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B Permit - Self-Employment (Selbständige Erwerbstätigkeit)
SwitzerlandSwitzerland•Europe
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B Permit - Self-Employment (Selbständige Erwerbstätigkeit)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

CHF 120

Stay Duration

1 year (Non-EU) or 5 years (EU/EFTA); Renewable

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Self-employment residence for qualified entrepreneurs with CHF 100K+ capital and 3+ years experience, offering PR pathway.

The Swiss B Permit enables self-employed individuals to establish independent businesses in Switzerland. It targets skilled professionals who demonstrate viable economic activity and financial self-sufficiency, typically with CHF 100,000+ investment. Unlike standard employment visas tied to a specific employer, this permit authorizes managing one's own enterprise subject to cantonal approval.

The permit lasts 1 year for non-EU nationals or 5 years for EU/EFTA nationals, renewable with progression to permanent residency. Application fees start at CHF 120; processing takes 6–12 weeks through cantonal and federal (SEM) review. Spouses can work without restriction; dependents are allowed. Approval hinges on cantonal assessment of business viability and economic contribution.

This visa is ideal for highly qualified professionals with substantial experience launching independent ventures in technology, research, consulting, or specialized sectors.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

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B EU/EFTA — B Permit - Employment (Aufenthaltsbewilligung EU/EFTA)
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Validity5 years
ProcessingVaries
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Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Proof of financial self-sufficiency and viability of the business activity

Evidence of professional qualifications relevant to the business

Registration with the cantonal compensation office (AHV/AVS)

For non-EU/EFTA nationals: Must demonstrate that the business provides a lasting positive influence on the Swiss labor market and serves the economic interests of the country

For EU/EFTA nationals: Must certify the existence of the planned self-employed activity

Valid passport

Certificate of Good Conduct (if requested by cantonal authorities)

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

3+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed cantonal application forms

Detailed business plan

Proof of professional qualifications (diplomas, certificates)

Financial statements or bank statements showing business growth and personal capital

Proof of registration in the commercial register (if applicable)

Proof of registration with social insurance (AHV/AVS)

Client contracts, invoices, or business agreements

Valid passport

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Path to permanent residency (C Permit) and naturalization available
  • Spouse and dependents can work and reside unrestricted
  • No job offer required; establish your own business autonomously
  • Processing time improved to 6–12 weeks with transparent cantonal + federal review
  • Dual intent permitted; can plan PR while working on business
  • Renewable permit allows long-term planning (up to 5 years for EU/EFTA)
  • No minimum income threshold; only financial viability of business required

Worth Knowing

  • Requires minimum 3 years professional experience in relevant field
  • Subject to cantonal quotas; non-EU nationals face stricter restrictions than EU/EFTA
  • Remote work not permitted; business must operate within Switzerland
  • Mandatory comprehensive health insurance and registration with AHV/AVS required
  • Business must demonstrate lasting positive impact on Swiss labor market and economic interests

Application Process

1

Develop business plan

Create detailed business plan with market analysis, financial projections, investment amount

2

Register business

Register business with cantonal commerce registry

3

Demonstrate capital

Show proof of investment capital (typically CHF 100,000+)

4

Apply for residence permit

Submit application to cantonal migration office

5

Cantonal assessment

Canton evaluates business viability and economic benefit

6

Permit approval

B permit issued upon approval

Application Forms

Self-Employment Permit Application—

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