Visa for people living in Portugal

Comprehensive information on living and working in an EU/EFTA member state

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Online desk FDFA

Using the FDFA’s online consular services while abroad.

The relevant Swiss representation abroad can answer any questions concerning the FDFA’s online desk.

Important notice

Switzerland joined the Schengen area on 12 December 2008. Since that date, currently valid visas for all Member States of the Schengen agreement have been admitted for entry into Switzerland during the validity period of the visa.

Portuguese citizens

Portuguese citizens do not need a visa to travel to Switzerland. These instructions apply to short stays (up to 3 months).

Documents required for entry into Switzerland (both for adults and children):

Valid Portuguese National Identity Card (Cartão de Cidadão) or
Valid Portuguese passport or passport expired within the last 5 years (travellers are nonetheless advised not to travel with an expired passport)

It is up to each individual to decide which of these two documents he or she prefers to travel with.

Minors

Documents mentioned above. In addition, minors are advised to carry the following document when travelling unaccompanied by parents:

Parents' travel authorisation

Residence permit to study in Switzerland

To apply for a residence permit, the person must go in person to the immigration office in the canton of residence with the following documentation:

Valid Portuguese passport
Registration from the centre/institution where you will be studying
European Health Insurance Card if you have a Portuguese social security number or a private health insurance that covers your stay in Switzerland
Certificate attesting that you have sufficient financial means to cover the cost of living while you are studying in Switzerland

Residence permit to work in Switzerland

To apply for a residence permit, the applicant must go in person to the immigration office in the canton of residence with the following documentation:

Portuguese passport
Employment contract
Private health insurance

Other nationalities

Citizens of the following countries (non-exhaustive list) can enter Switzerland with a valid passport for a short stay of up to 3 months (without a residence card in Spain or a visa for Switzerland). For more information, please contact the competent Swiss representation: