Permit B in Switzerland: when Ukrainians need to renounce S protection

In the Swiss canton of Aargau, the transition from S status to an independent B permit through employment involves a conditional renunciation of temporary protection. At the same time, regular employment of Ukrainians in Switzerland does not require such a transition. This is reported by the Aargau authorities .

The renunciation takes effect only upon the final approval of the B permit. If the application is rejected or withdrawn, the S status is retained. This procedure applies specifically to the Aargau process, so it should not be automatically transferred to other cantons.

Transition from S status to an independent B permit

The Aargau procedure is intended for qualified specialists. The application is submitted by the employer, not the employee. Among the conditions, professional training, compliance of salary with local standards, economic needs, and availability of a quota are considered.

A labor contract alone is insufficient for guaranteed receipt of B. Instead, with S status, one can work after proper notification of the competent authority about employment.

The conditional renunciation in this procedure also applies to the spouse and minor children with S status. With a positive decision, they receive B permits through family reunification.

It is important to distinguish this option from B, which is issued after five years of continuous residence under S status. As SEM explains, such a permit remains linked to temporary protection. This distinction is also considered in the rules of S status.

What to check before signing the renunciation of S status

Before signing the Verzichtserklärung, it is advisable to obtain written explanations regarding:

• the legal basis for the B permit;
• the conditions under which the renunciation of S will take effect;
• permits for the spouse and children;
• the consequences of losing employment and conditions for further extension of B;
• the procedure in case of withdrawal or rejection of the application.

Obtaining B after five years of protection does not by itself terminate S status. SEM explicitly states: “The S protection status remains valid”. Such a permit is valid as long as the Federal Council maintains temporary protection.

Therefore, before changing the basis of residence, it is essential to clarify which specific B is being processed and what conditions will apply to the entire family. Questions regarding residence and work in Switzerland should be clarified with the migration authority of the relevant canton.