The L short-stay permit is intended for foreigners who come to Switzerland for a limited period, generally linked to a fixed-term employment contract or a specific assignment. Less well-known than the B and C permits, it meets specific needs of the Swiss labour market and is governed by a distinct legal framework. PBM Avocats advises you on the L permit and assists you in the steps for obtaining and renewing it in Geneva and Lausanne.
What is the L Short-Stay Permit?
The L permit (short-stay authorisation) is governed by art. 32 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA). It is granted to foreigners who stay in Switzerland for a fixed period, generally less than 12 months. It is distinct from the B permit (temporary residence, more than one year) and the very short-stay permit (less than 3 months, often without formalities for EU/EFTA nationals).
| Category | L permit duration | Quotas? | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EFTA nationals (contract 3–12 months) | Duration of contract | No | AFMP |
| Third-country nationals (1–12 months) | Max. 12 months | Yes | Art. 32 FNIA |
| Third-country nationals (4 to 12 months) | Max. 12 months | Yes (annual quota) | Art. 32 + 20 FNIA |
| EU/EFTA — conversion to B | After 12 continuous months | No | AFMP |
Federal Quotas for Third-Country Nationals
Third-country nationals (outside EU/EFTA) who wish to obtain an L short-stay permit of more than 4 months are subject to the annual quotas fixed by the Federal Council. These quotas are limited, distributed among the cantons according to their economic weight, and rapidly exhausted at the beginning of the year in cantons with strong economic activity such as Geneva and Vaud.
The quotas also apply to qualified workers (managers, specialists) from third countries. The employer must obtain authorisation from the cantonal authority before the worker begins working, and must demonstrate that no Swiss or EU/EFTA worker is available (priority principle, art. 21 FNIA).
Conditions for Obtaining
- Fixed-term employment contract (for workers)
- Professional qualification corresponding to the position held
- Compliance with the priority principle (no local worker available)
- Compliance with the customary salary and working conditions of the sector
- Available cantonal quota
- Absence of serious criminal conviction and no risk to public order
Conversion of the L Permit to a B Permit
For EU/EFTA nationals, if the initial short-term employment contract is extended beyond 12 months or replaced by a contract of indefinite duration, the L permit is automatically converted to a 5-year B permit. This conversion is a right and does not require a new assessment of the conditions.
For third-country nationals, conversion of the L permit to a B permit is possible if a B residence authorisation can be granted according to the general conditions (available quota, qualified position, etc.). This conversion is not automatic and must be applied for.
Rights and Obligations of the Holder
- Professional activity authorised only for the employer mentioned in the permit
- Social insurances: complete coverage (OASI, DI, IC, UI, AAIA) identical to permanent residents
- Health insurance mandatory (FHIA) from 3 months of residence
- Registration obligation with the cantonal migration authority within 14 days
- Mandatory return on expiry of the permit unless a new title is obtained
PBM Avocats assists you in obtaining the L permit and planning your professional stay in Switzerland. We advise you on the best route to regularise your long-term status and represent you in the event of difficulties with the migration authorities in Geneva and Lausanne. For questions relating to your right to work in Switzerland, consult us.
Frequently Asked Questions on the L Short-Stay Permit in Switzerland
What is the maximum duration of an L permit in Switzerland?
The duration of the L short-stay permit varies according to the holder's origin. For EU/EFTA nationals whose employment contract is between 3 and 12 months, the L permit is granted for the duration of the contract. For third-country nationals, the L permit may be granted for a maximum of 12 months (art. 32 FNIA), renewable under certain conditions. L short-stay permits of less than 4 months are subject to annual quotas fixed by the Confederation for third-country nationals.
Can the L permit be renewed after 12 months?
For EU/EFTA nationals, if the initial short-term employment contract is extended beyond 12 months, the L permit is converted to a 5-year B permit. For third-country nationals, renewal of the L permit beyond 12 months is possible under restrictive conditions: it may in principle not exceed 24 months in total and requires a justified reason (specific project under way, training, etc.). At the end of the maximum period, the worker must in principle leave Switzerland or find a way to obtain a B permit.
Do quotas apply to EU/EFTA nationals?
No. Nationals of EU and EFTA member states benefit from free movement under the AFMP and are not subject to federal quotas. Third-country nationals (outside EU/EFTA), however, are subject to annual quotas fixed by the Federal Council. These quotas are limited and distributed among the cantons according to their economic weight, and are rapidly exhausted at the beginning of the year in cantons with strong economic activity such as Geneva and Vaud.
What rights does the holder of an L permit have in Switzerland?
The holder of an L permit is authorised to work in Switzerland for the employer mentioned in the permit. They do not have the right to freely change employer without a new authorisation (except for EU/EFTA nationals after 12 months of continuous work). They cannot settle permanently, do not benefit from cantonal freedom of movement and their residence rights are tied to the professional activity. They are however covered by Swiss social insurances (OASI, DI, IC, UI, AAIA) like any worker in Switzerland.
Can the spouse of an L permit holder come to Switzerland?
For EU/EFTA nationals holding an L permit of at least 12 months, family reunification with the spouse and children is possible under the AFMP. For third-country nationals holding an L permit, family reunification is in principle not possible, as the period of residence is too limited. Exceptions exist for situations covered by art. 8 ECHR (family life). PBM Avocats analyses the possibilities on a case-by-case basis.