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Limited and permanent residence
Swiss citizens may live where they like in Switzerland. Foreign nationals, however, have no legal right to live or settle in Switzerland without a permit. Since the bilateral agreements (Freedom of Movement Agreement and the revised EFTA Convention) came into force, regulations applying to EU / EFTA nationals with regard to living and settling in Switzerland are different from those applying to third country nationals. Regulations regarding the residence of foreign nationals seeking or who have been granted asylum are based on the Asylum Act.
Generally speaking, the cantons are responsible for taking decisions about the limited or permanent residence of foreign nationals, in some cases with the authorisation of the Federal Office for Migration (FOM). The Confederation, however, has a right of veto. The cantonal immigration authorities are responsible for registering foreign nationals. Foreign nationals must register with the residents' registration office within 14 days of their arrival in the commune where they will be living.
Back to Overview Residence permits
