Temporary protection: Switzerland
🛰️ Varta monitors 7 official sources for this country — checked daily.
Legal basis: Swiss national law: status S (Asylum Act AsylG art. 4; Federal Council decision). NOT the EU directive. • status valid until 04/03/2027 • already extended until 04/03/2028
Steps
- 1
Cross the border
Visa-free entry.
📍 Border crossing💳 Free - 2
Register in the canton
Apply for S status at the cantonal migration office (SEM — State Secretariat for Migration coordinates). You receive an S-Permit — residence, work, healthcare rights.
📍 Canton / SEM⏰ As soon as possible💳 Free - 3
Health insurance and aid
Health insurance is mandatory (KVG); subsidies exist for low incomes. Social aid via the canton/commune social service.
📍 Insurer / social service💳 Insurance is paid (subsidies exist)
Documents
Foreign passport
requiredChild’s birth certificate
requiredProof of residence before 24.02.2022
if availablePhoto
requiredUkrainian Embassies and Consulates
Map
Document samples and how to fill them
Surname and first name in LATIN letters as in the passport.
Format DD.MM.YYYY.
Foreign passport number.
Address in Switzerland: street, number, postcode, city.
❌ Name in Cyrillic ❌ Missing signature
As in the passport.
Format DD.MM.YYYY.
S-Permit number (protection status).
❌ No insurance arranged (mandatory) ❌ Forgot about subsidies
Benefits
Labour market access
S-Permit holders.
How to apply: Automatic
Social aid
Families without income.
How to apply: Canton/commune social service
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Where to apply
Cantonal migration office
What happens after protection ends
After protection: B/C permit on other grounds (work, study, family), C permit (permanent residence) after 5-10 years.
What happens when protection ends
These are options for the future — you will need to choose ONE, and not now.
These routes are available outside temporary protection — work, study, family, business, etc.
The description below is a general scheme, similar across countries. Check exact requirements, fees and timelines via the official link in each card — they differ by country and change over time.
💼 L/B residence permit
Those with a valid employment contract in this country.
Passport; employment contract; proof of residence. Authority: Cantonal migration office.
- Foreign passport
- Employment contract
- Proof of residence
- Health insurance (optional)
Cantonal migration office
The employer or the applicant files; the immigration authority decides.
Before the current status or permit expires.
- Collect the card/decision
- Register address and social number
Renewable together with the contract.
Processed per national rules; often before entry.
🎓 Study — Switzerland
Enrolment at an accredited institution.
Acceptance letter; proof of funds; housing; insurance.
- Foreign passport
- Acceptance letter
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance (optional)
Cantonal migration office
Apply via the institution or the immigration authority.
Before the semester starts.
- Register at the institution and locally
Yearly with continued studies.
Processed per national rules; often before entry.
👨👩👧👦 Family reunification — Switzerland
Spouse, children or relatives of a resident or citizen.
Marriage/birth certificates; housing; sponsor income.
- Foreign passport
- Marriage/birth certificate
- Sponsor income proof
- Proof of residence
Cantonal migration office
The sponsor or family files; documents need apostille and translation.
Before the current status expires.
- Collect the family member card
Renewable; a path to permanent residence.
Processed per national rules; often before entry.
🏢 Self-employment/business — Switzerland
Company or self-employment registration; business plan or contracts.
Registration documents; tax number; funds; housing.
- Foreign passport
- Company/self-employment registration
- Business plan or contracts (optional)
- Proof of residence
Cantonal migration office
Register the business, then apply for residence as an entrepreneur.
Before the current status expires.
- Tax registration and bank account
Tied to the company activity.
Processed per national rules; often before entry.
🏠 Permanent residence — Switzerland
Usually after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
Stable income; housing; integration/language per national rules.
- Foreign passport
- Income proof
- Proof of residence
- Language/integration certificate (optional)
Cantonal migration office
Apply once the required residence period is met.
After the required residence period is met.
- Obtain permanent resident status
Permanent status; card replaced periodically.
Temporary protection time often counts towards the period (per national rules).
Opportunities: housing, jobs, grants
7 verified programmes: housing support, job portals, business grants, free courses — with direct official links and verification dates. Available with Varta.
Forms & samples (PDF)
FAQ
What is the S-Permit?
Status S in Switzerland — residence, work, healthcare. The current date is 04.03.2027, and on 19.08.2026 the Federal Council decided not to lift the status before 04.03.2028. Both dates are correct: the second is already adopted in advance.
Is insurance mandatory?
Yes, basic KVG insurance is mandatory and paid; subsidies (Prämienverbilligung) cover part for low incomes.
Where do I apply for protection?
At the cantonal migration office of your residence. SEM coordinates at the federal level.
This information is for reference only and is not legal advice.