When can you apply for the C permit?
Nationality, years of residence and French level: check whether you meet the residence and language requirements for the ordinary or early C permit.
The conditions checked
The AFMP does not cover settlement: the C permit of EU/EFTA nationals falls under the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act and settlement agreements. Under these agreements and the reciprocity principle, nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the EFTA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) get the C permit after five years of lawful, uninterrupted residence, if the conditions are met.
For other nationalities: ten years of residence, the last five uninterrupted on a B permit, A2 spoken and A1 written; or five years with B1 spoken and A1 written for early settlement. The canton also checks the other integration criteria (public order, values of the Constitution, taking part in working life or education).
See also
Sources
Legal basis: FNIA art. 34 and 58a · OASA (RS 142.201)
General information from the official sources cited. It does not replace the decision of the competent authority. Last checked: 16 October 2026.