Which permits are there?

N, F, S, B, C, L: The letter on your permit shows your status. Here is the overview.

Your foreign national permit (Ausländerausweis) has a letter. It shows your status in Switzerland. Your rights depend on this letter.

Permits in the asylum area

  • N: You are in the asylum procedure (asylum seeker). Your decision is still open.
  • F: You are temporarily admitted. Switzerland is not sending you back now.
  • S: You are in need of protection. Switzerland gives you temporary protection.

Recognised refugees get a permit B.

Permits for residence

  • L: Short stay (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung). Valid for a short time.
  • B: Residence (Aufenthaltsbewilligung). You live in Switzerland for a longer time.
  • C: Settlement (Niederlassungsbewilligung). You may stay without a time limit.

EU/EFTA

People from EU or EFTA countries also get L, B or C. Special rules apply to them (free movement of persons).

Important

Every permit has its own rules for work, travel and family. This app will soon show them in the status guide. Until then, ask a counselling centre.

What you can do now

  1. Look at your permit. Which letter is on it?
  2. Write down the expiry date. Renew it in time.
  3. Ask FABIA what your permit means for you.
  4. Unsure? Ask FABIA or the Amt für Migration. This app is not legal advice.

SEM, Aufenthaltsbewilligungen für Nicht-EU/EFTA-Angehörige (2026-09-21)

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