Please find below some basic information on the B permits and the way to obtain them:
 
1. It is easier for an EU citizen than for a non EU citizen to obtain such a permit

2. The permits are awarded by the canton authorities on behalf of communes on the territory of which the applicant is supposed to reside (an address must therefore be given to start the procedure and possibly a rental agreement shown - mail can be sent to this address)

3. The applicant has to fill in and send back to official forms with a passport photograph and a certificate from his insurance company attesting that he is insured also in Switzerland; he has also to indicate why he applies for a permit in Switzerland (letter)

4. After a check and if everything is ok, the negotiations will begin with the tax authorities of the canton; there will be an agreement on an annual amount that the applicant will have to pay to obtain and renew the permit (please note that part takes quite a lot of time) and said agreement is reached by the solicitor in close co-operation with the applicant (credible but acceptable figures needed)

5. The person obtaining a permit is supposed to spend most of the year in Switzerland, but no real controls are undertaken - however, it means that the person is supposed to have left (also taxwise) his country of origin without losing his nationality.

6. The whole procedure takes between 2 and 4 months; anybody can get a permit, but it is rather restrictive.

For more information please click on this link: http://www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/de/home.html