Hi all,

Obviously it seems an old question. However, it is still not clear for me after checking all the old articles.

I am a non-EU and finishing my PhD soon in Zurich. I just got an offer from a company in Canton Aargau, which means my potential B permit would be issued in Canton Aargau.

Here are my questions:

(1) Can I work in Canton Aargau but live in Canton Zurich? Are there any potential issue?

(2) If the answer is yes from (1), the income tax would be based on Canton Aargau or Canton Zurich?

(3) Ideally I would like to apply for early C permit in 2 years (4 years student B from Canton Zurich + 2 years normal B from Canton Aargau). In this case, will those 4 years B from Canton Zurich still be recognized? Is it based on "where the work permit was issued" or based on "where I live"


Thanks in advance!!

You can work in Aargau and live in Zürich. It maybe that your employer just needs to apply for your work permit in Aargau.

You pay taxes where you are physically resident. In this case Aargau. I

You have to have permission from both cantons if you want to live and work in different places. There was a thread recently where someone got refused by the canton they wanted to live in.

Similar advice to above - your employer will need to ask Canton Aargau first if they will permit it, then you will need to talk to Canton Zurich.


Otherwise, you'll need to move Cantons (it will be assumed that if Canton Aargau issue the work and residency permit, you will live and work in that Canton.

In this case obviously Zurich.

For permit C your previous place of resident do not mater.

Dear zhmle,

Could you give an update on your situation regrading the work and residence permits?

Were you able to apply to reside in Zurich and work in Aargau? If so, could you explain the procedure?

I obtained my L permit in canton Zug and started living in Zurich on the same day after registering with my local council. My ID card was then issued by canton Zurich. I continue to work in Zug. I have lodged my tax return in Zurich. My permit expires soon and I am not sure who is going to renew it, i.e. is my employer meant to apply for renewal in Zug or Zurich. Is it going to be another L or a B permit? I have a permanent contract, plus shares in the company.

If you are non EU and on a tied permit, your employer needs to ask for extension of the permit.
Having stock in the company does not impact the decision of the type of permit.
For most non EU it is 2 years on an L permit.

Do you perhaps know where, Zug or Zurich?

You live in Zurich, and your permit is issued in Zurich. So Zurich.

No, Zug, at least for the work authorization part of the permit. Whether the employer firsts sends it to migration in the canton of residence who then forwards it to the AWA in canton of work or the employer sends it directly in the canton of work, I'm not sure, but either way the AWA (or whatever its called in each canton) of the canton of work had to approve right to work, and that's the first step of the process.

I am living in another canton from where I work, and my permit is issued in the canton I live with.

The procedure is:

1. Fill out the renewal form when the permit arrives in my home canton.
2. Get the attestation from my HR in my work canton.
3. Apply in my home canton with those two documents (and whatever else they want).
4. The home canton then contacts the work canton to confirm my employment.
5. The work canton contacts the work Gemeinde/Commune,
6. They then confirm employment to the home canton.
7. The home canton issues the permit.