Dear Experts,

I am an Non-EU (3rd world country) working in Zurich close to 3 years. For first 2 years, I had a L Permit and since Dec 2007, I have B permit.

I have read in this forum (sticky post for non-EU), since Jan 2008, B-permit holders can change jobs without authorization. This is also mentioned at following link (Art. 38 Erwerbstätigkeit).

http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/142_20/a38.html

I have checked my permit and "Aufenthaltsbewilligun" is mentioned on my permit.

Does this mean that, if I get an offer from another company, I can easily change job without much trouble?

Thanks for help and appreciate your feedback.

Yes and no... your new employer has to fill out a form...

Thanks Lynn for your quick reply. Can you please help me to answer further questions.

1. In what case your answer is no?
2. Which form is required to be filled by new employer?
3. If new employer is willing to hire me and I sign the offer letter, do I need some special letter from my current employer (like there is no position for me at current employer, etc.)?

Thanks again for your help.

As you have a B permit you gain certain "privileges" this means that you have more freedom to move around but technically you are still tied to your employer and the issuing authority (Kanton). HOWEVER, unlike an L-permit, unless there are extenuating circumstances such as a criminal record you will have your permit renewed easily. Your Aufenthaltsbewilligung is not the same as your Arbeitsbewilligung. You need the first to get the second and usually you'll need aproval for the second to get the first (confused yet?? )

Once you receive a job offer your new employer simply must inform the authorities that you are now working for them. Really the paperwork lies on their side not yours. It goes a bit like this:

You resign

Current employer informs authorities

You sign new contract

New Employer sends copy of contract in to authorities

Everyone happy ...

HOWEVER, I am a Swiss national, have never had to deal with this other than for employees... so PLEASE do not take what I say to be the 100% truth.

Thanks a lot Lynn for answers. It helps

Does anyone has recent experiance with similar situation?

Dear All,

I need your expert advice on one question.

How do I know that my permit is a long term or short term permit. Is there a way to make out by looking at the permit?

Thanks for your answers.

Long term could be over two years. Short term is less. Check the date on the permit. Note academics who are EU who have contracts for less than one year, get a short term permit, regardless of EU status. So no B for five years.