I know a vast number of UK nationals who have obtained their C permit without the need to pass the A2 German test. I was advised last year by my Gemeinde that I would not need to pass any language tests - being British. Lo and behold when the renewal application came through it asked for the A2 diploma or no C permit until test completed.

I am sure this is the correct approach and is in accordance with the laws and regulations, was just a bit taken aback when advised by an official body that it would not be required, then this change.

1. Does this mean that I will continue to be taxed at source?
2. Can other members of my family (with fluent language skills) obtain a C permit?
3. Can I move to another Gemeinde or Kanton?

Anyone had similar experience or has more information ? It would be most appreciated.

As to 1): yes, until you have a C permit.
As to 3) Sure you can, but why have the cost of a move if you simply can do the language test? It´s A2 not C1

I was thinking more along the lines if I would be permitted to move house if needed , rather than avoid doing the test
It is not that bad actually, am almost there anyway.

Cheers

I dont get why expats expect C permits by taking shortcuts.

Its called integration. If you move to a country I would suggest it is courteous to learn the language!

Its really not that difficult and laziness and procrastination is not going to help you obtain the permit.

As a British Citizen I was already aware they would request a language certificate, I didnt take the risk of trying to wing it...Besides theyre not asking you to become a native speaker overnight...A2 level is something that can be achieved in a year.

"Lo and behold...proud owner of a C permit".

@Tigereyeali

I was not expecting to get any shortcuts , I was simply taken by surprise as regards the requirements as I was advised one thing last year and another this year, all by the officials. I did not for one moment suggest that I would "wing it" and in fact I have had the language lessons for a number of years and am more than ready for the A2, I just need to take it

Also, try not to judge other people and label them until you have walked in their shoes.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question.

Does this mean that I will continue to be taxed at source?
No. You will have to do your own tax at the end of year.

2. Can other members of my family (with fluent language skills) obtain a C permit?
If they are dependent on you the maximum they can obtain is a B permit. Otherwise they also have to take the test.

3. Can I move to another Gemeinde or Kanton?
You can but bear in mind to obtain a C permit you need to be in that canton for at least 5 years so your clock will reset.

Thanks ! This is most helpful
All the best

Where do you get this info from? If they get another B permit, they continue to pay tax as they do now.

As adrianlondon said -- no, tigereyeali's response to the first point here is incorrect.

Re. the second point, any person can obtain a C permit by going through the procedures. Your family members can obtain one independently of you. And fluency in German is not required, just A2, as you know -- and that is seriously not at all hard to achieve.

Re. the third point, I don't believe that a UK national needs to stay in one canton to get a C permit, but someone else can confirm that, I'm sure. And to answer your other question, as an EU citizen (for now), you are free to move anywhere within Switzerland on your B permit.

Must say I have never understood why there are different language rules for different immigrants??? Why?

And yes, I think everyone on EF has walked in the shoes of immigrants.

Ah, so that's why some of them don't have shoes.

The countries excepted have signed treaties (I presume reciprocity) with Switzerland.

FRom the ZH Migrationsamt, see 4.1.2.1 and 8.


http://www.ma.zh.ch/internet/sicherh...-+Internet.pdf



Belgien
 BundesrepublikDeutschland  Dänemark
 Frankreich
 FürstentumLiechtenstein
 Griechenland
 Italien
 Niederlande
 Österreich
 Portugal
 Spanien

If he is taxed at source now and he gets another B permit he will continue to be taxed at source.

The clock will not be reset for an EU national. The time required to be eligible for a C permit is 5 years total in Switzerland, it doesn't all have to be in the same canton and the clock doesn't reset if you move.

Thanks for the confirmation!

The UK is an obvious omission from that list, as is Ireland... in the case of the former, has Brexit taken effect already?!?!

They are the countries which have a recipricol agreement with Switzerland. All the other EU countries, including the UK and Ireland, obviously don't have any such agreement and the language proficiency certificate is required in some (very few actually) cantons.

My statements were based on purely if the OP did pursue in getting a C permit.

Of course its a whole different story if the OP gets a B permit again. Indeed nothing would change (as I assumed they were already on a B permit).

As per staying in the canton, I was informed when applying for my permit that I would have to wait 5 years for applying for my C permit in the same canton (ZH). If I moved and came back then I would have to apply for a B permit until I had resided 5 years within ZH.

My B-permit just came up for renewal and I was asked to show my work contract and some salary statements. I then got a C-permit through the post. It was the same for some friends of mine, but this is in Basel Stadt.

The clock for C permit will not be reset for any national, not only EU.

Thanks.
I know the rules for EU pretty well but non EU is often different so didn't want to post false information. Since the OP is EU (for now) he will be fine should be choose to move.