Getting residence in Switzerland (Zug)
Switzerland separates EU/EFTA citizens (agreement) and non-EU (quotas). Zug is a canton, not a visa route: immigration is federal/cantonal.
The essentials · reside · July 2026
For comparing a residence title: timeline, cost, limits.
1–3 months
B permit (EU/EFTA)
$200–$1,500
3–9 months
Non-EU permit (quota)
$1,000–$5,000
3–6 months
C permit (settlement)
$200–$800
The routes
- B permit (EU/EFTA) — Annual renewable B permit
- Non-EU permit (quota) — L or B permit by duration, limited annual quota
- C permit (settlement) — Permanent C permit (unless revoked)
Who it fits
- B permit (EU/EFTA) — EU/EFTA citizen with contract or self-employed
- Non-EU permit (quota) — High qualifications, employer proving no local/EU candidate
- C permit (settlement) — 5–10 years legal stay depending on nationality
Paths by category
Indicative thresholds, timelines and fees. Verify with official sources and local counsel.
EU free movement
B permit (EU/EFTA)
EU free movement
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- Zug/other canton contract
- Commune arrival notice
- Cantonal permit
- Card
Sources: sem.admin.ch
Work / employment
Non-EU permit (quota)
Work / employment
Residence permit
Temporary
Process steps
- Employer offer
- SEM/canton dossier
- Quota
- Entry visa if required
- Permit
Sources: sem.admin.ch
Naturalisation / long stay
C permit (settlement)
Naturalisation / long stay
Permanent residence
Permanent
Process steps
- Documented B years
- Integration/language per canton
- C application
- Card
Sources: sem.admin.ch
How to read the paths
Each card combines a category (how you qualify), an outcome (what you get) and duration (renewable title or permanent). RBI ≠ CBI: the first grants residence, the second a passport.
- EU free movement : EU/EEA citizens register their stay. A consular visa is a different route.
- Work / employment : Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
- Entrepreneur / company : Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project. A passport is a different outcome.
- Passive income / retirement : Stable income (pension, dividends, rent) without local employment.
- Nomad / remote : Remote work for an employer or clients outside the country.
- Residence by investment : Investment or financial threshold leads to residence. A passport is a different outcome.
- Citizenship by investment : Investment or contribution → passport (programmes often restricted).
- Naturalisation / long stay : After years of legal stay: PR, ILR, C permit, etc.
- Other : Visit, transit or routes outside the frames above.