Residence permit (B permit) for non-EU/EFTA nationals
Federal fee ordinance (11 June 2024): cantonal maximum CHF 95 to issue, CHF 75 to extend; cantons may charge less. Geneva (OCPM, 28 Jan 2026): adult third-country B or L permit CHF 117.00 (CHF 137.00 with biometrics). Zurich (AWI): CHF 400 within quota, CHF 320 outside. Vaud (Service de l'emploi): CHF 400. Basel-Stadt labour-market check: CHF 180 within quota, CHF 100 outside, at most CHF 500 in complex cases. Schengen visa EUR 90 adult; national D visa fee not stated.≈ $107
SEM says that, in general, you should expect six to eight weeks for a non-EU/EFTA work permit file to be processed fully (SEM FAQ – Working, modified 05.07.2026). Canton Geneva (OCPM, published 21 September 2026) gives an indicative 6 to 8 weeks for a first work permit of a non-European national. Canton Bern asks employers to file at least eight weeks before the start of work. Other cantons may differ.
Check if you're eligible for this pathway
Get an AI-powered eligibility analysis personalized to your profile — see your match score, gaps, and next steps.
- Personalized eligibility score
- Gap analysis
Source-backed requirements
Eligibility
(1)Professional qualifications
DocumentMandatoryAdmission is generally limited to managers, specialists and other qualified workers. A university degree plus experience is usual, but profession-specific specialised training plus several years of experience may also qualify; document the relevant qualifications.
Verified official
Qualification
(1)Labour-market priority
ConditionalUnless a statutory exception applies, the employer must document unsuccessful recruitment of suitable workers with Swiss or EU/EFTA labour-market priority; protected priority groups also include eligible B, C, F and S permit holders.
Verified official
Steps marked with a document icon require physical documents. Generate your checklist to track them.
Immigration Documents & Forms
Source citations
SEM — Non-EU/EFTA work application supporting evidence
Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Current linked SEM list: tabular CV, qualification proof/references, original-language copies with certified translations when outside Swiss official languages/English, reasons for vacancy/job duties/company information. Ordinary third-country work admission scope, not universal EU/EFTA/family/Young checklist.
SEM — ICT Permit
SEM
SEM admission basis (modified 05.07.2026): third-state workers are admitted only in a limited number as highly qualified workers; criteria are economic interest, quotas, precedence, notice of vacancies, customary salary, personal requirements. Details under each criterion not read.
Official links
Share this pathway
Found this useful? Share the official requirements and your research with friends, family, or your network.