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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.

What you may have to do

Before the move

  1. Your renewal window opens

    Canton: 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.

    Authority: Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

  2. Apply to extend your B permit

    Canton: 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.

    Authority: Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

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

  3. Renew your C permit card

    Canton: 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.

    Authority: Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

  4. Contact your cantonal migration office about your permit

    Canton: 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.

    Authority: Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

  5. Expect a biometric data appointment

    Canton: 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.

    Authority: Cantonal migration office (sem.admin.ch, opens in a new tab)

Official starting points

Frequently asked questions

What do I have to do: Renewing a residence permit?
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.