Temporarily admitted foreign nationals are persons who have been ordered to leave Switzerland and return to their native countries but in whose cases enforcement of this order has proved unlawful (violation of international law), unreasonable (genuine risk to the foreign national concerned) or impossible (for technical reasons of enforcement). Their temporary admission is therefore an alternative measure. Temporary admission may be ordered for a duration of twelve months and be extended by the canton of residence for further twelve months at a time. A person who has been temporarily admitted is permitted to work anywhere in Switzerland. Their employer must simply notify the competent cantonal authority when employment begins and comes to an end. If a person who has been temporarily admitted subsequently applies for a residence permit, the procedure is governed by Article 84 paragraph 5 of the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act.
This permit does not serve as evidence of the holder’s identity.
Change of canton
The SEM assigns asylum seekers to a canton for the duration of the asylum procedure (assigned canton). The assignment to reside in a specific canton remains in force even after provisional admission has been granted. While the asylum procedure is pending or during the period of provisional admission, the foreign national concerned may at any time submit an application to the SEM to change cantons, i.e., an application to amend the original assignment decision. A subsequent change to the original assignment decision is made in cases of family unity, in cases of serious danger to asylum seekers or other persons, and – outside of these two circumstances giving rise to a claim – with the consent of the two cantons concerned. Under certain conditions, persons granted temporary admission are also entitled to change cantons if they are employed in another canton. Subject to Article 62 AIG and provided they are not unemployed, refugees granted temporary admission are entitled to change cantons. However, once an asylum application has been legally rejected without an order for temporary admission, a change of canton is generally no longer granted. Applications for a change of canton by provisionally admitted persons are not approved if there are reasons under Article 83(7)(a) or (b) AIG.
Application form
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Last modification 10.11.2025
