If you are planning to move to Switzerland from abroad, immigration support is the part of the journey that worries most people. Which permit applies? Who files the paperwork? What happens on the day you arrive? This page explains the steps in plain English, so you know what to expect before you pack a single box.
We are an introduction service. We work with relocation companies in Switzerland and, depending on your request, put you in touch with the one that fits your situation. We do not file permits ourselves, and we do not decide anything: the Swiss authorities grant or refuse a permit.
What "immigration support" actually covers
Immigration support is help with the administrative side of arriving. It usually includes some or all of the following:
- Working out which type of permit applies to you and your family
- Preparing the list of documents, with the right translations and certificates
- Checking that the file is complete before it goes to the authorities
- Explaining how the process differs for EU/EFTA citizens and for people from other countries
- Preparing the registration with your new municipality when you arrive
- Reminding you of renewals and changes later on
It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the authorities. A specialist explains the process and keeps it moving; the decision stays with the cantonal and federal offices.
The permit types, in simple terms
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) groups residence permits by how long they last. There are short-stay permits (less than a year), annual permits (limited in time) and settlement permits (unlimited). For EU/EFTA nationals, the main letters you will see are L (short stay), B (resident) and C (settled). A Ci permit exists for certain people linked to foreign representations. (SEM)
If you want a closer look at one of them, our pages on the L permit and the C and Ci permits go further. To get oriented quickly, you can also try the permit finder.
Which permit applies to you depends on your nationality, your reason for coming and the canton where you will live. That is exactly the kind of question a specialist examines against your own situation.
What you can do on your own
Many people handle a large part of the process themselves, especially when the move is simple. Here is a sensible order:
- Confirm the basics. Know your nationality group (EU/EFTA or other), your reason for moving and your planned canton.
- Gather documents at home. Passports, civil status certificates and, where relevant, a work contract or proof of means. Do this early, because certificates from some countries take time to obtain.
- Check what the canton asks for. Each cantonal migration office publishes its own requirements and forms.
- Plan your arrival registration. You must report your arrival to the municipality. The commonly cited period is 14 days, but it can vary by municipality or canton, so confirm locally. You typically bring an ID document, your residence or work permit and proof of health insurance. (Federal portal ch.ch and municipal guidance)
- Keep copies. Digital and paper, of everything you submit.
A checklist helps here. You can build one with the personal checklist tool or follow the relocation calendar.
When a specialist makes sense
Doing it yourself is realistic when your case is straightforward. Support starts to make sense when:
- You are moving with a partner who will not work, and you need to understand family arrangements. See support for your partner and family.
- Your documents come from a country with a different civil registry system.
- You plan to run your own business. Our page on self-employed status explains the basics.
- You have a tight timeline and little time to learn the system.
- You are moving from a country where the system is very different, for example from China.
- You are an employer relocating a colleague and want the process handled professionally.
How the introduction works
The steps are simple, and nothing is decided without you:
- You tell us about your move using the request at the bottom of the page: who is coming, from where, and what you need.
- Your request is reviewed. We look at what kind of help fits, and in which region.
- You are matched. We put you in touch with a relocation company that suits your need.
- You have a first conversation. You can ask questions, see how they work and decide whether to go ahead.
You are never obliged to continue after the first exchange. You can also start from the request page.
Questions to ask any provider
Before you agree to anything, ask:
- What exactly is included, and what is not?
- Who files the documents: you or them?
- What do you need from me, and by when?
- Who do I contact if the authorities ask for more?
- What happens later when my permit needs renewing? See renewing your permit.
If you are comparing options, how to choose a relocation agency gives a longer list.
An example
Here is a fictional case. A couple from Toronto, with two school-age children, plan to move for one partner's job. They collect their marriage and birth certificates early, then ask a specialist to check the file. Meanwhile they look at home search and school search. On arrival, they register with the municipality together. Everything is done in order, and nobody is rushing at the last minute.
What happens after you arrive
The permit is only part of the story. After arrival you still need housing, insurance, a bank account and a school place. If that sounds like a lot, settling-in help and an orientation visit exist for that purpose. For the wider picture, see our overview of relocation services.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need immigration support to move to Switzerland?
No. Support is optional. Many people manage alone when their situation is simple. It becomes useful when the case is complex or time is short.
Can you get me a permit?
No. Only the Swiss authorities grant permits. A specialist helps you prepare and submit a complete file.
What permit types exist?
The SEM distinguishes short-stay, annual and settlement permits. For EU/EFTA nationals, the letters are L, B and C, plus Ci in specific cases. (SEM)
Who applies for the permit, me or my employer?
It depends on your situation and on the canton. Often the employer is involved when you move for a job. A specialist can explain who does what in your case.
Is the process the same for EU/EFTA and other nationals?
No. The rules differ between EU/EFTA citizens and people from other countries. The SEM publishes separate information for each group.
When must I register after arriving?
You must report your arrival to the municipality. The usual period mentioned is 14 days, but it can differ by municipality or canton, so check locally.
What do I bring to the registration?
Typically an ID document, your residence or work permit and proof of health insurance. Your municipality will confirm the exact list.
Can I change canton later?
Yes, but it has its own steps. See changing canton.
Does immigration support include housing and schools?
Not always. Those are often separate services, such as home search and school search. Ask what each package includes.
Can my partner and children come with me?
Family members are handled as part of the process, and the rules depend on the permit and nationality. A specialist examines your case, and our page on partner and family support explains the general picture.
What if I only stay a short time?
Short stays can follow different rules. See short assignments for an introduction.
Is there a fee to make a request?
The request is only the first step. Any cost belongs to the company you are matched with, and you hear about it directly before deciding.