Language certificate and integration agreement

For permit C and other permits you often need a language certificate. Here you see which certificates are valid.

German is important for your residence. For many permits you must prove your German. This is in the law (Foreign Nationals and Integration Act, Ausländer- und Integrationsgesetz, AIG).

Which level?

The SEM sets minimum requirements for people from non-EU countries:

  • Permit C after 5 or 10 years: speaking A2, writing A1.
  • Permit C early after 5 years: speaking B1, writing A1.
  • Family reunification: speaking A1, or registration for a course up to A1.
  • Naturalisation: speaking B1, writing A2.

The canton can ask for more. Ask the Amt für Migration about your level.

These certificates are valid

  • The fide test
  • The fide dossier
  • A language certificate from the list of the SEM

A course confirmation is usually not enough.

Exceptions

Some people do not need a certificate. For example: German is your mother tongue. Or you went to school in German for at least 3 years.

In case of illness or a learning disability, exceptions are possible. You must prove this.

Integration agreement (Integrationsvereinbarung)

The Amt für Migration can make an integration agreement (Integrationsvereinbarung) with you. This is a contract with goals. For example: You learn German up to a certain level.

Keep to the agreement. Otherwise the office may not renew your permit.

What you can do now

  1. Ask the Amt für Migration which level you need.
  2. Look for a German course. Ask for courses that prepare for fide.
  3. Register for the fide test: fide-service.ch.
  4. Unsure? Ask FABIA or the Amt für Migration. This app is not legal advice.

SEM, Merkblatt zum Nachweis von Sprachkompetenzen (Dezember 2022) (2026-09-21)

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