Boundless Consultancy

Legitimation cards and legal uncertainty under financial pressure (français ci-dessous)

In Switzerland, international civil servants working for intergovernmental organizations are issued a legitimation card by the FDFA. This status, extended to family members, allows them to reside and work in the country with specific privileges under diplomatic arrangements.
However, the legitimation card is not a residence permit under the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (LEI). It is considered a temporary status by the Federal Supreme Court, and the years spent under this card do not count as regular residence. This makes it difficult to invoke legal principles such as proportionality or protections under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Since the 2018 reform of the LEI, individuals who previously held legitimation cards—especially adult children of international staff—face a very restrictive legal framework once the card expires, with no guaranteed transition to another status.
This situation is even more pressing today, as budget cuts affecting several international organizations—particularly following the partial withdrawal of U.S. funding—may result in unexpected contract terminations and legal limbo for affected families.
Swiss law does offer a few limited pathways:
Article 30 para. 1 letter b LEI allows for exceptional residence permits in hardship cases or where the individual is well integrated.
SEM guidelines make it possible for certain family members over 21 to apply for a permit if they are financially independent and have strong ties to Switzerland.
These procedures are complex and assessed on a case-by-case basis. At Boundless Consultancy, we have supported several young adults through this process, some of whom have successfully obtained a residence permit, or even a C permit.

La carte de légitimation permet aux fonctionnaires des organisations internationales et à leur famille de séjourner en Suisse sous statut diplomatique. Mais ce statut est temporaire : il ne donne pas droit à un séjour durable, même après plusieurs années passées ici.
Le Tribunal fédéral rappelle que ces années ne comptent pas comme séjour régulier, ce qui rend difficile l’application de principes comme la proportionnalité ou la CEDH.
Depuis la réforme de 2018, les enfants devenus adultes se retrouvent sans base juridique claire une fois leur carte expirée. La situation s’est aggravée avec les réductions de financement de certaines organisations, notamment américaines.
Le droit suisse prévoit quelques solutions :
Art. 30 al. 1 let. b LEI pour cas de rigueur
Directives SEM pour jeunes adultes autonomes de plus de 21 ans
Chez Boundless Consultancy, nous avons accompagné plusieurs d’entre eux, avec succès dans certains cas (permis B ou C).

Merry Christmas from our team at Boundless Consultancy 🎄

May you all have a great time!