SWITZERLAND
Switzerland has great employment prospects, a stable climate, and a good standard of living. Even if the visa system has particular criteria, it may be managed with the right help. Switzerland, officially known as the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country in western-Central Europe. It shares borders with five other countries: Germany to the north, Lichtenstein and Austria to the east, France to the west, and Italy to the south. Despite its modest size, Switzerland has great international significance because of its robust economy, breathtaking scenery, and unique way of life. Switzerland has an online visa system that facilitates the application process for various visa types. Depending on your purpose (work, study, family reunion), you can apply through this system. Switzerland offers an exceptional quality of life, with beautiful landscapes, efficient public services, and a strong sense of security.
Here are some popular visa types available for Switzerland
Switzerland offers several types of visas to cater to different purposes of travel and stay.
- Swiss Tourist Visa (C-Visa):
- Commonly known as a tourist visa or visitor visa, this type of visa is granted for holiday trips, whether with family or solo.
- The validity of the Swiss tourist visa is 90 days, allowing you to travel throughout Switzerland and the Schengen area1.
- Swiss Airport Transit Visa (A-Visa):
- The Swiss transit visa is for international airport passengers who intend to make a stop at any Swiss airport during their travel to a destination outside the Schengen area.
- It allows transit passengers tstay in the airport for a limited period1.
- Swiss Student Visa:
- If you’re planning to study in Switzerland, the student visa allows you to stay for the duration of your academic program.
- You’ll need to provide proof of enrollment in an accredited Swiss educational institution2.
- Schengen Visas for Medical, Cultural, or Business Purposes:
- These Schengen visas are specific to various purposes, such as medical treatment, cultural events, or business meetings.
- They allow short stays within the Schengen area, including Switzerland.
To apply for a visa to migrate or work in Switzerland, follow these steps:
If you're considering migrating or working in Switzerland, there are numerous types of visas available depending on your situation.
- Schengen Visa (Short-Stay):
- The Schengen Visa allows entry and a stay of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days.
- It’s suitable for purposes such as tourism, visits, short-term language studies, and more.
- If your stay involves gainful employment, a work permit is also required1.
- National Visa (Long-Stay):
- Also known as Type D, this visa is for longer-term stays in Switzerland (more than 90 days).
- It is issued subject to authorization from the cantonal migration authority competent for your intended place of residence in Switzerland.
- The application must be submitted well in advance, as the process can take several weeks or even months
Visa that allows you to work
If you’re interested in working in Switzerland, you’ll need to obtain a work permit:
- Foreign Nationals and Work Permits:
- Most foreign nationals require a permit to work in Switzerland. The specific procedure for obtaining a permit depends on your nationality and the type of employment you’re seeking1.
- Whether you’re from an EU/EFTA member state, the UK, or a non-EU/EFTA country, you’ll need to go through the appropriate process to secure a work permit.
- Types of Work Permits:
- B Permit (Short-Term Permit): This permit is typically issued for a limited duration (e.g., for specific projects or temporary employment). It allows you to work in Switzerland during that period.
- C Permit (Settlement Permit): EU/EFTA applicants who have lived in Switzerland for at least 5-10 years can apply for a C permit. It grants indefinite residence and work rights, similar to what other countries refer to as "permanent residence"2.
- Insurance and Other Considerations:
- Remember to take out health insurance and other necessary coverage while working in Switzerland.
- For more detailed information, you can visit the official Swiss government website on Working in Switzerland as a foreign national
Visa that allows you to migrate
- For EU/EFTA Citizens:
- If you’re an EU/EFTA citizen, you can move to Switzerland freely due to the Freedom of Movement Act. You won’t need a visa to enter Switzerland, but you must register and apply for a Swiss residence permit if you plan to stay longer than three months.
- Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, which means citizens of Schengen countries can also move to Switzerland without a visa but need a residence permit for longer stays.
- For Non-EU/EFTA Citizens:
- Non-EU/EFTA citizens face stricter rules. You’ll likely need to apply for a Swiss long-stay (national) visa before entering the country.
- After obtaining the long-stay visa, you can proceed to apply for a Swiss residence permit.
- Common reasons for immigration include work, study, or joining family members or a spouse1.
- Steps to Move to Switzerland:
- Apply for a Swiss work visa, study visa, or family visa based on your purpose.
- Obtain the appropriate residence permit.
- Consider aiming for the Swiss C Residence Permit, which is the permanent residence permit.
