I've been wondering about how the periods of residence in Switzerland are counted or calculated for naturalisation and even just for obtaining the C permit (non-expedited 10 year version). What does 10 years in Switzerland mean? Is it a sum of intervals totalling at least 10*366 days of having a B/C permit?
If I have been there in 2 distinct periods, first one for 3 years and 7 months and second one 6 years and 7 months, do they together form 10 years and 2 months (i.e. enough to be eligible for naturalisation)? Or do they count only full years, like 3 + 6 = 9 years and you are 5 months short to complete your 7th year (then it's 3 + 7 = 10 years)?
Also, do those years need to be January-December, or can they start in any month? Let's say you moved in October 10th on a B permit, does the time start then already?
Also, when does a year get counted? Is it when your registered address is in Switzelrand for more than 1/2 of the year, or when you are phisically present for more than 183 days? Are those days counted also if you left/entered that day?
Moreover, do you have to prove beyod doubt that you have been there all those days? Let's say by backtracking every single plane, train or bus ticket or financial transaction made in Switzerland to really prove you have been here? Or do you just declare the periods with a Swiss address?
One of the requirements for naturalization application is to have a C Permit (this rule was implemented in late 2017).
Regarding "normal" C Permit, it is 10 years on B permit (if you're not from.EU, UK, US or Canada - nationals of these countries can apply for normal C permit after 5 years on B).
However one could request for an early C permit based on integration VINTA route ( you need B1 level language skills for that).
In September of this year - 2024 - I will have lived and worked in Switzerland for 2 different employers. The first two years I was on the L Permit and the last three on the B permit.
I am an EU citizen and speak/read/write German at the B1 level. Will I be able to apply for the C Permit in September?
I don’t think you have a case for an exception without 5 years on a B permit.
However, once you’ve been here on a B for 5 years, you have following options open to you:
-citizen of Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Canada, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Portugal, San Marino, Sweden, Spain, Vatican, the UK (if arrived here before 1.1.2021) and the US: you have a right to a C after 5 years (I believe you have to show proof of language nowadays, but as this way was never open to me, I don’t know the details). More on these in the document " I. Ausländerbereich " available if you click on the link below.
-citizen of other countries: you can apply for an early C based on good integration (your B1 will suffice). It is not automatic and you have to file an application for an early C permit yourself. This is what we did in 2015.