L PERMIT

SHORT-TERM AUTHORIZATION TO WORK OR RESIDE IN SWITZERLAND

The “L” permit can be granted for temporary employment, for an internship after academic studies or to follow medical treatment. The short-term “L” permit is often granted to non-EU skilled workers or for an independant activity.

The application procedure

The application procedure follows the same rules as the B permit for non-EU citizens. The short-term “L” permit is also subject to yearly quotas, and the years spent under an “L” permit do not count when applying for a fast-track “C” permit (art. 34 al. 4 LEI).

For non-EU citizens, the employer must submit the application on the applicant’s behalf. A contract stipulating the length of the work to be undertaken and signed by both parties must be provided.

The employer must also submit a motivation letter, a description of the company and their employees’ work permit status and citizenship.

The employer should also motivate the reasons why it is essential for the non-European worker to be hired on a short-term basis.

It can take three to four months to receive a decision from the authorities. The SEM in Bern delivers the final decision to the employer or the legal representative.

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