Just arrived
The first weeks decide whether the start is calm
After you enter, a few hard deadlines begin. Here is what to do and by when — with the exact statute article and the official source, not guesswork.
Which permit deadlines apply to you depends on your nationality — EU/EFTA or third country. Both are shown below.
What matters now
Two deadlines after you arrive
These two apply to almost everyone, regardless of nationality. The days count from the event named.
- Day 0 — Arrival in Switzerland
- Day 14 — Register with your canton
- 3 months — Take out health insurance
Deadline
from entry / arrival at your residence
Register in person with your commune of residence. Bring your passport, your employment contract or registration confirmation and — if you have one — your rental contract. If you are starting a job, registration may be required before your first working day — when in doubt, register immediately.
Work out your personal deadline →Deadline
from taking up residence in Switzerland
Basic health insurance is mandatory and owed retroactively from entry — even if you enrol later. Choose early to avoid premium gaps.
Work out your personal deadline →Depends on nationality
How long your first permit is valid
The first validity of the B permit differs fundamentally between EU/EFTA and third countries — two different legal bases, not a mistake.
EU/EFTA nationals
5 years
The first B permit is usually issued for five years (Free Movement Agreement).
FZA Anhang I Art. 6Third-country nationals
1 year
The first B permit is usually valid for one year and is then renewed annually.
AIG Art. 33 Abs. 3 + VZAE Art. 58Not sure which group you are in? Settle your nationality class first — it determines almost everything that follows.
The card itself
This is the card you receive after registering — and what the fields that matter actually mean.
Category B
The residence permit under Art. 33 AIG: time-limited, tied to a purpose of stay, and renewable. Your B permit’s subgroup is printed on the card — it shapes access to work and family reunification.
Gültig bis (valid until)
EU/EFTA: as a rule 5 years. Third countries: as a rule 1 year. Apply for renewal in good time before expiry — under cantonal practice 2–3 months ahead (VZAE Art. 59).
A valid residence title
While valid, the card is your residence title and, together with a valid passport, lets you re-enter Switzerland.
In order
Your first steps
Register with the commune
Within 14 days, in person at your place of residence. This is what establishes your claim to the permit card.
Biometrics and permit card
The migration office invites you to have your biometric data recorded; the card is then produced.
Take out health insurance
Within 3 months, back-dated to entry. You choose the insurer for basic coverage freely.
Settle the rest
Bank account, payslip, OASI/social insurance and, where relevant, family reunification — the related deadlines are available through Clara.
Where these figures come from
Last verified: 03.06.2026
General information based on the statute articles cited — not individual legal advice. Independent lawyer sign-off is pending; the official statutory text prevails.
Legal bases
Are you here as an asylum seeker or a person in need of protection?
Then different rules and deadlines apply, and this overview may not fit your situation.
A specific question about your arrival?
Ask Clara — you get an answer with the exact statute article and the source, free and without signing up.
Ask a questionClara is an AI and does not replace legal advice. When in doubt, the platform points you to a qualified lawyer or an advice centre.