ARRIVAL AND STAY
REGULATION OF STAY
Residence in Switzerland is governed by different permits. The most important are the short stay (less than 1 year), residence (for a limited period of time) and permanent residence permits (for an unlimited period of time). The conditions for grant of a permit depend on the reason for your stay and your nationality. In particular, a distinction is made between whether a person comes from an EU/EFTA country or a third country.
You register with the residents’ registration office for the municipality where you live. Even if you have already lived in another Schaffhausen municipality, you should register in person with the residents’ registration office.The most important permits for foreigners are:
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MIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND PASSPORT OFFICE
The canton of Schaffhausen’s Migration Department and Passport Office are responsible for administering the federal government’s foreigner legislation. Information about immigration, residence permits and subsequent admission of family dependents can be obtained from there.
SUBSEQUENT ADMISSION OF FAMILY DEPENDANTS
EU/EFTA citizens can normally be joined by their family dependants irrespective of their type of permit. Family dependants are deemed to be spouses, parents and children who are not yet 21 or who still receive maintenance or support. Taking into account the statutory requirements, people from countries outside of EU/EFTA can submit an application for subsequent admission of family dependants (spouses and unmarried children under the age of 18) to the residents’ registration office in the municipality where they live. It should be noted that there are specific deadlines for subsequent admission of family dependents. Detailed information and corresponding application forms can be obtained from the cantonal office of migration.
INITIAL INFORMATION
People who have just moved into the canton will receive information and advice about living and working conditions in Switzerland and the canton. The Residents’ Registration Office provides initial guidance and information when people register in the municipality to which they have moved. There is also the option to have an appointment for a free-of-charge meeting with specialist integration service, Integres, to obtain advice.