Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

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.

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.

General Information

The Embassy of Switzerland in Saudi-Arabia have outsourced the application process for short-term visas (so called Schengen visas) to the external service provider VFS Global

Our external service provider will support you during the application process. VFS Global is responsible for receiving your visa application, checking the completeness and acceptability of your application form and application documents, collecting biometric data, receiving the visa fee and other fees (service fee and optional fees) and returning your passport. The decision whether or not to issue a visa is taken by the Swiss Embassy, VFS Global is not involved in the decision.

The earliest you can apply for your visa: 6 months before your intended trip.

The latest you can apply for your visa: at most 15 days before your intended trip.

Where to apply for Schengen visas: VFS Global

We however recommend you to start the application procedure as early as possible, but not earlier than 6 months prior to your entry date to the Schengen states, in order to avoid any inconvenience with your travel dates.

We wish you a pleasant stay in Switzerland!