IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Swiss officials now require residence permit applicants to provide a recognized language certificate to show that they meet applicable language requirements.

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2020.
  • Visas/permits affected: B (temporary residence) and C (permanent residence) permits.
  • Who is affected: Dependent spouses of Non-EU/EFTA B-permit holders, B-permit holders seeking renewal, foreign nationals seeking permanent residency (C permits) except for nationals from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
  • Next steps: The list of recognized language certificates is available online in German, French, and Italian.

Background: Switzerland adopted new language requirements for residence permit applicants in 2019. These rules are generally as follows:

Type of residence   Required level of proficiency
Permanent residence (C permits) based on 10 years of residency A2 level in oral language skills, A1 level in written language skills.
Permanent residence (C permits) based on five years of residency B1 level in oral, A1 level in written language. Nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain are exempt.
B residence permits based on family reunification A1 or equivalent oral skills in the language of the place of residence.
Spouses and registered partners of Swiss citizens and of C-permit permanent residents A2 level in oral language skills, A1 level in written language skills.
Naturalization B1 level in oral language skills, A2 level in written language skills.

Throughout 2019, authorities in the Swiss cantons had the authority to decide which certificates were acceptable to establish the required level of language proficiency. This changed Jan. 1 when authorities throughout Switzerland began requiring “language passports” or other recognized language certificates.

Analysis & Comments: While language requirements themselves have not changed, applicants will be required to provide a recognized language certificate when submitting residence applications. Failure to do so may lead to unnecessary delays in the application process.

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