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LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Work permits: Switzerland introduces new rules for language proficiency certificates

Starting in January 2020 applicants for certain work permits in Switzerland need to provide certificates from government-accredited institutions to prove their language proficiency.

Published: 31 December 2019 10:49 CET
Work permits: Switzerland introduces new rules for language proficiency certificates
FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

A new law introduce 2019 made a certain level of integration a prerequisite for obtaining and retaining a Swiss permit.

That meant authorities could ask for proof of language proficiency.

While C permit applicants have been subject to language requirements in the past the 2019 law harmonized (minimum) language requirements throughout Switzerland for C-permit applications.

It also introduced language requirements for certain B-permit applicants, notably family members of non-EU nationals.

But since January 1st, C permit applicants and dependents of non-EU nationals applying for B permit applicants have been required to obtain certified language certificates from a government-accredited institution to prove that they have sufficient language skills to communicate with ease in at least one of the Swiss national languages.

The difference in 2020 is that throughout 2019 applicants were able to produce certificates from non-accredited language schools but since the start of the New Year the regulation has tightened. You can see the official list HERE.

READ ALSO: Are new language tests putting people off applying for Swiss citizenship?

The new requirement for certified language certificate is part of the revised Swiss Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration, which was enacted on January 1st, 2019.

That law meant those dependents applying for B permit (which are long-term permits normally granted for stays exceeding 24 months) and those applying for C permits (permanent residence) would have to prove language efficiency. 

Exceptions to the 2019 language proficiency requirement were made for those whose native language is German, French or Italian, as well as foreigners who have completed primary or secondary school in one of the three languages, even if the school was outside Switzerland.

Foreigners have been warned to allow for more time to complete language courses and obtain the necessary qualification when submitting residency applications.

The new rules were designed to harmonise the language requirements for residency across Switzerland rather than the previous situation where different cantons had different rules.

Those who fail to meet the language requirements have been warned they could face consequences for example C permit holders could lose their permanent residency status and have their permit downgraded to B, which would shorten the time they are allowed to remain in Switzerland.

They would also lose certain tax advantages and may have to wait five years before they reapply for a C permit.

 

 

 

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SWISS CITIZENSHIP

Do EU residents in Switzerland need to get Swiss citizenship?

If you come from the European Union or Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein (EFTA) and live in Switzerland you may be wondering whether applying for Swiss nationality is worth your while.

Published: 23 November 2023 09:11 CET
Do EU residents in Switzerland need to get Swiss citizenship?

While many foreign residents are impatiently waiting for the moment when they will be eligible to apply for a Swiss passport, others are in no rush to do so.
 
The desire (or the lack thereof) to become a citizen of Switzerland — in addition to maintaining their original nationality, if they decide to do so — varies from person to person, depending on many different factors.

The main one is undoubtedly whether the foreigner intends to stay in Switzerland indefinitely, or plans to return home eventually.

Another reason may very well be the desire to participate fully and completely in Switzerland’s  political life and democratic processes — that is, to vote in referendums and elections, and feel that your opinion matters.

But a lot may also depend on another factor: your nationality.

For people from third countries who have lived in Switzerland long enough — 10 years with  a B or L permit — before finally being eligible for their permanent residency C permit, is a huge event. (Americans and Canadians, on the other hand, can apply for a C permit after five years of consecutive residence).

It is therefore logical that many of these people, whose status in Switzerland has been conditional and tenuous for many years, will jump on the opportunity to be naturalised and ‘regularise’ their situation.

What about people from the EU / EFTA?

Admittedly, there is far less urgency — or need, for that matter — to become a Swiss citizen if you have a passport from an EU or EFTA state.

That’s because you have an almost unlimited access to Swiss jobs and residency, as well as sweeping rights overall. For instance, you are free to change jobs and move from one canton to another.

Another benefit that you, as a citizen of an EU / EFTA state have, is that you can come to Switzerland and look for work for up to six months without any visa requirements.

Also, in case of a job loss, an EU / EFTA citizen doesn’t have to leave Switzerland immediately.

Instead, they may stay in the country for at least six months to seek new employment. 

Another perk is that if you are living in Switzerland as an EU/EFTA citizen, you can purchase property – indeed, you have the same rights in this regard as Swiss citizens do.

You do not need a permit or any additional permissions that a Swiss citizen would not require to buy property. 

READ ALSO: Just how freely can EU citizens move to (and within) Switzerland?

All this to say that you can live in Switzerland pretty much indefinitely on your EU / EFTA passport, and neither your residency nor employment is subject to the same restrictions as those imposed on third country nationals.

You basically enjoy the same rights as Swiss citizens, except for the right to vote, which may or may not matter to you.

In that respect, you don’t need a Swiss passport, especially if you don’t plan to remain in the country longterm.

However…

…if you do want to continue living in Switzerland, it may be worth your while to apply for naturalisation, if only out of pragmatism.

That’s because if you leave the country for more than six months on a B permit, you will lose the residency rights (though can re-apply to have them re-established).

With a C permit, you have the benefit of putting it on hold for up to four years. But if you neglect to do so, then the permit (and your permanent residency status) will expire.

READ ALSO: How long can I stay out of Switzerland and keep my residency rights?

So in this respect at least, having a Swiss passport will give you more flexibility and security.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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