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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Important

Due to the current situation related to the Coronavirus outbreak, counter operations (public dealing) is suspended until further notice with only a few exceptions.

The Swiss Federal Council decided, that entry into Switzerland is generally prohibited (with only few exceptions).

Holders of a valid Swiss residence permit or a valid Visa-D are able to travel to Switzerland. Holders of an expired Swiss residence permit due to COVID-19 circumstances can apply for a return Visa-D once the visa service reopens.

Due to the current situation related to the Coronavirus outbreak in Bangladesh, no applications for family reunification and Schengen Visa-C will be processed until further notice. For National Visa-D, exceptions are considered.

For additional information, please consult the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration SEM.

Upcoming changes and updates will be published on the Embassy webpage.

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.

Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.

International Geneva

Information for people travelling to Switzerland within the International Geneva context

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is subject to the authorisation of the cantonal migration authority competent for the intended place of residence. For example: long-term student, family reunification, marriage in Switzerland, etc.

Airport transit visa

For citizens of certain countries who need a transit visa even if they are staying in the international transit area of the airport and do not enter the Schengen territory.

Labour / Work permits

Admission of foreign workers to an employer in Switzerland is subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authority. The entry visa is granted only when the requested authorisations have been delivered.

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Last update 16.11.2020