Residence permits by situation
Family reunification, studies, self-employment, retirement: Swiss residence rules for each situation, by nationality.
Family reunification
Family reunification lets the spouse and children of someone living in Switzerland get a residence permit. The rules depend on the nationality of the person already in Switzerland: broad for EU/EFTA nationals, subject to conditions and deadlines for third-country nationals.
Students
Foreign students enrolled at a Swiss university or school get a residence permit for education. EU/EFTA nationals are entitled to it with an enrolment, sufficient means and health insurance; third-country nationals go through a visa application.
Self-employed
Self-employment in Switzerland gives EU/EFTA nationals the right to a B permit if they prove a genuine business. For third-country nationals, admission as self-employed is only possible if it serves the country's economic interests.
Retirees and people of independent means
Retirees and people of independent means can live in Switzerland without working. EU/EFTA nationals get a B permit for non-working people with sufficient means and insurance; for third-country nationals, the Act sets a minimum age, ties to Switzerland and financial means.