In Switzerland, foreigners who apply for social assistance (Sozialhilfe) should be aware that it can affect their residence permit (Bewilligung).
If a foreign national depends on social assistance for a longer period or to a significant extent, the authorities may:
This is especially important for the following permits:
B residence permit
L residence permit
For those who have a C settlement permit, the rules are generally less strict, but in serious cases this permit can also be put at risk.
What should you do?
Before applying for social assistance, it is advisable to:
ask for information at the Gemeinde or the Sozialamt,
seek advice from migration advisory organisations,
or check whether there are other forms of support that do not endanger the residence permit.
👉 It is always important to be well informed before making a decision, because applying for social assistance can affect the possibility of staying in Switzerland in the long term.
