Learn French to obtain the C permit or renew the B permit in Switzerland : FIDE Test Preparation

Bonjour!

Learn French for your work permit in Switzerland — flexibly and online.

Living and working in Switzerland means more than adapting to a new culture — it also means learning to communicate confidently in one of the national languages. In the French-speaking part of the country, mastering French is essential for daily life, professional growth, and, increasingly, for residence and citizenship permits.

At French via Skype, we help you learn French for your C permit or work permit, and guide you step by step through FIDE test preparation — the official Swiss language exam required for residence and naturalization.

Learn French to apply for the C permit in Switzerland

The C permit (permanent residence) allows you to live and work in Switzerland indefinitely. To obtain it, foreign residents must demonstrate integration into Swiss society — and that includes having a sufficient command of the local language.

For French-speaking cantons, you need to prove your French skills through the FIDE test or an official exam such as the DELF.

The required levels for the C permit are:

  • Speaking: Level A2 or higher
  • Writing: Level A1 or higher

These levels ensure that you can communicate comfortably in everyday life, handle administrative tasks, and actively participate in your community.

Our FIDE courses for C permit French focus on helping you:

  • Strengthen your oral communication for daily interactions
  • Learn practical vocabulary for work, housing, and administration
  • Prepare for the FIDE test with targeted speaking and writing exercises
  • Build confidence to speak naturally in real-life situations

Learn French to obtain the extension of your B permit in Switzerland

If you are a temporary resident with a B permit, you will also need to demonstrate a basic knowledge of French when applying for renewal.

For most French-speaking cantons, the required level is A1 (oral), which means being able to manage everyday situations such as shopping, public transport, or talking to colleagues.

Our FIDE test preparation for B permit extension includes:

  • Focused lessons on everyday conversation and comprehension
  • Practice of common administrative and work-related phrases
  • Listening and speaking drills designed for FIDE A1 or A2 levels
  • Simulated mini-tests to build exam confidence

By improving your French skills, you not only meet official language requirements but also feel more at ease in your professional and social life in Switzerland.

What is the FIDE Test and how to Prepare

The FIDE test (Français, Italiano, Deutsch en Suisse) is the official Swiss language assessment recognized by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). It evaluates how well you can understand and communicate in real-life situations — not just memorize grammar rules or vocabulary lists.

Unlike many traditional language exams, the FIDE test focuses on practical communication skills that you’ll need every day in Switzerland. It includes four key sections:

  • Speaking: You participate in short role plays and everyday conversations, such as introducing yourself, asking for information, or solving practical problems (e.g., at the bank or post office).
  • Listening: You hear real-life dialogues — announcements, phone calls, or service interactions — and answer questions to show comprehension.
  • Reading: You read signs, forms, short messages, or public information, similar to what you encounter in daily life in Switzerland.
  • Writing: You write short texts, emails, or notes, demonstrating your ability to communicate clearly and appropriately in written French.

Each part of the test reflects how you’ll use French in real contexts, whether you’re speaking to a colleague, reading official documents, or handling everyday tasks.

Our FIDE test preparation courses guide you through each of these four skills with personalized practice, real exam simulations, and targeted feedback. You’ll learn not only how to pass the test but also how to use French confidently in your daily and professional life in Switzerland.

Learn French for Life, Work, and Integration in Switzerland

Learning French isn’t just about passing a test — it’s about building your life in Switzerland. Whether you’re preparing for a work interview, seeking integration, or applying for permanent residence, mastering French opens the door to a richer experience.

Our online French lessons help you:

  • Improve pronunciation, grammar, and fluency
  • Strengthen your listening and speaking for daily communication
  • Understand local culture and Swiss French expressions
  • Prepare effectively for the FIDE test and permit requirements

Many professionals in Switzerland face the challenge of learning French quickly for their residence or work permit renewal. Here’s some of their testimonials :

“I started my French classes with Laure a few months ago and I have to say that I am really impressed with the advance and how fast I have been able to learn with her. Specially, because now I am able to have a fluid discussion with a group of people and my pronunciation has evolved significantly. I had learnt languages with other teachers but had not experienced such a fast evolution before. Laure is a great teacher and designs the class individually. She is an active listener and has an excellent ear, so I find that she prepares the classes to help the student to improve in those aspects that are key for the student to improve in French and the results are just amazing. Looking forward to continue with my French classes with Laure and my journey to improve in French! I really recommend Laure as a teacher for anyone who wants to learn this beautiful language!”.

Carmen Miguel - lawyer
(FIDE test) Lausanne ‍

" I have had lessons with Laure for a year. One year ago I was at A1/A2 level, despite lessons and an A at GCSE level. My initial aim was to obtain the B2 DELF in order to work with French speakers, here in Switzerland. From the start Laure was able to recognise the errors I commonly made and would write these down so that I could learn them, she would then test me in the following lesson. She positively encouraged me to speak, write, read and listen throughout this time. Laure would check my written work in between lessons and was always happy to help. She even bought the B2 DELF practice exam book that i was using, so that she could help me. have been to University and had Post graduate teaching in medical studies. I can truly say that Laure is one of the kindest, most dedicated, thoughtful, professional and effective teachers that i know. She is methodical and offers structure to her lessons. She possesses the characteristics and qualities of a great teacher. I do not use this term lightly, I have had several other teachers but she stands out from the crowd. I worked hard and passed the B2 in November 2017, thanks to Laure. Since then Laure has continued to help me to gain confidence in my profession. She has shown herself to be adept at learning medical terminology as well as using different teaching styles to help me. Thank you Laure, you have helped me so much to realise my dreams. Last year, I was successful in a interview in French. In 2018 I start work in a 100% french environment. I believe that Laure can help anyone to learn French to a high level and boost your confidence at the same time. If you are motivated, she will help you. If you are discouraged she will help you find your courage. "

Dr Steve P
(DELF B2) Lausanne

“ I undertook 3 months of lessons to prior my FIDE test with Laure and was amazed by how much my French improved over this time. From A1 level that I had more or less acquired with an app, I had to reach B1 for the test. I owe a great deal of gratitude to Laure without her focused preparation, insightful guidance, and structured lessons, I would not have done nearly as well with fide without her. Even after the test, I am continuing my lessons with Laure, I enjoy them so much, and I am so delighted to now be able to get by in French in any daily situation.I highly recommend her expertise to anyone aiming to pass the French FIDE test and to anyone interested in learning French regardless of their skill level. Merci beaucoup! ”

Roxana T - Supply chain office
(FIDE test) Geneva

“ I can’t thank Laure enough for helping me prepare for my Swiss nationality interview. When we started, I didn’t have the required A2 level, and I was really nervous about speaking confidently in French. Thanks to Laure’s patient and focused guidance, we worked step by step to build my language skills, practice real interview scenarios, and boost my confidence. I reached A2 level, passed the interview and I’m now officially a Swiss citizen. I’m so grateful for Laure support throughout the entire journey. I couldn’t have done it without her. “

Caroline Roberts - Ingineer
London

To make your administrative steps easier, here are the official links to the main cantonal immigration offices in French-speaking Switzerland.

These sites provide updated information about permit renewals, FIDE test requirements, and integration support for residents in each canton.

Why Choose Our Online French Courses

Since 2014, we have helped many expatriates succeed in their language exams and achieve their French language goals, whether for work, studies, or integration in Switzerland. Our experienced French tutor is a native French speaker, certified in Français Langue Étrangère (FLE), with over 15 years of teaching experience in Europe and Switzerland.
She offers personalized, goal-oriented lessons that adapt to each student’s needs — from preparing for the FIDE test or DELF exam to improving everyday communication and professional fluency.

What makes our lessons unique

  • Personalized programs based on your level and goals (A1–B2)
  • Dedicated FIDE test preparation for both B and C permits
  • Online flexibility: learn from anywhere in Switzerland or abroad
  • Lessons available in English if needed
  • Individualized support and structured progress tracking

Build Your Future in Switzerland

Whether your goal is to renew your work permit, obtain the C permit, or apply for Swiss citizenship, learning French is the key to feeling at home and fully integrated.

Our FIDE test preparation and C permit French lessons are designed to help you reach your objectives with confidence and efficiency.

Start learning French online today!
Contact us to discover our personalized courses and take your next step toward integration and success in Switzerland.

‍À bientôt !