
The Swiss government has decided to modify the format of certain categories of work and residence permits for foreigners living and/or working in Switzerland. In this blog, we look at this recent development.
Previously, some permits such as work and residence permits for EU/EFTA citizens came as paper IDs with a passport picture of the permit holder glued onto them and tucked in a plastic envelope about twice the size of a regular credit card.
This has changed: Beginning, November 1, 2019, freshly issued permits of some permit types have begun to be replaced by regular credit card-sized plastic permits containing the biometric data of the permit holder.
The change affects the following permit categories:
- EU/EFTA citizens (L, B, C Permits)
- Cross-border commuters (G-Permits, all nationalities)
- Working spouses and children of members of foreign representations and international organisations (Ci-Permits)
- Asylum seekers during the asylum procedure (N Permits)
- Temporarily admitted asylum seekers (F Permits)
- Persons in need of protection (S Permits)
For the affected permit applicants this means that they will need to have their biometric data taken in order for the permit to be issued. Previously, this process was only applicable for non-EU nationals with B and long-term L permits – with this change all of the above-mentioned permit holders will need to complete the biometric data collection to obtain their permit. This data collection can be completed together with local registration or at a separate appointment, depending on the canton.
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.

Media mentions

Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.

Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.

Media mentions

Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.

Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.

Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.