Visas for Switzerland

If you’re planning to visit or move to Switzerland, you’ll need the right visa or residence permit. Whether you’re here to ski down the Alps or take up a job in Zurich’s financial district, Switzerland has strict but clear entry requirements.

Different rules apply to European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nationals compared to those from other countries. Non-EU/EFTA citizens face stricter conditions, particularly for long-term stays.

Visit visas for Switzerland

If you’re from the EU, EFTA, or a visa-exempt country such as the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, or South Korea, you can visit Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

If your country isn’t on the visa-exempt list, you’ll need a Schengen visa. This allows you to travel within the Schengen zone for up to 90 days. Applications must be submitted at the Swiss embassy in your home country.

To apply, you’ll need to provide:

• A valid passport
• A completed application form
• Proof of financial means
• Confirmed accommodation details
• Travel itinerary

Visa processing times can vary, so apply well in advance. Common reasons for rejections include insufficient financial proof, missing documentation, and weak ties to your home country.

Useful links

• Swiss Government Visa Information
• Schengen Visa Guide

Residence permits for Switzerland

If you stay in Switzerland for more than three months, you’ll need a residence permit. Permits are issued by cantonal immigration offices, and each canton has different quotas for non-EU/EFTA workers.

The Swiss government has set a cap on annual work permits, split roughly evenly between long-term B permits and short-term L permits. These quotas mostly apply to highly skilled workers in sectors like engineering, IT, and healthcare.

Getting a residence permit depends on your nationality, employment status, and financial resources. EU/EFTA nationals have an easier time than those from outside the bloc.

Residence permits for EU/EFTA nationals

If you’re from the EU or EFTA, securing a residence permit is relatively straightforward. You’ll need to register with the local migration office within 14 days of arrival, submitting proof of employment or sufficient financial means.

If you’re self-employed, you must demonstrate that you can support yourself financially. Some industries, like healthcare and IT, see more relaxed approvals due to labour shortages.

Residence permits for non-EU/EFTA nationals

Getting a Swiss residence permit is trickier if you’re from outside the EU/EFTA. Most permits are tied to a job offer, and employers must prove they couldn’t find a Swiss or EU worker before hiring you.

The biggest challenge is finding a company willing to sponsor you. Swiss authorities prioritise skilled professionals in high-demand fields, so if you’re in engineering, finance, or healthcare, your chances improve.

Work permit rejections often stem from:

• Not meeting salary thresholds
• Lack of specialised skills
• Quota limitations

Once you secure a job, your employer will apply for a Residence Permit Assurance (Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung). After approval, you’ll receive the document, which you must present when entering Switzerland. Once you arrive, register at your local migration office to finalise your permit.

Useful links

• Swiss Residence Permits
• Official Swiss Immigration Portal
• Swiss Embassies and Consulates

Visa regulations can change quickly, so check with your embassy or the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration for the latest updates.