🛂 Visas & Permits
Moving to Switzerland – or even just visiting – means dealing with Swiss visas and residence permits. The rules can seem complex, but this page breaks down the basics in simple terms.
Swiss Immigration in 1 minute
✈️ Staying less than 90 days (tourism, short business)
EU/EFTA: no visa.
Most “western” passports (US, UK, AUS, etc.): visa-free
Everyone else: Schengen C visa from a Swiss embassy
Schengen rule = 90 days in any 180-day window. No paid work unless you’re an EU/EFTA employee using the 90-day online notification ↗.
🏠 Staying more than 90 days (work, study, family, retirement)
Residence permit issued in Switzerland after arrival. Entry procedure differs:
EU/EFTA enter visa-free and register within 14 days
Non-EU/EFTA need a national D visa first, then the permit
Permits come in flavors L, B, C, G, Ci. See full breakdown of residence permit types.
Short stays (up to 90 days)
If you don't need visa (EU/EFTA, US, UK, AUS), just come with your passport.
If you need visa, apply at the Swiss embassy/consulate where you live. Standard docs: passport, form, travel insurance, itinerary, proof of funds, maybe an invitation letter.
Coming for work?
Long stays (more than 90 days)
EU/EFTA citizens
Enter Switzerland with passport/ID
Within 14 days: register at your commune (town hall) → get L or B permit.
Bring: passport, rental contract or host letter, employment contract / study letter / proof of funds, health-insurance details.
For a detailed overview of the process, see our EU/EFTA citizens guide to immigration.
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Non-EU/EFTA citizens
Before travel: employer/family/university in Switzerland secures cantonal approval.
With that green light, apply for a D visa at the embassy.
Enter Switzerland, then register within 14 days → receive L or B permit.
Detailed overview in our Non-EU citizens guide to immigration.
Work permits are quota-controlled and tied to the sponsoring employer. Students must prove funds & intent to leave after studies (unless they land a qualified job).
Family reunification needs adequate housing + income from the Swiss resident.
Practical tips
Start early: visas 6 months ahead, work-permit cases 3–4 months.
Register fast: 14-day rule for long stays, and when you change address.
Mark expiry dates: apply to renew 2-3 months before your permit ends.
Job changes (non-EU): new employer must re-apply; don’t switch first.
Learn the local language: A1–A2 often needed later for renewals or C permit.
Official > Kraa: Rules change. Always double-check on sem.admin.ch or your canton’s migration site.
Official links
SEM (State Secretariat for Migration): sem.admin.ch
Swiss-Visa platform: swiss-visa.ch (online applications/appointments)
ch.ch portal: plain-English explanations on permits, work, family reunion
Discussion and questions
about Visas and Permits