Source: https://www.bfm.admin.ch/content/bfm/en/home/themen/einreise/faq.0039.html
Timestamp: 2015-04-26 20:57:47
Document Index: 591326253

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'arts 2', 'Art. 13', 'Art. 13', 'Art. 63', 'Art. 21']

FAQ – Frequently asked questions - SEM
Living and Working in Switzerland Registration procedure for short-term work in Switzerland
Living and working in the EU (EURES)
Implementation of the new constitutional provisions on immigration
Integrated Border Management (IBM)
Biometric residence permits for foreign nationals
Young professionals (trainees)
Humanitarian Tradition
Basic principles of asylum legislation
Swiss Asylum procedure
The Dublin Procedure
Asylum and return Compendium
Social assistance for asylum seekers, provisionally admitted persons and those in need of protection
Social assistance for persons with refugee status
Emergency assistance for persons who have received a final decision dismissing their application and ordering their removal
Reports on the effects of the withdrawal of social assistance
Absence of identity paper
Organisation of return journey
European migration policy / EU
Foreign Population Statistics
Contacts for media representatives
International Law sources
Please note that the general visa and entry procedure is described in detail in our information sheet:
Entry to the Schengen Area / Visa Procedure (PDF, 47.39 KB)
1. General information on entry and visa procedures
2. Special information on Schengen
3. Border-crossing / Travel documents
4. For hosts in Switzerland
5. Travelling in the Schengen area with a Swiss residence permit
6. Questions on granted or refused visas
7. Long-term residency in Switzerland (more than 90 days) / Employment in Switzerland
8. Other questions
Making an appointment at the Embassy – submitting/completing a visa application form – documents required
Unfortunately, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) cannot provide any information in this matter. Please contact the Swiss Embassy responsible for the area in which you reside:
The relevant information can usually be obtained directly from the Embassy’s website.
What are the requirements for entry into Switzerland?
Swiss citizens have an unrestricted right to enter Switzerland. All that is required is to show a valid Swiss passport or ID card.
If the person does not have a travel document, he/she may enter Switzerland if Swiss citizenship can be proven or shown to be plausible. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) therefore recommends that the following documents be presented:
Photocopy of a valid passport or ID card,
An expired travel document,
An official document showing the person’s identity and/or citizenship (e.g. driver’s licence).
EU or EEA citizens must satisfy the following entry requirements:
They must present a valid ID card or passport;
They must not pose a threat to public order and security.
Croatia: See chapter 3, question «I am a Croatian national. Is my identity card valid for entry?»
Family members of an EU, EEA, Swiss, or third-state citizen must satisfy the following entry requirements:
They must present a valid passport;
If necessary, they must obtain a specific residence permit from a Schengen country or a visa;
List of residence permits issued by Member States
Regardless of their citizenship, the following are considered as family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens:
The spouse or registered unmarried partner of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen. Registered partnership status must be based on legislation in effect in the corresponding country of citizenship and this status must be established as legally equivalent to marital status in both the member state and host country;
A direct descendant under the age of 21 of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen and his/her spouse or registered unmarried partner. The family will be responsible for providing for this person's basic necessities for the entire duration of his/her stay in Switzerland;
A relative in an ascending line of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen and his/her spouse or registered unmarried partner. The family will be responsible for providing for this person's basic necessities for the entire duration of his/her stay in Switzerland.
Citizens of all other countries must meet the following conditions to enter Switzerland:
They must be in possession of one or more valid travel documents in order to cross the Swiss border;
Annex 2, Part 1 Add. 1–4 and Parts 2, 3 and 5
If required, they must also have a valid visa;
If the third-state national holds a residence permit issued by a Schengen country, then this document shall be considered as equivalent to a visa.
Temporary stay permits shall not be considered as equivalent to a visa, since these documents are only issued for the period of time required to review an initial application for a residence permit or an application for asylum.
They must not remain longer than the maximum period of time established for stays within the Schengen Area.
They are able to demonstrate the purpose and circumstances of their stay in Switzerland and/or the Schengen country(ies) to be visited.
They have sufficient financial resources to cover the entire duration of their intended stay as well as the return trip to their country of origin, the transit trip through a third country, or can obtain the necessary financial resources by some other lawful means.
The Schengen Information System (SIS) or national database does not list their names as persons who have been denied entry.
They pose no risk to public order, domestic security, public health or international relations with a Schengen country.
Please check the visa requirements for your nationality under the following link:
Annex 1, List 1: Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality
Schengen visas are valid for Switzerland and all other areas of the Schengen member states (providing nothing to the contrary is noted on the visa).
You are permitted to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
You have no legal right to a visitor’s visa.
If you have any questions, you should contact the Swiss Embassy responsible for the area in which you reside:
What type of visa is appropriate for my travel purpose? What visa application form do I need to complete?
A Type C visa is required for short-term stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period and destined for tourist purposes, such as visiting relatives or friends, participating in sports or cultural events, for business, and schooling or study programs. Type C visas are valid for the entire Schengen area, which is why they are commonly referred to a Schengen visas.
To apply for a Schengen visa, please go to Schengen visa application and complete the visa form.
Please note that people intending to come to Switzerland for the purpose of pursuing gainful employment, are required to hold both a valid Schengen visa and work permit.
A Type D visa is required for stays of more than 90 days. This visa is a national visa, issued to people who wish to stay in Switzerland legally and for a prolonged period of time. Stays subject to type D visa requirements need to be previously authorised by the appropriate authorities Type D visas are typically issued to people wishing to work or study in Switzerland, and for purposes of family reunification or lengthy medical treatment.
To apply for a Type D visa, please go to Type D visa application and complete the visa form.
How long does the visa procedure take?
Once a Swiss representation has considered a Schengen visa application to be admissible, the application will, as a rule, be processed and a decision taken within fifteen days. Applications are considered to be admissible if the representation has received the applicant’s passport, photo, and identity documents, and if the applicant has been fingerprinted and the visa fee been paid. Under certain circumstances, the period for processing an application may be extended by 30 to 60 days.
Dealing with applications for a national (Type D) visa falls under cantonal jurisdiction. Stays subject to Type D visa requirements must be previously authorized by the competent authorities. The time cantonal authorities need to process an application may vary according to canton and purpose of stay. For detailed information, please turn to the competent cantonal migration authorities: Cantonal immigration and labour market authorities
The cost of submitting an application is EUR 60. An additional EUR 60 is charged for a renewed application following a rejection. This amount does not include processing fees.
I'd like to apply for a humanitarian visa
The Federal Assembly, on 28 September 2012, approved a priority bill amending the Asylum Act, thus abolishing the possibility of applying for asylum from abroad. However, people of non-Swiss citizenship who for compelling reasons feel required to leave their home countries and wish to apply for asylum in Switzerland may file a visa application with a Swiss diplomatic representation. The representation will determine whether compelling reasons exist warranting the issuance of a visa for Switzerland. Applicants are eligible for a visa if it may be presumed that they are in imminent and serious danger of bodily harm. People who for compelling reasons have left their home countries and are staying in a third state are considered at no risk.
The diplomatic representation that receives an application for asylum for humanitarian reasons examines whether the application meets all requirements. In case of doubt, applications are submitted to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for final assessment. If the information provided by applicants proves to be true and the circumstances they face in their home countries are such that they cannot reasonably be expected to stay there any longer, an entry visa allowing entry to Switzerland will be granted.
For more information on the Swiss asylum procedure, please visit:
For information on airport transit, please check the following link, page 1, point 2.1:
Annex 1, List 2: ID and visa provisions: particularities regardless of nationality
I cannot reach the Embassy
Please note the opening hours of the embassy and check local public holidays (information is usually available on the embassy’s website). Alternatively, you could try sending the embassy an e-mail:
If you still have problems reaching the embassy, you could also try contacting the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Bern, which is also responsible for dealing with any complaints made about an embassy.
I cannot download the visa application form. What should I do?
You can find the visa application form on our website:
If you cannot download the form from the Internet, try again later. Sometimes it helps to restart the computer or close all other programmes.
If you are still not able to attain the form from the Internet, send us an e-mail or contact the Swiss Embassy responsible for your area:
Vistor’s visa – period of validity
If you are travelling on a visitor’s visa, you may stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. After this, you must leave the Schengen area and reapply.
You do not have a legal right to a visitor’s visa.
I have heard that the rules for the calculation of the amount of time that foreigners may remain within the Schengen Area without a residence permit have changed. Where can I find more information about the new rules?
More detailed explanations on the subject can be found on the page Entry.
Obtaining a visa during travel abroad
In general, you have to apply for a visa at the Swiss Embassy responsible for your place of residence, at least two months in advance.
If you cannot do this, please contact the next Swiss Embassy:
Entry of persons not requiring a visa
If you enter Switzerland and do not require a visa, you may be questioned by border guards about the purpose of your visit and your financial means. You may be turned away at the border if you do not have sufficient financial means and cannot provide any information on where you will be staying in Switzerland and the purpose of your visit. One of the conditions of staying in Switzerland is that you have sufficient financial means for the duration of your stay (about 100 CHF per day).
Therefore it can be useful if a personal invitation from the host can be presented or if the entering person is collected by the host personally from the airport. This is not imperative, however.
Entry into Switzerland by stateless persons
For detailed information on entry provisions for stateless persons, please go to our homepage and visit the following link, page 7, point 2.5:
If you have any questions, you can contact the Swiss Embassy responsible for the area in which you live:
Addresses of Swiss Embassies abroad
In Switzerland, can entry visas be issued at external borders?
As a general rule, third-country nationals subject to visa requirements who are not in possession of a visa when crossing the external border will be refused entry.
In clearly defined cases, however, a visa can be issued.
Third-country nationals must satisfy the stipulated entry requirements and provide proof that time constraints prevented them from applying for a visa in advance, and that unforeseen circumstances or compelling reasons have forced them to travel.
Short-term visas are issued for a maximum of 15 days, and the visa is valid, in principle, for entry only.
How long may a foreign national remain within the Schengen Area?
Short-term stays may not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
The entry and departure days are included in the calculation of the total duration of the stay.
Entry with a Schengen visa
Schengen visas are accepted in conjunction with a valid travel document for entry into Switzerland. If not otherwise noted, the Schengen visa is valid for all Schengen member states.
The authority responsible for issuing the visa is the embassy of the country in which you plan your main stay. If you are travelling to various countries, it is the embassy of the country that you plan to visit first.
It does not matter which airport you arrive at or depart from, providing you stay no longer than 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area. The number of entries applies to the whole of the Schengen area and not just to individual member countries (if not otherwise noted on the visa). Therefore you may travel throughout the whole of the Schengen area on the same visa for the duration of its validity.
Please note that Great Britain, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area and you therefore require separate visas for these two countries. The Principality of Liechtenstein has been part of the Schengen area since 19 December 2011.
If you have any questions, please contact the Swiss Embassy responsible for the area in which you reside:
I have a Schengen residence permit – do I require a visa for Switzerland?
Here you will find a list of the residence permits allowing visa-free entry into Switzerland for a maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period:
Please note that people who hold a valid residence permit from Great Britain, Ireland, Canada or who have a Green Card from the USA and wish to enter Switzerland may be subject to visa requirements. These requirements have been in effect since 12 December 2008.
If you have any questions, please contact the Swiss Embassy nearest to you:
I have a Type D visa containing an entry saying "Suisse". Does this visa authorise me to travel around in the Schengen area?
On 5 April 2010, Type C and Type D visas were given parity of treatment as far as freedom to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period is concerned.
I have a residence permit for GB/ Ireland/ USA/ Canada/ Bulgaria/ Romania/ Cyprus/ Croatia – do I require a visa for Switzerland/Schengen?
Persons holding a residence permit from Great Britain, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia and Canada or a Green Card from the USA may require a visa to enter the Schengen area. Applications for a Schengen visa can be submitted to a Swiss Embassy.
For details, contact the Swiss Embassy responsible for the area in which you live:
I am a third-country national and subject to visa requirements if I want to enter the Schengen area. Further, I am holder of a British, a Romanian or a Bulgarian residence permit. My spouse has British citizenship. Do I need a visa if I wish to enter the Schengen area? Do I have to pay for it?
Yes, you need a visa to enter Switzerland. If you want to enter any other Schengen state, you need to check with the diplomatic representation (consulate) of the country you want to go to whether you need a visa. Since your spouse has British citizenship, Switzerland issues the visa free of costs, always provided that your spouse is travelling with you.
Annex 2: List of Residence Permits issued by the Member States
Why is my British residence permit (EEA Family member Residence Documentation) not listed in the list of residence permits issued by the member states (Annex 2 to the Schengen Manual)?
The UK is a EU member state but not a Schengen state; therefore, my British residence permit (EEA Family member Residence Documentation) is not listed in the Annex 2 to the Schengen Manual.
Schoolchildren resident in Switzerland
Schoolchildren from third countries whose travel documents and/or residence permits do not entitle them to enter a member state of the EU or EFTA without a visa can nevertheless travel without a visa if a separate list of the schoolchildren is presented in the context of school excursions. For travel to Great Britain, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, those responsible for the schoolchildren should enquire with the respective embassies whether the country in question recognises the school list issued by Switzerland.
The list is only valid for schoolchildren under 18. They are required to travel as a member of a group and need to be accompanied by at least one teacher.
The names of the schoolchildren who are holders of a residence permit type N, F or S can also be added to such a list. If a schoolchild does not hold a valid travel document, the list is accepted in lieu of a travel document, provided it contains a photo of that child.
The list and further information can be obtained from the competent cantonal immigration authorities:
Cantonal immigration authorities
Schoolchildren resident in an EU or EFTA member state Schoolchildren from third countries resident in an EU or EFTA member state may enter Switzerland without a visa if a separate list with the names of the schoolchildren, issued by the competent authorities of the respective EU or EFTA member state, can be presented.
The list of schoolchildren is recognised as a valid travel document by Switzerland if it contains a passport photo of the schoolchild in question.
When is a visa issued free of charge?
The free issue of visas is regulated in Art. 13 of the Ordinance on Federal Charges under the Foreign Nationals Act (Gebührenverordnung AuG; SR 142.209). For example, children under the age of 16 who are listed in the passport of their parents and are travelling with them are issued visas free of charge (Art. 13 para 1 Bst a Geb-V-AuG):
Gebührenverordnung AuG; SR 142.209
For charges, please compare the "Weisungen Visa":
VII. Weisungen Visa
Are there any special entry regulations in relationship to the Syrian conflict?
The directive of 4 September 2013 on the easing of visa requirements for relatives of Syrian nationals living in Switzerland expired on 29 November 2013. However, applications submitted before 29 November 2013 are still processed according to the directive of 4 September 2013.
Detailed information can be found on our website::
Press release, 29 November 2013
Temporary visa facilitation for Syrian nationals lifted
I am not allowed to enter the Schengen area, because my name is on the Schengen Information System (SIS) list of people prohibited from entering this area. Where do I have to turn to for information?
People seeking information about SIS data should contact the following federal office:
Please note that only people directly concerned by an entry in the Schengen Information System (SIS) may file a request for information. This right does not apply to public or other authorities.
Requests for information, deletion, or rectification of personal data stored in the SIS may be submitted in writing either in German, French, Italian, or English and be accompanied by a high-quality photocopy of an official identification document.
Official documents are:
Further information see Information SIS.
People seeking information about the reason they are subject to an entry ban are asked to contact the following federal office:
Admission and Residence Division
Tel: +41 (0)31 325 11 11
Fax: +41 (0)31 325 93 79
aufenthalt@bfm.admin.ch
How is the adequacy of financial resources determined for stays in Switzerland and within the Schengen Area?
Foreign nationals must have adequate financial resources to cover the duration of their stay. The adequacy of these financial resources shall be determined on the basis of the duration and purpose of the stay.
Sufficient financial resources can be demonstrated by showing cash, traveller’s cheques, credit cards or other collateral (e.g. bank guarantee).
Foreign nationals who remain in Switzerland at their own expense must be able to demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to cover at least CHF 100 per day of their stay. The reference amount for students with a valid student permit is CHF 30 per day.
If a stay in another Schengen country is planned, the calculation of adequate financial resources shall be based on the reference amounts established by national authorities:
Annex 18: Reference amounts required for the crossing of the external border fixed by national authorities
If the entry takes place through a Schengen country that is not the main destination, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) recommends that foreign nationals carry traveller’s cheques, debit cards or credit cards as well as cash with them.
I am holder of a residence permit/work permit issued by a Schengen member state. Am I allowed to work in Switzerland?
No, you are not. Neither a valid residence permit nor a work permit issued by another Schengen member state gives you the right to work in Switzerland. The Swiss statutory provisions on labour apply.
For details, please see chapter 7, question «I would like to work in Switzerland»
May EU or EEA citizens who are travelling on a non-valid travel document or without a travel document made out in their name enter Switzerland?
Anyone who wishes to enter Switzerland is required to hold a valid travel document made out in his/her name (a passport, emergency passport, temporary passport, ID card, or a special travel document issued to children up to a certain age). Please note that citizens of countries listed in Annex 1, List 1 may enter Switzerland on various expired travel documents:
Persons wishing to enter Switzerland without a valid travel document will be admitted if citizenship can be proven or shown to be plausible. The burden of proof rests with the person concerned and the person(s) accompanying children. Proof of citizenship may be furnished by any appropriate means. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) suggests carrying along the following documents to furnish proof of one's citizenship:
Photocopy of a valid travel document
An expired travel document.
An official document proving the identity and/or citizenship of the holder (e.g. driver’s licence).
Children: an extract of the entry of a child's personal data contained in an official register (e.g. the register of births, marriages, and deaths); if no such official register exists in the parents' EU or EEA member state, or if no extract could be issued for lack of time, then the original of the child's birth certificate will also do.
In all cases it is strongly suggested that travellers always apply for a travel document as soon as possible.
Please note that a number of airline companies will not transport people without valid travel documents. Check transport conditions with your airline.
Will Swiss citizens be admitted into an EU or EEA member state if they neither have a valid travel document nor one made out in their name?
Essentially, Swiss citizens wishing to enter an EU or EEA member state are required to have a valid travel document (e.g. passport, emergency passport, or ID card). However, it is possible to leave Switzerland on a passport that has expired no more than five years previously:
People who can prove or plausibly demonstrate that they have Swiss citizenship are allowed to exit Switzerland and enter a neighboring country even if they do not have a valid travel document. The burden of proof rests with the person concerned and parents or other person(s) accompanying children. Proof of Swiss citizenship may be furnished by any appropriate means. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) suggests carrying along the following documents to furnish proof of one's citizenship:
An expired travel document; and for children in particular, an ID card.
An official document proving the identity and/or citizenship of the holder.
Children: an extract of the entry of a child's personal data in an official register (e.g. the register of births, marriages, and deaths); if no extract could be issued for lack of time, then the original of the child's birth certificate will also do.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) wishes to warn travelers that that some countries may depart from these regulations.
A number of European countries, such as Germany, require people staying on their territory to carry a valid travel document (passport, emergency passport, ID card) at all times. While it may be possible for people to enter and remain in such countries without a travel document, they may become liable to criminal prosecution if they do not carry a valid travel document while staying there.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) strongly suggests always applying for a travel document as soon as possible.
Will Swiss citizens be admitted into a non-EU or EEA member state if they neither have a valid travel document nor one made out in their name?
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) does not give any information on the entry policy of non-EU or EEA member states. These countries are autonomous in deciding on their entry provisions.
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) suggests that travelers contact the destination country's diplomatic/consular mission in Switzerland (Diplomatic/consular missions in Switzerland) or the website of the corresponding Swiss diplomatic/consular mission in the destination country (Swiss diplomatic/consular missions abroad).
Click on the link for the country that you are interested in to display general information on this country along with travel advice. You will also find the addresses of foreign diplomatic/consular missions in Switzerland.
The usual Internet search engines may also be helpful in finding information on entry requirements.
Are citizens of a non-EU or EEA member state who are subject to visa requirements admitted into Switzerland if they travel on an expired passport or if their passport has been annulled but still contains a valid visa?
Entry into and stay in Switzerland will be approved if upon request the following documents can be presented:
A passport expired or annulled containing a valid visa
an officially recognized and valid passport (without visa).
Refusal of entry for other reasons remains explicitly reserved.
Are child entries in passports recognised as valid for entry?
As of 26 June 2012, Switzerland no longer recognises the names of children listed in passports from Schengen countries as being valid for entry. Each child needs to have his or her own travel document.
However, Switzerland continues to recognise the names of children listed in passports from third states as long as the travel document is recognised as valid for entry:
Are infants who are citizens of an EU or EEA member state authorized to enter Switzerland if they do not hold a travel document made out in their name?
Infants travelling without a passport made out in their name are admitted to Switzerland if each of the following requirements has been met:
(cf. Visa Directives, Annex 1, List 2, Section 2.15)
The infant is not older than six months
The infant has been officially registered (for example, in a register of births, marriages and deaths)
The infant is travelling accompanied by one parent or both its parents
One of the infant's parents or both are citizens of an EU or EEA member state
The infant's parent or parents identify themselves with their passports or ID cards and present an extract of the entry of their child's personal data contained in an official register (for example, a register of births, marriages, and deaths).
If no such official register exists in the parents' EU or EEA member state, or if for lack of time no extract could have been issued, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) advises parents of infants to carry with them their child's birth certificate when travelling abroad.
Parents are recommended to apply for travel documents as early as possible after their baby has been born.
Can minors travelling alone or accompanied by persons other than their parents or who do not have custody enter or exit Switzerland?
To forestall any suspicion (e.g. abduction of children), the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) suggests that these minors carry a note of consent from their parents or custodian. This note should contain the particulars of the parents or custodian. In addition, it is recommended to include a copy of the parents' or custodian's valid passport or ID card with this note.
Are Italian citizens holding a renewed Italian ID card admitted into Switzerland?
Paper ID cards bearing an official stamp on the reverse to signify that they have been renewed are considered valid documents entitling their holders to enter Switzerland.
ID cards in credit card format that have been renewed by means of a separate confirmation of extension of validity are not formally recognised by Switzerland and thus do not authorise entry into Switzerland.
However, entry into Switzerland will be granted if proof of a person's Italian citizenship can be provided. See also chapter 3, question «May citizens of an EU or EEA member state who are travelling on a non-valid travel document or without a travel document made out in their name enter Switzerland?»
I am a Croatian national. Is my identity card valid for entry?
Croatian nationals still require a valid passport or other recognised travel document in order to enter Switzerland.
Until further notice, identity cards and/or personal identification do not entitle the holder to enter Switzerland.
Bulgaria/Romania – Travel document and visa requirements for Switzerland?
Bulgarian and Romanian nationals may enter Switzerland with a valid passport or identity card.
They do not require a visa for short stays in Switzerland (i.e. up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
What to do if you have lost your travel document?
How to proceed if a travel document is lost in Switzerland:
Lost travel document
Validity of travel documents of third-country nationals
Regardless of their visa obligation status, third-country nationals wishing to enter Switzerland for a short-term stay not exceeding 90 days per 180-day period must be in possession of a travel document that:
will remain valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from Switzerland; and
has been issued within the previous 10 years.
The date of issue of the travel document shall be the determining factor, notwithstanding any decision by the authorities to extend the period of validity of the travel document.
The aforementioned provisions on the validity of travel documents also apply to travel documents issued to the following British citizens who are not citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as defined in EU legislation and who wish to remain in Switzerland for a period not exceeding 90 days per 180-day period:
British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC), who have no right of abode in the United Kingdom;
British Overseas Citizens (BOC);
British Subjects (BS), who have no right of abode in the United Kingdom;
British Protected Persons (BPP);
British Nationals (Overseas) (BN(O)s).
The aforementioned provisions on the validity of travel documents do not apply to travel documents of third-country nationals who hold a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen country (Annex 22 Schengen Handbook) or who have been issued valid category D visa for a longer-term stay in a Schengen country. In such cases, the travel document must be valid at the time of entry and remain valid for the entire duration of the planned stay in Switzerland or other Schengen country.
I would like to invite a guest to Switzerland. How should I proceed?
Our information sheet describes the general visa procedure. Further information can be found in our regulations.
Information sheet for entry to the Schengen Area / Visa Procedure
General entry and visa requirements (2 Entry to Switzerland)
Staying in Switzerland (3 Staying in Switzerland)
I would like to invite a business partner to Switzerland for a meeting. How should I proceed?
No formal requirements are to be met for writing an invitation letter. However, it must be written in one of Switzerland’s official national languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh) and contain at least the following information:
Confirmation by the host (business enterprise or private person), stating that the applicant has been invited
Contact number(s) and address(es) of the host and applicant (first and last name, date of birth, and citizenship)
The letter must be duly dated and signed (invitation letters by business enterprises must be signed by a person listed in the Companies Registry as authorized to sign)
The invitation letter may include additional information:
A note saying that the host will provide food and accommodation
Any further information on the reasons for the applicant’s visit to Switzerland
When applying to an embassy for a visa, applicants are required to prove (payroll voucher, bank statement) that they have sufficient money to cover travel expenses. If the host provides for travel expenses, accommodation and food, mention must be made too.
Declaration of sponsorship
A declaration of sponsorship is an official document by which the signees certify that they are willing and in a position to meet the expenses caused by foreign nationals who wish to enter Switzerland. The sponsorship form will be provided at the authorities’ own motion. It is not available online.
The Swiss foreign missions may declare the issuance of a visa dependant on a declaration of sponsorship. And Swiss border authorities may require a declaration of sponsorship for foreign nationals irrespective of whether they are subject to visa requirements or not.
The guarantor – a natural or a legal person residing in Switzerland or Liechtenstein – engages to meet uncovered costs for living expenses, including accident and illness, as well as for the return trip, which arise for public welfare or private medical service suppliers due to the presence of the foreign national.
Costs for people traveling alone, traveling groups, or families of not more than ten are covered up to 30,000 Swiss francs.
Information sheet for declaration of Sponsorship (visa procedure)
Where should I submit the sponsorship declaration?
The information sheet on entering Switzerland provides foreign nationals who are subject to visa requirements and who wish to apply, or who already have applied, for a visa with a list of addresses of the cantonal offices to which the declaration of sponsorship must be submitted:
The sponsorship declaration need not be submitted to any of the cantonal agencies if it has already been required at the Swiss border (a Swiss airport).
The competent authorities require persons visiting Switzerland to have travel insurance that covers the costs of emergency rescue, repatriation for medical reasons, or emergency medical assistance, as well as emergency hospital care in case of accident or sudden illness during the stay. The minimum insurance coverage is set at EUR 30,000.
Travel insurance must be taken out with an insurance company that
is headquartered , or has branch offices, in Switzerland, in the Principality of Liechtenstein, or in an EU or EFTA state;
is authorised to issue travel insurance policies by the supervisory body competent for its head offices.
Please visit the FINMA website (www.finma.ch) for a list of insurance companies offering recognised travel medical insurance (go to category "Institutions > Authorised institutions", the document "Insurance companies under FINMA supervision" can be found under the title "Insurers"). Insurance companies listed in categories B1, B2 and/or B18 are authorised to offer travel medical insurance.
For questions about this list or whether the insurance companies listed offer travel medical insurance, please refer directly to FINMA.
In addition, visa applicants are advised to inquire with the Swiss representation abroad (where a visa request is submitted) about the type of insurance they accept and, therefore, recommend.
I have invited someone to Switzerland. Meanwhile, this person has been granted a visa and now requests money, saying I had to send it her, purportedly because the Swiss Embassy had thus advised her. Am I under an obligation to send any money?
Swiss diplomatic missions never advise nor require visa applicants to request money from people in Switzerland. Whoever transmits money to people abroad does so at their own risk and responsibility.
I have a Swiss residence permit: Do I still require a visa for the Schengen area? What about Great Britain, Ireland, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Croatia?
Third state nationals in possession of a Swiss permit B, C, L and Ci may visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, providing they carry with them their residence permit and a valid travel document.
Please note that neither Great Britain nor Ireland is a member of the Schengen area and you therefore require visas to visit any of these countries.
For further information on entry requirements, please contact the embassy of the appropriate country:
Detailed information on Schengen/Dublin is available under the following link:
My identity document is currently being extended. Can I still travel?
If your foreign national identity card is not available because it is currently with the competent authorities for renewal, please contact the migration authority responsible for the area where you live in and apply for a return visa if necessary. This visa is valid for travel both inside and outside the Schengen area.
If your passport has expired but you still intend to travel without a travel document, please apply to the diplomatic representation of your country in Switzerland for a new passport and inform the cantonal migration authorities responsible for the place of your residence.
Can I stay in Switzerland or in another Schengen member state after my Swiss residence permit has expired?
It depends on whether you are subject to visa regulations or not.
If you are subject to visa regulations, you can apply for a visa to the competent diplomatic mission of the Schengen member state of your principal destination. Your application must be submitted no later than 15 days before expiry of your Swiss residence permit. If your principle destination is Switzerland, you can contact the cantonal migration office to extend your stay. The migration office will decide whether to extend your stay or grant you a visa.
If you are not subject to visa regulations, you are permitted to stay in Switzerland as a tourist for a further 90 days without authorisation. If you wish to travel to another Schengen member state, you should – in order to avoid possible difficulties - inquire from the competent authorities of that member state under what circumstance you may stay there.
For further information please consult our visa directives. The information is only available in German, French and Italian.
I am a Kosovo national with a B or C permit but no Kosovo passport. Can I travel to Schengen countries on my old passport? Can I travel to Kosovo via Austria?
For entry / visa requirements, please contact the embassy of the country you wish to travel to in Switzerland:
I am the holder of an F or N permit. Do I have the right to travel within the Schengen area?
No. Neither the F nor the N permit allows the holder to travel within the Schengen area.
Addresses of foreign embassies in Switzerland
The Embassy has refused my visa application (receipt of form refusing a visa)
You may appeal against the refusal of a visa (delivered by means of a standard visa refusal form according to Annex 10 to the Visa Provisions SEM) within 30 days of receipt of the refusal. The appeal must be made in writing (in German, French or Italian) and be substantiated. It may be submitted to the following address:
State Secretariat of Migration
either by your host in Switzerland or your host’s legal representative. If you do not have a host or a legal representative, the appeal may be submitted to the Swiss representation abroad. The Federal Office for Migration requires an advance on costs before beginning the visa appeal process.
How do I remit an advance on costs?
The Visa Directives provide that the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) acknowledge receipt of appeal and request the appellant to remit within 30 days an advance on costs of CHF 200.- (Art. 63 Administrative Procedure Act). The advance must be made using the pay-in slip annexed to the secretariates's acknowledgment notice.
SEM has rejected my appeal
Under the provisions of Article 47 of the Federal Act on Administrative Procedures (VwVG, SR 172. 021) and Articles 31–33 of the Federal Act on the Federal Administrative Court (VGG; SR 173.32) you may appeal against a decision within 30 days of receiving the decision. Your appeal should to be sent to the Federal Administrative Court at the following address:
P.O. Box/Postfach
9023 St Gallen
You should give the reasons for your appeal and submit any evidence you have. In addition, you should enclose a copy of the decision you are appealing against in one of the three official languages (German / French / Italian). The period for filing an appeal is 30 days. Appeals will be considered if submitted to the competent authorities, a Swiss post office, a Swiss Embassy or Consulate within the 30-day deadline. Appeals submitted after the deadline will not be considered (Art. 21(1) Administrative Procedure Act).
On entering Switzerland, third-state nationals (people who are neither EU nor EEA citizens) must prove they have sufficient means of subsistence, regardless of whether they are subject to or exempt from visa requirements. What is extent of financial means is expected? Is cash the only form of showing that third-state nationals can support themselves while in Switzerland?
Border authorities check whether third-state nationals have sufficient means to support themselves while in Switzerland and pay for their return trip. All third-state nationals entering Switzerland with the view of staying for an extended period of time are to prove they have sufficient means, regardless of whether they are subject to or exempt from visa requirements. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) recommends that third-state nationals defraying the costs of their stay in Switzerland by themselves have at least CHF 100 at their daily disposal. Students staying in Switzerland on a student visa should budget at least CHF 30 for daily expenses.
The following are considered means of financial support or proof thereof: cash, traveler's cheques, bank and credit cards, and a declaration of sponsorship. People submitting a bank or credit card as proof for sufficient funds may be officially required to make a cash withdrawal.
Swiss authorities cannot make any official statement about subsistence requirements other Schengen member states have set; therefore, third-state nationals are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic mission of the country they intend to travel to.
To extend your visa, please contact the migration authorities of the canton in which you are staying:
Please note that, in general, you are only permitted to stay in Switzerland for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
For information on the status of your application you can contact us either by e-mail, by telephone or by post:
Contact: topic Applications for entry visas (no return visas)
To provide you with accurate information, we require your exact personal data: Surname, first names, date of birth, nationality or ORBIS reference number of the embassy where you submitted your application.
However, please note that you must wait between 6–8 weeks and you will be contacted when your application has been decided.
I would like a residence permit for Switzerland for more than 90 days
Due to a division of jurisdiction between the cantons and Confederation, cantonal migration authorities are responsible for issuing residence permits. Therefore, please address your inquiry directly to the migration authority responsible for your canton of residence. You will find a list of our cantonal migration partners in the following link (list available in German only):
You can also find more information regarding residence permits in Switzerland here:
I have got married abroad. How can my husband enter Switzerland?
Due to a division of powers between the cantons and the Confederation, cantonal migration authorities are responsible for issuing residence permits. Therefore, please address your inquiry directly to the migration authority responsible for your canton of residence. You will find a list of our cantonal migration partners in the link below (list available in German only):
For more information on Swiss residence permits, please visit:
Annex 1, List 1: Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality Annex 1, List 2: ID and visa provisions: particularities regardless of nationality
Family reunification / (foreign) spouse of a Swiss citizen (6.2)
Family reunification / (foreign) spouse of a foreign national holding an unlimited residence permit (6.3)
Family reunification / (foreign) spouse of a foreign national holding a limited residence permit (6.4)
(Information is available in German, French and Italian)
Due to a division of competences between the cantons and Confederation, cantonal migration authorities are responsible for issuing residence permits. Therefore, please address your inquiry directly to the migration authority responsible for your canton of residence. You will find a list of our cantonal migration partners in the following link (list available in German only):
Annex 1, List 2: ID and visa provisions: particularities regardless of nationality Family reunification / (foreign) spouse of a Swiss citizen (6.2)
I would like to work in Switzerland
Switzerland has a dual system for the admission of foreign workers. Gainfully employed nationals from EU/EFTA member states can benefit from the Free Movement of Persons Agreement. Only a limited number of management level employees, specialists and other qualified employees are admitted from all other countries.
For admission requirements for the appropriate nationality go to:
For other valuable information on working in Switzerland go to:
FAQ – Frequently asked questions Labour / Work permits
Legal bases: Residence and gainful employment (not available in English)
Free Movement of Persons:
Due to a division of competences between Cantons and Confederation, cantonal migration authorities are responsible in the first place for the issuance of residence permits. Therefore, we kindly ask you to address your petition directly to the migration authority responsible for your Canton of residence. You will find a list of our cantonal migration partners in the link hereinafter (list available only in German language):
If you have any queries, contact the Swiss diplomatic mission responsible for your place of residence:
Duty to notify the authorities
Providing accommodation to foreign nationals against payment is subject to the obligation to notify the authorities immediately. If foreign nationals are accommodated free of charge, there is no obligation to notify the authorities. Cantonal provisions may differ. Please turn to the competent cantonal authorities for detailed information (only available in German):
Addresses of the cantonal migration and employment authorities
Where can I find information on the statutory provisions regarding visa and border matters?
You can find information on the statutory provisions regarding visa matters under the following link:
The information is available in German, French and Italian. List 1, Annex 1+2, also available in English.
Importing household goods / customs formalities
Please direct all your questions to the Federal Customs Administration.
Phone +41 (0)31 322 65 11
I would like to bring my pet to Switzerland. What points need to be considered?
For information on the import of animals into Switzerland, please visit:
For further questions, please contact the Federal Veterinary Office. Thank you.
Phone: +41 (0)31 323 30 33
For all questions on buying property in Switzerland, please contact the competent authorities:
Federal Land Registry and Real Estate Law Office
Phone +41 (0)31 322 41 20
Last modification 16.10.2014