How long until I can get permanent residence (C permit) in Switzerland?

The settlement permit (C) is Switzerland's permanent-residence status. Most third-country nationals qualify after a regular period of 10 years of residence, while EU-15 and EFTA nationals, and applicants who demonstrate particularly strong integration, may qualify after 5 years. Integration criteria include language ability, respect for the legal order and financial independence (no reliance on social assistance). The C permit is open-ended and offers the broadest rights before naturalisation, which has further residence and integration requirements.