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Verified rules

Renewing a residence permit

The renewal window, the latest date to apply, who handles it in your canton and what to bring.

Civena’s verified rule set covers 5 steps for this situation. Which of them apply depends on your canton, commune, permit and household.

Rules checked against official sources on 23 September 2026.

Work out my steps

Renewing a residence permit: key deadlines

Renewing a residence permit: what you may have to do

Before applying

  1. Your renewal window opens

    CantonDeadline: Earliest application date

    You can apply to renew your permit no earlier than three months before it expires. Prepare your documents now so you can apply as soon as the window opens.

    Why
    VZAE Art. 59 and 63 set the earliest date.
    Authority
    Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Report incorrect information

  2. Apply to extend your B permit

    CantonDeadline: At the latest 14 days before expiry

    Apply between three months and two weeks before expiry. Depending on the canton, you apply to the cantonal migration office or to your commune. You may stay in Switzerland while the renewal is pending.

    Why
    The application must be submitted at the latest 14 days before expiry (VZAE Art. 59).
    Authority
    Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Documents
    • Current permit card
    • Passport or identity card
    • Passport valid at least 3 months beyond the permit expiry (non-EU/EFTA nationals) (in some situations)
    • Expiry notice, if you received one from the canton

    Where to apply, by canton (ch.ch) (ch.ch, opens in a new tab)

    Report incorrect information

  3. Renew your C permit card

    CantonDeadline: At the latest 14 days before the card expires

    Your settlement permit itself is unlimited; the card is issued for a five-year control period. Present it to the cantonal migration authority for renewal between three months and 14 days before it expires.

    Why
    AIG Art. 41 and VZAE Art. 63.
    Authority
    Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Documents
    • Current permit card
    • Passport or identity card
    • Expiry notice, if you received one from the canton
    Report incorrect information

  4. Contact your cantonal migration office about your permit

    CantonNeeds verification

    Renewal rules for this permit type depend on your situation. Civena has not yet verified the procedure; contact your cantonal migration office well before expiry.

    Why
    Unverified procedure — routed to review.
    Authority
    Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Report incorrect information

  5. Expect a biometric data appointment

    Canton

    Biometric permit cards are issued by your canton of residence, which also records your biometric data. Stored data can be reused for five years, so you may not need a new appointment.

    Why
    SEM: biometric permits for third-country nationals.
    Authority
    Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)
    Report incorrect information

Renewing a residence permit: official starting points

Frequently asked questions

My permit is expiring: what do I have to do?
Depending on your situation, the steps include: Apply to extend your B permit; Renew your C permit card.
Apply to extend your B permit: what is the deadline?
At the latest 14 days before expiry. The application must be submitted at the latest 14 days before expiry (VZAE Art. 59).
Renew your C permit card: what is the deadline?
At the latest 14 days before the card expires. AIG Art. 41 and VZAE Art. 63.