EU/EFTA countries are states that are not members of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
What is the L permit?
The L residence permit in Switzerland is intended for short‑term stays.
This permit is usually issued to foreigners who work or stay in Switzerland for a limited period of time.
For non‑EU/EFTA citizens, obtaining an L permit is subject to stricter conditions than for European citizens.
Who can receive an L permit from a non‑EU/EFTA country?
In most cases, an L permit can only be issued if:
a Swiss employer offers a job
the employer requests authorization from the canton
they can prove that no Swiss or EU worker was available for the position
This process is known as a labour market test.
What types of jobs receive an L permit?
Most commonly for:
For simple manual work, L permits are rarely granted to non‑EU citizens.
How long is it valid?
The L permit is usually valid for:
This permit does not count as permanent residence.
Important requirements
To obtain an L permit, the following are generally required:
a valid employment contract
a Swiss residential address
health insurance in Switzerland
appropriate professional qualifications
Quota system
Switzerland applies annual quotas for non‑EU/EFTA citizens.
This means that only a limited number of L and B permits are issued each year.
If the quota is reached, no additional permits can be issued during that year.
Can it be converted to a B permit?
In certain cases, yes.
If:
then the L permit may be converted into a B residence permit.
Summary
For non‑EU/EFTA citizens, obtaining an L permit is more difficult, because:
For this reason, L permits are most often issued to highly qualified professionals.
