C Permit einfrieren / freeze

[Bowlie]

A C is a permanent residence visa. If you decide to change your residence then you are no longer a permanent resident. Freezing of a C are for those permanent residents that temporarily have to change their residence for a short period of time.

[3Wishes]

@Bowlie

Freezing of a C are for those permanent residents that temporarily have to change their residence for a short period of time.

For example, someone I know was sent abroad by their Swiss employer for a few years. The C permit was frozen for that time and granted again upon return. The whole family “pulled up stumps” but was able to “put down roots” again when they got back.

[litespeed]

@3Wishes

and granted again upon return

Again, the decision is subject to local adjudication/discretion…it’s not a given. I wouldn’t undertake such a step without written confirmation from the local authorities.

[Phil_MCR]

@3Wishes

was sent abroad by their Swiss employer for a few years

I think this is the clearest ‘safe’ example. You are sent for work for a limited time (often known in advance how long) and expected to return.

[litespeed]

@Phil_MCR

I think this is the clearest ‘safe’ example. You are sent for work for a limited time (often known in advance how long) and expected to return.

This is often a key adjudication point: Are you being “sent” to another country, or are you going on voluntarily.

[BelgianMum]

If the decision has been taken to allow the permit to be frozen then you are guaranteed to get it back upon your return as long as you return within the specified time frame.

Whether the permit freeze is allowed to happen in the first place is at the discretion of the authorities. Some cantons are more accommodating than others.

[3Wishes]

I see your point. It’s possible some people think that simply leaving = freezing the permit, which is not the case at all.

I was providing one example based on first-hand knowledge of one family. The freezing had to be approved in the first place, and the permits had to be physically handed over to the local authorities before departure. The family returned to the same municipality, because that’s where their house was and where the job was still permanently located. The family did have to re-register upon return to Switzerland and new C permits were issued.

@Yuezhou if we haven’t overwhelmed you already , the bottom line is that you need to ask your local authorities for the specific conditions relating to freezing a C permit and getting it back, and to be aware of the potential downsides.