All persons who are resident in Switzerland but do not have Swiss citizenship are considered foreign nationals. The majority of foreign nationals permanently resident in Switzerland come from Europe, mainly from EU/EFTA states.

The Office for Migration is responsible for all matters relating to immigration law, such as residence regulations, work permits, enforcement of asylum legislation, as well as return counseling and integration of foreign nationals.

The State Secretariat for Migration SEM is responsible for the admission of foreign workers, taking into account the overall economic interests, long-term professional and social integration opportunities as well as the scientific and cultural needs of Switzerland; (legal basis: Federal Act on the Residence and Settlement of Foreign Nationals.

In Switzerland, there is a dual system for the admission of foreign workers. Workers from EU/EFTA states can benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons. All other countries are restricted to managers, specialists and qualified workers.

Immigration and Citizenship:

EU/EFTA L permit (short-stay permit)
EU/EFTA B permit (residence permit)
EU/EFTA C permit (settlement permit)
EU/EFTA Ci permit (residence permit with gainful employment)
EU/EFTA G permit (cross-border commuter permit)

B permit (residence permit)
C permit (settlement permit))
Ci permit (residence permit with gainful employment)
G permit (cross-border commuter permit)
L permit (short-stay permit)
F permit (for temporarily admitted foreigners)
N permit (for asylum seekers)
S permit (provisional status for persons in need of protection)