Your employment contract is signed and your flight is booked. Then, at the check-in desk, it turns out you don’t have the right visa, and the journey is over before it has even begun. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, we explain who needs a visa for Switzerland, which one is the right one and what to watch out for when you apply.
It All Starts with Your Passport
Whether you need a visa depends first and foremost on your nationality. Citizens of EU and EFTA member states can enter without a visa; all they need is a valid and recognised identity document. People from all other countries, known as third countries, are in principle subject to a visa requirement. Which rules apply in your specific case also depends on why you are coming to Switzerland and how long you plan to stay.
What a Visa Does, and What It Doesn’t
Many people think of a visa as a kind of residence permit. That is a misconception. A visa gives you no right to stay, nor does it guarantee that you will be allowed across the border. Instead, it confirms that you met the entry requirements at the moment it was issued.
The 90-Day Threshold Makes the Difference
As part of the Schengen Area, Switzerland issues three types of visa through its embassies and consulates abroad: the Schengen visa, the national visa and the airport transit visa. For most travellers, however, only the first two are relevant.
| Schengen visa (type C) | National visa (type D) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of stay | up to 90 days within any 180-day period | more than 90 days |
| Valid for | all Schengen states, including Switzerland | entry into Switzerland |
| Typical reasons | holidays, short language courses | work, family reunification, marriage followed by residence, studies |
| Good to know | apply no earlier than six months before you travel | the migration office at your future place of residence must approve it first |
So if you are a third-country national and want to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you will generally need a national visa. It is only issued once the migration office of the canton where you are going to live has given its approval.
A Third-Country Passport but No Visa? It’s Possible
Not every third-country national needs a visa. A country list (PDF, German) published by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) shows whether your nationality is affected. For each country, it indicates whether a visa is required for stays of up to 90 days and for stays of more than 90 days.
For short stays, there are two further exceptions:
- Permit from a Schengen state: If you hold a residence permit from a Schengen state that is treated as equivalent to a visa, or a long-stay visa, you may enter Switzerland without an additional visa. The SEM keeps a separate list (PDF, German) of the permits that qualify.
- Visa waiver agreements: Switzerland has agreed mutual visa exemptions with numerous countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Colombia. They apply to stays without gainful employment of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Please note: a residence permit from the United Kingdom or Canada and the US Green Card do not allow visa-free entry. If you hold one of them, you can, however, apply for a Schengen visa at a Swiss representation for a short stay. This does not apply to British citizens themselves: they do not need a visa for Switzerland, whether for short or longer stays.
No Valid Passport, No Entry
Regardless of the visa, third-country nationals need a recognised travel document. It has to meet two conditions: it must remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, and it must have been issued less than ten years ago. So check your passport before you submit your application.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
Depending on the season and the type of visa, processing can take several weeks or even months. You should therefore submit your application as early as possible. For the Schengen visa there is one limit, though: you can apply no earlier than six months before your planned arrival.
Conclusion: The Right Visa Saves Time and Hassle
Whether you are coming for a holiday, a new job or to join your family, the visa you need depends on your nationality, the purpose of your stay and how long it will last. Even small mistakes, such as a passport that expires too soon or the wrong type of visa, can delay your plans by weeks.
Not sure which visa you need, or want your application prepared with care? Lauke Immigration Services will assess your situation and support you all the way to your arrival in Switzerland.
This post is for general information and does not replace advice on an individual case.
