Japanese citizens

Stay for more than 90 days consecutive:

Japanese citizens do not need any visa to enter Switzerland due to the treaty of Establishment and Commerce concluded between Switzerland and Japan (only available in German, French and Italian).

However, you will need to apply for an “Assurance of authorization of staying permit” directly with the competent Office of Migration of the Canton of your future place of domicile before you enter Switzerland.

If you are married to Swiss citizens, the procedures for obtaining a staying permit should be started after you enter Switzerland. Even so, the Embassy is recommending you, to contact the competent Office of Migration of the Canton to get detailed information before you leave for Switzerland.

Some cantons inform about necessary documents on their website where the application form can be downloaded.

Office of Migration of the Canton

Working for an international organization with headquarter agreements:

Working for an international organization with headquarter agreements
Tableau des OI

With Switzerland in Geneva, Bern, Gland, Lausanne or Basel: in case of employment, the international organization will request the issuing of a Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA legitimation card through the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organizations in Geneva, Section of Privileges and Immunities, upon arrival in Switzerland; persons travelling on a Japan passport can therefore travel to Switzerland without a visa or without an assurance of residence permit in order to take up the employment.

Work in Switzerland:

The future employer in Switzerland has to submit the application for the assurance of a work permit, to take up work, directly with the Office of Migration of the Canton of the future work place in Switzerland. The Embassy is not involved in this process.

Citizens of other countries