Getting Your Visa in Switzerland

When is a visa in Switzerland needed?

All citizens who are members of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) do not need a visa to enter the country. However you will need a passport if wanting to cross the borders.

Countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Israel, Singapore, as well as those countries members of the Schengen area do not need a visa if staying in the country for less than 90 days.

Although a visa in Switzerland is not necessary for citizens of the Schengen area, the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), there are certain requirements you need if wanting to live there for longer than 3 months. A residency permit will be a requirement which can be requested before arriving in the country or during your stay.

All applicants for a visa in Switzerland will have to demonstrate their economic situations when entering the country, in order to be able to live there.

Types of Swiss entry visas

Airport transit visa

If you are not a part of the Schengen area, the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) then you will need a visa.

Otherwise, most airline passengers in transit to their destination via a Swiss airport do not need a Swiss visa but must have:

• A valid passport/travel ID document.
• An airline ticket for the next part of their journey.
• The relevant travel documents and visas for entering the next country.

Short-stay Schengen visa

If you’re not from the EU or EFTA, and wish to come to Switzerland and stay for up to three months. The visa that is required for staying in Switzerland for less than 90 day is the short-stay Schengen visa. This allows entry to the whole Schengen area, including Switzerland, for up to 90 days.

Long-term national visa

If you want to stay in Switzerland for longer than 90 days you have to apply for a national visa  in Switzerland which will be subject to authorisation. You will also need to apply for a residency permit.

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What documents you need for your visa

Whether applying for a short stay or long term stay visa, you will need to submit your visa application to the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country.

You will also have to provide documentation to support your application, such as:

• your passport or travel ID;
• proof of health insurance including accident cover;
• bank or salary statement to prove you have adequate financial resources.

Residency permit

Every individual staying in Switzerland for longer than 90 days needs a residence permit. The main types of residency permits are listed below:

• Permit L (short-term residence permit) – Valid for up to one year. This can be renewed but only up to 24 months in total.
• Permit B (initial or temporary residence permit) – Normally valid for one year, which you can renew. You have to have a permanent work contract of at least a year or be on a university course.
• Permit C (settlement permit) – Allows permanent residency in Switzerland.
• Permit G (cross-border commuter permit) – This permit is for those who work in Switzerland but live in another country. This is an annual permit that you can renew each year