I am one of the many people who have been given an L Permit inspite of having an unlimited contract.

I do understand the basic difference between B and L permits, but how does having an L permit affect me in my daily life, versus a B permit? What are the things that I cannot do, e.g.: can I apply for a credit card, provided I meet the other conditions?

We were given L Permits in our first year here. Here are some of the problems we experienced:

We couldn't get a mobile phone contract, Swisscom wanted CHF 500 deposit to get our landline connected, two rejected applications for a credit card, renting an apartment was difficult because they will choose people who have permits with a longer duration over you. Ended up renting an expensive apartment that no one else wanted.

I (the spouse) was given a permit that said "without work" instead of "looking for work" that made finding a job impossible.

The next year they issued another L and I complained because my husband's contract was > 1 year. B Permits were then issued for us and I found work 6 days later

I would complain. Good luck !

The Swiss Government issues the residence permit. Banks and credit-card companies issue credit cards.

Each bank has its own policies. If you already have a credit-card from your previous country, then a Swiss issuer would give you one here.

Ask the various Banks and credit-card companies. Also try the retailers, e.g. CoOp, Manor, Migros, etc.

Of course I know that getting a credit card depends on bank policies, but I am just asking for experiences here and my question is not limited to credit cards, but to all the things that touch your daily life here as a foreigner.

As a non-EU 3rd country national, I also will have to appear for a driving test to change my driving license. Did anyone have a problem with this on an L Permit?

No, I passed the driving test first go after 4 lessons and not driving for 5 years. The test was from 8-9am during the school/work rush hour and on the first day of snow for the year too

HTH

That is a relief to know!

I also am wondering about the AHV pillars and the unemployment insurance that an employer deducts from one's salary. Are these deductions (and benefits) applicable to L Permit holders too?

Every resident must pay taxes. Every employee must pay all social-security contributions. Nationality and permit status are irrelevant.

Contributions to the 3a provident fund are voluntary irrespective of nationality and permit.

But is one entitled to the benefits of the social security contributions just in the same way as a B Permit holder is? I didn't want to assume this to be possible, thus I ask.

L can't claim benefits if you lose your job, but you have to make monthly contributions...go figure that one.

is this still valid ? I thought L permit holders can get unemployment benefits.

It was never valid given the right circumstances - don't forget there are several different L permits both EU and non EU.

Hi,
Swissbob, could you please enlighten me: I hold an L permit, my second one. I was told at the Gemeinde that I would get another L (the third one) valid for 6 months, and afterwards I might get the B.
My question is: is it posible? I knew that one could get an L for only 2 years. I am from EU2, Romanian citizen.
On the other hand, my company (HR) says that having an unlimited contract I would get a B, there is no doubt about it.
Thanks

EU2 are such a special case .

You will get the B permit. There is no "might" about it.

another important difference is that the B permit comes in a boring grey plastic pouch, whereas the L permit comes in a mauve/lavender pouch.

Hah! You tell me..it seems that now we got restrictions that even non-EU don't have! I honestly wish we were out of this EU thing, because either you are a part of it, or you are not - and this seems to be the case re. our work rights not just in CH, but across EU too. But we will show them.

Bob, no. Apparently EU-2 has a "special" agreement with CH, therefore I will get an L for another 6 months (all in all could be 30mth). (as I said, the EU membership brought us NOTHING but trouble, travelling free of visas in the EU was some years prior to our accesion). More restrictions than for the non-EU??? This is outrageous.
The good news is, though, after that they cannot deny my B permit.
Of course I dont' care too much, it is only a question of principles...

LE: We are not that special. One of my colleagues is coming from EU-8 and last year he got the same permit. Probably it was just before the restrictions for the EU-8 have been lifted. Not that I feel better...well, in fact I don't really care, it is only some bureaucratic stuff.