Swiss Ci permit: eligibility and application for family members
Ci is relevant only in a diplomatic or qualifying international-organisation family context. An eligible family member obtains an FDFA attestation, then applies to the canton with an employment contract, job offer or self-employment plan. Hungarian citizenship alone does not qualify.
What is a Ci permit?
A Ci permit is not a general EU/EFTA permanent-residence permit and is not a type of C permit. The official FDFA guidance describes it as a residence permit with access to employment for eligible family members living in Switzerland with staff of diplomatic or consular representations, or qualifying international organisations, who hold an FDFA legitimation card.
Hungarian citizenship alone does not create eligibility. An ordinary Hungarian worker normally considers an L or B EU/EFTA permit; later settlement is governed by the C-permit rules.
Who may qualify?
A spouse or eligible family member living with the principal FDFA legitimation-card holder in Switzerland.
An unmarried child who entered for family reunification and was registered with FDFA before age 21.
A family member with an employment contract, job offer or documented intention to become self-employed.
From age 25, children must regularise residence under ordinary immigration law. Marriage, divorce, childbirth, illness or a job change alone is not a general route to Ci status.
Application process
Confirm eligibility with FDFA Protocol using the principal card type and family relationship.
Request an FDFA attestation using the official Ci attestation form.
Obtain an employment contract, job offer, or self-employment description and business plan.
Submit the attestation and work evidence to the residents registration office of the canton of residence and exchange the legitimation card for Ci.
For a regulated profession, secure any required professional authorisation before practising.
FDFA states that work may generally begin after filing with the cantonal office, unless the profession needs prior authorisation. Ask the canton for its current fee; no nationwide amount is promised here.
Validity and end of status
The permit follows the employment contract or self-employment for up to two years and cannot extend beyond the principal holder’s official duties. It can remain in use while the principal remains eligible and the family member works or receives unemployment benefits. It becomes invalid when the principal loses entitlement to the legitimation card.
For EU/EFTA nationals, the Ci permit is valid throughout Switzerland, but a job change must be reported so the cantonal or communal office can amend the permit.
Employment, tax and insurance
Employment under Ci is subject to ordinary Swiss law. Employment income is taxable, and Swiss social and accident-insurance duties apply. Compulsory Swiss health insurance can also apply in EU/EFTA family situations. Confirm the individual classification with the employer and responsible authority.
Incorrect claims to avoid
Ci is not permanent residence for EU/EFTA nationals.
Ci is not a general permit based on divorce, childbirth, illness or hardship.
Ci is not the C permit and is not automatically valid for five years.
Do not publish generic fee or penalty ranges without cantonal evidence.
If there is no diplomatic or international-organisation context
Start with the Hungarian-citizen residence overview. Use the L-permit guide for short employment and the C-permit guide for settlement. These are three separate search intents.
Last factual review: 2 August 2026. FDFA Protocol and the canton of residence provide the binding case-specific guidance.
In Brief
The Ci permit enables eligible family members living with certain FDFA legitimation-card holders to work in Switzerland. It is not general permanent residence or a variant of the C permit.
Key Takeaways
- Ci is not C and is not permanent residence.
- Eligibility requires a specific FDFA family context.
- An FDFA attestation and cantonal application are required.
- A child must have entered for family reunification before age 21.
- Validity is up to two years and within the principal holder’s official duties.