L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence)
EU/EFTA nationals with a Swiss employment contract of three months to under one year.
The L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) is a Swiss work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee) and processing time (~1-3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) is for
EU/EFTA nationals with a Swiss employment contract of three months to under one year.
Converting to a B permit and accumulating residence builds toward a C settlement permit.
L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) - eligibility criteria
- EU/EFTA citizenship
- Employment contract of 3 months to under 12 months
- Registration at the commune within 14 days of arrival
- No reliance on social assistance
L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) (Switzerland) is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Register at the commune of residence in Switzerland |
| Length of stay | Duration of the contract (under 1 year), renewable |
| Work rights | Work for the declared employer/activity |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | ~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee |
| Processing time | ~1-3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Converting to a B permit and accumulating residence builds toward a C settlement permit. |
Pathway & next steps
Converting to a B permit and accumulating residence builds toward a C settlement permit.
Many applicants also compare Permit B · B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National), Permit L (non-EU) · L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term), Permit G · G Permit (Cross-Border Commuter). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Swiss route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) pitfalls we fix
L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) - frequently asked questions
How much does the L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) cost?
The L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) government fee is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal issuance fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) before applying.
How long does the L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence) lead to permanent residence?
Converting to a B permit and accumulating residence builds toward a C settlement permit.
Can I work on the L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence)?
Work rights: Work for the declared employer/activity.
Who can apply for the L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence)?
EU/EFTA nationals with a Swiss employment contract of three months to under one year.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Switzerland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) - official Switzerland immigration authority