L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term)
Qualified non-EU/EFTA workers hired short-term (up to one year) within the federal quota.
The L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) 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 fee (plus employer processing costs)) and processing time (~6-12 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) is for
Qualified non-EU/EFTA workers hired short-term (up to one year) within the federal quota.
Time on an L permit counts little toward settlement; switching to a B permit is the route forward.
L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) - eligibility criteria
- Employer proves no suitable EU/EFTA or Swiss candidate is available
- Qualified specialist, manager or skilled professional
- Pay and conditions match local standards
- Subject to the annual federal L quota (4,000 for 2025)
L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) (Switzerland) is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee (plus employer processing costs), with an indicative processing time of ~6-12 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Employer applies to the cantonal labour-market authority; D visa abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months (extendable in limited cases) |
| Work rights | Work for the sponsoring employer only |
| Study rights | Not the purpose of the permit |
| Government fee | ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee (plus employer processing costs) |
| Processing time | ~6-12 weeks |
| Route to PR | Time on an L permit counts little toward settlement; switching to a B permit is the route forward. |
Pathway & next steps
Time on an L permit counts little toward settlement; switching to a B permit is the route forward.
Many applicants also compare Permit B (non-EU) · B Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Resident Worker), Specialist · Admission of Highly Qualified Third-Country Workers, Permit L · L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence). 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 Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) pitfalls we fix
L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) - frequently asked questions
How much does the L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) cost?
The L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) government fee is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee (plus employer processing costs). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) before applying.
How long does the L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6-12 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term) lead to permanent residence?
Time on an L permit counts little toward settlement; switching to a B permit is the route forward.
Can I work on the L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term)?
Work rights: Work for the sponsoring employer only.
Who can apply for the L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term)?
Qualified non-EU/EFTA workers hired short-term (up to one year) within the federal quota.
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