Hello


I applied for a c-permit in January. Until now I did not get any approval / denial.
I call / send email to the migration office twice a month, and they keep telling me that all documents are ok and my application is still in process and I should be patient.


I wonder: is there a legal due time which they have to inform me whether my application is accepted or not?

can it go forever like this...?

No, Yes.

Blame Covid

Even if there was a rule, as it is a Cantonal matter you’d end up with 26 different ones.

The problem is that they are not willing to issue a document stating that my request is in process. I provided my original B permit (which is already expired), so basically I feel a bit like Angela Bennett...

Don’t worry, I’ve gone months waiting for permits that have expired, and I’m still here. Anyone who might possibly ask to see your permit is familiar with the process.

Not that I can recall being asked very often.

Thanks bowlie


may I ask how did you manage with traveling outside CH? especially via airport?
They ask in border control to show the permit (if non EU passport)

I took my expired permit and any documentation I had for renewal. The Swiss border guards just bring up your file and thats it.

The lesson here is never to let your permit out of your hands without taking a photocopy

Thanks eng_ch, I did so


Still, I would prefer to have the real thing

I also applied last year in October. Still nothing. I called multiple times, emailed them, went there in person twice to ask about the progress of their assessment. Last time I was told I will get a reply in a week or two. Almost a month passed since. I don't understand why on Earth it could take so long to check 5-6 files. At least give me an official rejection so I can go to the lawyer and have him have a chat with them.

You can definitely get a document from the Gemeinde allowing you to travel.

For a fee no doubt. This is Switzerland

If you want to travel and hold a non-EU passport, you can get a “Return Visa”, traveling without it and with expired residence permit is pretty risky if you are a non-EU national.

Return visa

You will require a return visa if your visit is not governed by a permit. However, such return visa is only issued if one of the following requirements is fulfilled:

if you meet the requirements related to residence in Switzerland, but your residence or settlement permit is temporarily not in your possession;

if your application for a residence permit is pending and the Migration Office authorized you to stay here during the application procedure; or

if the Migration Office or Residents’ Registration Office is reviewing your application to extend your residence or settlement permit and you wish to go on holidays.

In order for us to assess the situation, we need to see you personally at our office. If children under the age of 18 are involved, a parent or legal guardian must be present as well.

https://www.zh.ch/en/migration-integ...halt/visa.html

I agree with SrkiKi above. If you're non-EU, to come back you should get a return visa (~90 Fr, if I remember correctly from 10 years ago).

I like that Switzerland keeps income taxes lower by using a system of user fees for many services.

-Dr. M.