I have searched through the threads and haven't found an answer to my question....so here goes. If there is another thread that has the answer and I haven't found it please direct me there. Thanks!!!
Are permit quotas different based on the canton? We are potentially moving to Luzern. (waiting on confirmation on the job) I have seen many posts about permits in Zurich being at the quota, but I wasn't sure if that meant that all other cantons as well.
Thanks so much!!!

Yes, the issue of permits (and quotas that apply) is a cantonal responsibility. Check out this page - it's not entirely accurate (Switzerland joined the list of Schengen states recently) but the permit info is broadly correct.

This pdf looks to be more accurate and more comprehensive (see page 6, for example).

I suggest you contact the relevant office in Luzern for accurate information.

In case you want to check out how many permits are per canton, check:
http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/1/142.201.de.pdf

page 36 - short term permits (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligungen)
page 37 - residence permits (Aufenthaltsbewilligungen

Cheers,

Christian

Christian, thanks for this. The long term residence permit limit is 2,000, which is consistent with my understanding. However, the table on page 37 indicates there are 1,000 for the Cantons, and another 1,000 for the Bund. Does anyone know what the 1,000 for the Bund are for - are those allocated to the Cantons in a discretionary manner by the Bund?

Wow. thanks for the info. That really isn't that many permits. That surprises me.

Google translate rocks!!!!

If I got it right, then the 1,000 is available by the Federation to "balance the economic and labor market needs between the cantons."

Hi, do you mean canton approves you only if you are qualified and they have the quota. In other words: Get the approval from canton means gets the quota?