Immigration & permits in Lausanne

Residence permits in Vaud pass through two offices. The Service du contrôle des habitants in Lausanne builds the file and collects the fee, and the cantonal Service de la population (SPOP) decides; a decision can be contested first within the SPOP and then before a court (Canton of Vaud, checked 21 Oct 2026). The SPOP then sends an invitation to the Centre de biométrie in the Flon quarter, where an appointment is compulsory and the recorded data stay valid for five years, a period separate from the permit's own validity (Canton of Vaud, checked 21 Oct 2026).

A B permit for a third-country worker rests on a contract of more than 24 months or an open-ended one and is renewed every year; the employer files the request (form 1350) with the commune where the company has its seat, and the Service de l'emploi charges a CHF 400 fee (Canton of Vaud, checked 21 Oct 2026). A move from another canton needs the SPOP's prior authorisation, and a B permit holder has a right to change canton unless unemployed or subject to a ground for revocation (Canton of Vaud, checked 21 Oct 2026).

Newcomers register with the Service du contrôle des habitants at Rue du Port-Franc 18. The registration deadline is 14 days (2026) (lausanne.ch, checked 21 Oct 2026). Arrivals from abroad or from another canton book a counter appointment and attend in person with a complete file (lausanne.ch, checked 21 Oct 2026), and the city's fee schedule sets CHF 30 for registering an arrival (lausanne.ch, checked 21 Oct 2026). For the national rules, see registering at your commune.