Executive summary
In Switzerland, EU-/EFTA-nationals with a short-term residence permit (L permit), a long-term residence permit (B permit) or a permanent residence permit
(C permit) have received their permit cards in paper form. Starting on 1 November 2019, the current permit cards will gradually be replaced by credit-card sized permit cards. This renewal is also applicable to cross-border commuters (G permit), family members of the diplomatic corps pursuing a gainful activity (Ci permit), asylum seekers during asylum procedures (N permit) and provisionally admitted foreigners (F permit).
The changeover for existing permits started on 1 November 2019 and runs through 30 June 2021.
Key points
As the current permit card in paper form no longer complies with today’s safety requirements, the Federal Council has decided to change its form factor to a credit-card format for the following permit types:
- EU-/EFTA-nationals with a short-term residence permit (L-permit)
- EU-/EFTA-nationals with a long-term residence permit (B-permit)
- EU-/EFTA-nationals with a permanent residence permit (C-permit)
- Cross-border commuters with a G-permit (independent on their nationality)
- Family members of the diplomatic corps pursuing a gainful activity (Ci-permit)
- Asylum seekers (N permit)
- Provisionally admitted foreigners (F-permit)
The new permit cards contain an integrated photograph and signature. The government considered the option of a card with a chip containing biometric data as is used for third-country nationals but is not progressing with this due to concern over alignment with Freedom of Movement principles in the Schengen area (a multi country, borderless travel zone in continental Europe). Furthermore, the government did not believe that such a system would bring a fundamental improvement for key holders such as EU/EFTA-nationals, cross-border commuters and family members of the diplomatic corps.
For those obtaining a new card, their photograph and signature will be obtained at the responsible migration authority, although there is a possibility that some migration authorities will facilitate collection at local community offices. The institutional practice of the different cantons will show if migration authorities will allow local community offices to perform the photography and signature collection.
Next steps
The permit cards in paper form will gradually be replaced between 1 November 2019 and 30 June 2021. The concrete introduction date lies within the discretion of the cantonal migration authority and thus might differ from canton to canton. As from 1 July 2021, all cantons will issue credit card sized permit cards. The replacement of the current permit card in paper form into the credit card format is made when a permit is issued or renewed. Current permit card in paper form remain valid until their expiry date.
