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.
Visas
Spanish and Portuguese citizens
Spanish and 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 Spanish or Portuguese National Identity Card (Documento Nacional de Identidad) or
- Valid Spanish or 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 issued by the Spanish oder Portuguese National Police
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 Spanish or Portuguese passport
- Registration from the centre/institution where you will be studying
- European Health Insurance Card if you have a Spanish or 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:
- Valid Spanish or 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:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Guatemala
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Minors
Documents mentioned above. In addition, minors are advised to carry the following document when travelling unaccompanied by parents:
- Travel authorisation written and signed by parents
People of other nationalities residing in Spain or Portugal (for a short stay up to 3 months)
Holders of a valid Spanish or Portuguese residence card (residence permit):
- A valid national passport
- A valid Spanish or Portuguese residence card
Both documents must be presented when entering Switzerland
Minors
Documents mentioned above. In addition, minors are advised to carry the following document when travelling unaccompanied by parents:
- Travel authorisation written and signed by parents
If you have any questions, please contact this Representation.
Visa Application
Competent Swiss representations in Spain
- Consulate General of Switzerland in Barcelona (de)
For the communities of Aragon, Balearic Islands, Catalonia, the Valencian Community and Andorra - Swiss Embassy in Madrid (de)
For the other communities
