I’ve heard conflicting reports about this, has anyone that has applied for Permit B recently had to provide a police report from their home country? I’ve heard some say you need to show evidence of your criminal record (or lack of one).
Coming from the US. You will need two reports. One from the FBI, and one from your local law enforcement agency. At least that is what was required of my wife and I when we moved in 2019.
I think it depends on the canton. For Valais the application form is very explicit: it asks if you have past convictions in Switzerland or abroad, and next to the "yes" box, says (if yes, include criminal record), I.e. If no, no need to include it.
Thanks for the help everyone, is there generally a timeframe that they have to be dated within, e.g does the report have to be dated within 6 months etc. again I’m sure this is different depending on the canton, I’m looking at either Zurich or Uri.
I got a non EU permit recently (UK) and I provided a semi-proof. To get the UK proof was a hassle for me so I provided them with a 2 year old badly scanned in proof I can work with children which seems to have been ok
I’d say as recent as possible. Having something a couple of years old could slow the already slow process. And the delay is more likely to be at the Federal level, IMHO.
When I went through the process coming from the US in 2018 I had to bring a criminal record extract from the FBI.
I wasn't asked for it until I had my biometrics appointment. I can't remember the actual flow - but I think I had to register at the local kries buro, then they gave me an appointment for the biometrics - which is when they asked for the criminal records extract.
I posted about my experience with the report on here in the past. It was easy in the US - but I'm not sure what you have to do if you are American, but coming from the EU.
I don't have recent info, arrived 9 years ago as non-EU national. I did not have to submit police records since I had the job contract, but wife had to submit the police records since her permit was family reunion.
Back to topic, even the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs says "sorry, we cannot help, ask directly to cantonal offices". So, it's a chore but you have to contact cantonal offices to get the info.
PS. I did not understand what is the last country of residence before coming to CH. If not the USA, select another one from the list in the first link and check for requirements. In case of doubt, ask cantonal offices.
As many others have said. US citizen, moved here to Canton of Aargau in January, 2015. Had to submit a police report/criminal record from the USA within all the other documents for a B-Permit.