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Switzerland
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — Staatssekretariat für Migration, with the 26 cantonal migration and labour-market authorities
✔ Two-tier system: EU/EFTA citizens move freely, non-EU face strict quotas
✔ Non-EU work permits capped at 8,500 per year in 2026
✔ Only managers, specialists and qualified workers admitted from outside EU/EFTA
✔ Permits issued by 26 cantons, with federal SEM approval
✔ Permanent C permit usually needs 10 years, language and integration proof
✔ About 27% of residents are foreign nationals, among Europe's highest
Currency Swiss Franc (CHF)
Languages German, French, Italian, Romansh (English widely used in business)
Population ~9.1 million (2026); about 27% foreign nationals — one of Europe's highest shares
Visitor visas
Schengen Visa (short stay)
Type C
Short-stay visa for tourism, business trips, visits to family/friends, events or short courses — up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. Depending on the country, applications are lodged directly with the Swiss representation or through its accredited external service provider (e.g. VFS Global or TLScontact).
Fees
EUR 90 adults / EUR 45 children 6–12 (free under 6), charged in local currency (≈ CHF 85–90); external service-provider fee extra where applicable
Processing
Usually 15 calendar days; extendable to a maximum of 45 days where further scrutiny is needed (EU Visa Code). Applications possible up to 6 months before travel — apply early in high season
Validity
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period; single or multiple entry (multi-year multiple-entry possible for frequent travellers)
Who can apply: You can apply if you want to visit Switzerland for up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, visiting family or friends, or a short course. You need a valid passport, travel insurance, and enough money for your trip. You must show you plan to go home before the visa ends.
Key requirements (6)
- Passport issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond planned departure, with 2 blank pages
- Proof of purpose of stay and confirmed accommodation/itinerary
- Sufficient financial means for the stay and return trip (guarantee letter possible)
- Travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid across Schengen
- No alert in the Schengen Information System (SIS) and no threat to public order or security
- Evidence of intention to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires
How to apply — step by step
- Check on the FDFA website (eda.admin.ch) if you need a visa and find your nearest Swiss embassy or consulate.
- Fill in the Schengen visa application form online at swiss-visa.ch.
- Gather your passport, photos, travel insurance (EUR 30,000 cover), bookings, and proof of money.
- Book an appointment at the Swiss embassy, consulate, or its visa center (VFS Global or TLScontact).
- Attend the appointment, hand in your documents, give fingerprints, and pay the EUR 90 fee.
- Wait about 15 days for the decision and collect your passport with the visa.
Path to PR: None — cannot be converted to a residence permit from within Switzerland
Official Site ↗
Study visas
Student Residence Permit (B permit for education)
Permit B (studies) via Type D visa
Residence permit for third-country nationals admitted to a Swiss university, ETH/EPFL, university of applied sciences or other recognised school. Applied for through the Swiss representation abroad (D visa) with approval by the canton of study.
Fees
National D visa CHF 88 — waived for admitted students at some Swiss representations (e.g. the US) — + cantonal permit issuance/renewal fee (roughly CHF 65–160 per year, varies by canton)
Processing
8–12 weeks — apply at least 3 months before semester start; the file passes through the embassy and the cantonal migration office
Validity
1 year, renewable annually for the duration of studies (or issued for the programme length)
Who can apply: You can apply if a recognized Swiss university or school has accepted you as a student. You must show you have about CHF 21,000 per year to live on, a place to stay, health insurance, and that you plan to leave after your studies. Non-EU students may work at most 15 hours a week, and only after their first 6 months in Switzerland.
Key requirements (6)
- Letter of admission from a recognised Swiss educational institution
- Proof of financial means of roughly CHF 21,000 per year (some cantons, e.g. Geneva/Zurich, expect up to CHF 24,000) via bank statements, scholarship or a Swiss sponsor's guarantee
- Adequate accommodation and mandatory Swiss health insurance
- Personal study plan/motivation letter and confirmation of intention to leave after studies
- Language ability for the programme (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS or German/French certificate, per embassy checklist)
- Non-EU students may work max 15 hours/week, and only after 6 months of study
How to apply — step by step
- Apply to a recognized Swiss university or school and get your admission letter.
- Apply for the national D visa at the Swiss embassy (form on swiss-visa.ch) at least 3 months before the semester starts.
- Hand in your admission letter, proof of about CHF 21,000 in funds, a motivation letter, and language certificates.
- Wait while the embassy sends your file to the cantonal migration office for approval.
- Enter Switzerland and register with your local commune within 14 days.
- Collect your student B permit and renew it each year of your studies.
Path to PR: Weak direct path — study years count only partially toward settlement, but Swiss-university graduates may stay 6 months to seek work and benefit from eased (quota-exempt priority) admission to employment
Official Site ↗
Work visas
Short-term Residence Permit L (non-EU/EFTA workers)
Permit L
Quota-controlled permit for third-country nationals with a Swiss employment contract of up to 12 months (assignments, projects, trainee placements). 2026 federal quota: 4,000 (plus 1,400 for UK nationals) — unchanged from 2025, released in quarterly instalments.
Fees
National D visa CHF 88 + cantonal permit issuance fee (typically CHF 65–200); federal/cantonal labour-market decision fee payable by the employer
Processing
8–12 weeks including cantonal decision, SEM approval and visa issuance
Validity
Up to 12 months, tied to the specific employer; extendable to a maximum of 24 months in total
Who can apply: You can apply if a Swiss employer offers you a job for up to 12 months and you are a qualified worker, usually with a university degree and work experience. Your employer must prove no suitable worker from Switzerland or the EU could do the job, and a spot must be free under the yearly permit limit (4,000 L permits in 2026).
Key requirements (5)
- Binding job offer/contract from a Swiss employer, who files the application with the cantonal authority
- Qualified worker: university degree or specialist training plus professional experience
- Labour-market priority test: employer must prove no suitable Swiss, C-permit or EU/EFTA candidate was available
- Salary and working conditions in line with local, professional and sectoral standards
- A federal quota unit must be available (4,000 L permits nationwide in 2026)
How to apply — step by step
- Get a binding job offer or contract from a Swiss employer for up to 12 months.
- Your employer files the work permit application with the cantonal migration and labour office.
- The canton checks the quota and that no local candidate was available, then SEM gives federal approval.
- Apply for the national D visa at the Swiss embassy using swiss-visa.ch.
- Enter Switzerland and register with your local commune within 14 days.
- Collect your L permit card and start work.
Path to PR: Limited — L years generally do not count toward settlement, but the permit can be converted to a B permit if a longer contract and quota unit are secured
Official Site ↗
Residence Permit B for Gainful Employment (non-EU/EFTA skilled workers)
Permit B
Switzerland's main skilled-worker route for third-country nationals: an employer-sponsored, quota-controlled residence permit for managers, specialists and other qualified workers with contracts of 12+ months or unlimited duration. 2026 federal quota: 4,500 (plus 2,100 for UK nationals) — held unchanged from 2025 by the Federal Council.
Fees
National D visa CHF 88 + cantonal permit fee (typically CHF 65–200/year); labour-market decision fee charged to the employer
Processing
8–12 weeks (cantonal preliminary decision, SEM approval, then visa issuance); register within 14 days of arrival before starting work
Validity
12 months, renewable annually as long as employment and conditions continue
Who can apply: You can apply if a Swiss employer offers you a job lasting a year or more and you are a manager, specialist, or other qualified worker — normally with a university degree plus several years of experience. Your employer must show they could not find a Swiss or EU worker for the job, your pay must match Swiss standards, and a spot must be free under the yearly limit (4,500 B permits in 2026).
Key requirements (6)
- Manager, specialist or otherwise qualified worker — normally a university degree plus several years' professional experience
- Swiss employer demonstrates genuine recruitment efforts and that no Swiss/C-permit/EU-EFTA candidate could fill the role
- Salary and employment terms meeting local, professional and sectoral standards (checked to prevent wage dumping)
- Available federal quota unit (4,500 B permits nationwide in 2026, issued quarterly)
- Positive integration prognosis: professional/social adaptability, language skills and age are assessed
- Employer files with the cantonal authority; SEM gives final federal approval
How to apply — step by step
- Get a job offer from a Swiss employer with a contract of 12 months or longer.
- Your employer files the application with the cantonal migration and labour-market authority.
- The canton makes a preliminary decision, checking your salary, qualifications, and the quota.
- SEM gives the final federal approval for your permit.
- Apply for the national D visa at the Swiss embassy via swiss-visa.ch.
- Travel to Switzerland and register with your commune within 14 days before starting work.
- Collect your B permit card, which is renewed each year while you keep working.
Path to PR: Yes — leads to the C settlement permit after 10 years (5 years for US and Canadian citizens under reciprocal agreements, or via early settlement with strong integration)
Official Site ↗
Permanent residency & settlement
Settlement Permit C (permanent residence)
Permit C
Switzerland's permanent residence status: unlimited, canton-independent right to live and work, with near-equal footing to Swiss citizens (including buying property freely). Granted after long-term residence and proven integration; it is also the springboard to citizenship.
Fees
Cantonal issuance fee only, typically CHF 65–200 depending on canton; no federal programme fee
Processing
A few weeks to 3 months depending on canton and completeness of the integration file
Validity
Indefinite — the permit itself does not expire; the card/ID is renewed every 5 years
Who can apply: You can apply if you have lived in Switzerland for 10 years without breaks (only 5 years for US and Canadian citizens, or spouses of Swiss citizens). You must speak the local language at a basic level (A2 speaking, A1 writing), have no serious criminal record, and not depend on welfare. Well-integrated people with better language skills can apply early after 5 years.
Key requirements (6)
- 10 years of regular, uninterrupted residence for third-country nationals, including the last 5 years on a B permit (5 years total for US and Canadian citizens under reciprocal agreements, and for spouses of Swiss citizens/C holders)
- Early settlement after 5 years possible for well-integrated applicants: oral language level B1 + written A1
- Standard language requirement: oral A2 + written A1 in the cantonal national language (official certificate, e.g. fide)
- Successful integration: respect for public safety and constitutional values, participation in work or education
- No dependence on social assistance and no serious criminal convictions
- Application to the cantonal migration office before the current B permit expires
How to apply — step by step
- Live in Switzerland for the required years (10 years standard, 5 for US/Canadian citizens or early settlement).
- Get an official language certificate (for example the fide test) showing oral A2 and written A1, or B1 oral for early settlement.
- Gather proof of work or education, no social assistance, and a clean criminal record.
- Send your application to the cantonal migration office before your current B permit expires.
- Pay the cantonal fee (about CHF 65-200) and wait a few weeks to 3 months.
- Receive your C permit card, which gives you unlimited right to live and work anywhere in Switzerland.
Path to PR: This IS permanent residence — and the prerequisite for ordinary naturalisation (possible after 10 years' total residence, holding a C permit)
Official Site ↗
Family visas
Family Reunification (D visa → B/C permit)
Type D (family reunification)
Route for spouses/registered partners and children to join a Swiss citizen or a foreign national holding a Swiss residence (B), settlement (C) or short-stay permit. Rights are strongest for families of Swiss citizens and C-permit holders; B-permit reunification is discretionary.
Fees
D visa free for spouses/minor children of Swiss and EU/EFTA citizens; otherwise CHF 88 + cantonal permit fee (CHF 65–200)
Processing
2–6 months — the application is decided by the cantonal migration office of the sponsor's residence
Validity
Permit mirrors the sponsor: spouse of a Swiss citizen or C holder receives a B permit (renewable annually); children under 12 of a Swiss citizen or C-permit holder are entitled to a C permit directly
Who can apply: You can apply if your husband, wife, registered partner, or parent lives in Switzerland as a Swiss citizen or with a residence permit. The family member in Switzerland must have a big enough home and enough money to support you without state help. Some spouses must show basic (A1) speaking skills in the local language or sign up for a language course.
Key requirements (6)
- Sponsor is a Swiss citizen or holds a C permit (entitlement) or B/L permit (discretionary approval)
- Suitable accommodation reflecting normal Swiss living conditions
- Sufficient financial means — no reliance on social assistance
- Legalised/apostilled marriage or birth certificates with certified translations
- Non-EU spouses joining a third-country sponsor must show A1-level oral language skills or enrolment in a language course (no language requirement under EU/EFTA free-movement reunification)
- Deadlines: apply within 5 years (within 12 months for children over 12)
How to apply — step by step
- Your family member in Switzerland files the family reunification request with their cantonal migration office.
- Apply for the national D visa at the Swiss embassy in your country (form on swiss-visa.ch).
- Hand in legalized marriage or birth certificates with certified translations, and language proof if required.
- Wait while the canton checks the housing, income, and documents.
- Travel to Switzerland and register with the commune within 14 days.
- Collect your residence permit, which matches your sponsor's status.
Path to PR: Yes — spouses of Swiss citizens or C-permit holders can obtain the C permit after 5 years of uninterrupted residence; spouses of Swiss citizens may also access simplified naturalisation
Official Site ↗
Business & investor visas
Residence without Gainful Employment (retirees / financially independent persons)
Permit B (Art. 28 FNIA / lump-sum taxation route)
Switzerland's closest equivalent to a 'golden visa': non-EU/EFTA nationals aged 55+ with close ties to Switzerland — or exceptionally younger wealthy applicants admitted for 'important cantonal fiscal interests' under lump-sum taxation — may reside without working. Discretionary, decided canton by canton.
Fees
National D visa CHF 88 + cantonal permit fee (roughly CHF 95–200); lump-sum tax route involves negotiated annual tax instead of a programme fee
Processing
3–6 months; entirely discretionary decisions by the canton (SEM approval required)
Validity
B permit valid 1 year, renewable annually while conditions are met
Who can apply: You can apply if you are 55 or older, have close personal ties to Switzerland, and have enough money to live without working. Very rich younger people can sometimes qualify by agreeing to pay a special yearly lump-sum tax to a canton. Each canton decides case by case, and you may not work in Switzerland or abroad.
Key requirements (6)
- Aged 55 or over (retiree route) with close personal ties to Switzerland (previous stays, relatives, property, community links)
- Complete renunciation of gainful activity in Switzerland and abroad (managing your own assets is allowed)
- Sufficient independent financial resources for life — well above the ~CHF 20,670/year base subsistence amount, plus housing and health costs
- Mandatory Swiss health and accident insurance
- For the fiscal-interest variant: negotiated lump-sum tax agreement with the canton (minimum taxable base commonly CHF 250,000–1,000,000+ per year depending on canton)
- Application filed before entry; D visa required for visa-subject nationals
How to apply — step by step
- Choose a canton and contact its cantonal migration office (and tax office for the lump-sum tax route).
- File your application before entering Switzerland, showing your age, funds, and ties to the country.
- If using the wealth route, negotiate a lump-sum tax agreement with the canton.
- Wait for the canton's decision and SEM's federal approval.
- Apply for the national D visa at the Swiss embassy via swiss-visa.ch.
- Move to Switzerland, register with your commune within 14 days, and collect your B permit.
Path to PR: Possible — C settlement permit after 10 years of uninterrupted residence with integration (5 years for US/Canadian citizens)
Official Site ↗
Other pathways
National Visa (long stay)
Type D
Entry visa for any stay over 90 days (work, study, family reunification, retirement). It is only issued after the competent cantonal migration authority has pre-approved the underlying residence purpose, and it converts into a residence permit after arrival.
Fees
CHF 88 standard, charged in local currency (children 6–11 half fee, under 6 free); free for spouses/minor children of Swiss and EU/EFTA nationals
Processing
6–12 weeks typical (SEM: 'one to several months') because the file passes through canton, SEM and the Swiss representation abroad
Validity
Entry visa typically valid 90 days for one entry; the subsequent residence permit governs the actual stay
Who can apply: You can apply if you plan to stay in Switzerland longer than 90 days, for example to work, study, join family, or retire. The Swiss canton must first approve the reason for your stay before this visa is issued. It is the entry ticket that turns into a residence permit after you arrive.
Key requirements (5)
- Prior authorisation of the stay by the cantonal migration authority (and SEM where required)
- Completed national D visa application form(s) — most representations require multiple signed copies, in German, French, Italian or English
- Passport issued within 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure from Schengen
- Purpose-specific evidence (work contract, university admission, marriage certificate, proof of funds)
- Registration with the local commune within 14 days of arrival to collect the residence permit
How to apply — step by step
- First arrange the reason for your stay (job, school admission, or family) so the cantonal migration office can approve it.
- Fill in the national D visa application form on swiss-visa.ch or get it from the Swiss embassy.
- Book an appointment at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country.
- Hand in your passport, signed forms, and documents proving your purpose, and pay the CHF 88 fee.
- Wait while the canton and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) approve your file.
- Travel to Switzerland and register with your local commune within 14 days to collect your residence permit.
Path to PR: Gateway visa — the residence permit obtained after entry counts toward the C settlement permit
Official Site ↗
Cross-border Commuter Permit G (non-EU/EFTA)
Permit G
Permit for third-country nationals living in the border zone of a neighbouring country (France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein) who commute to work in a Swiss border-zone canton while keeping their residence abroad.
Fees
Cantonal fee, typically CHF 65–160 per issuance/renewal (no federal quota unit required)
Processing
2–8 weeks via the cantonal labour-market/migration authority
Validity
Usually 1 year, renewable; geographically limited to the issuing canton's border zone
Who can apply: You can apply if you live in the border area of France, Germany, Italy, Austria, or Liechtenstein and want to work in a Swiss canton next to the border while keeping your home abroad. You must have lived in that border area for at least 6 months with a permanent right to stay there, and you must return home at least once a week.
Key requirements (5)
- Permanent right of residence in the neighbouring country
- At least 6 months' prior residence in that country's border zone
- Employment within the border zone of the issuing Swiss canton
- Return to the main place of residence abroad at least once a week
- Standard labour-market requirements met (salary/working conditions); permission needed to change job or occupation
How to apply — step by step
- Make sure you have permanent residence rights and at least 6 months of residence in the neighbouring country's border zone.
- Get a job with an employer located in the border zone of a Swiss canton.
- Your employer applies for the G permit with the cantonal migration or labour-market authority.
- The canton checks your salary and working conditions against Swiss standards.
- Receive your G permit (usually valid 1 year) and start commuting.
- Return to your home abroad at least once a week and renew the permit yearly.
Path to PR: None — holders reside abroad, so time does not count toward Swiss settlement
Official Site ↗
Popular universities & fees
ETH Zurich
Zurich · Institute · Engineering, science & technology
~CHF 4,380/yr for new internationals
EPFL
Lausanne · Institute · Engineering & computer science
~CHF 4,380/yr for new internationals
University of Zurich
Zurich · University · Medicine, economics & research
~CHF 1,640-2,440/yr incl. international surcharge
University of Geneva
Geneva · University · International relations & law
~CHF 1,000/yr — among Switzerland's lowest
University of Lausanne
Lausanne · University · Business (HEC) & life sciences
~CHF 1,160/yr (CHF 580/semester)
University of Basel
Basel · University · Life sciences & pharma
~CHF 1,700/yr (CHF 850/semester)
University of St. Gallen (HSG)
St. Gallen · University · Business, economics & management
~CHF 6,300-7,100/yr for internationals
USI Università della Svizzera italiana
Lugano · University · Informatics, architecture & communication
CHF 8,000/yr (CHF 4,000/semester)
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Winterthur/Zurich · College · Applied engineering, business & health
~CHF 2,440/yr incl. international surcharge
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (HSLU)
Lucerne · College · Applied business, IT & arts
~CHF 2,600/yr (CHF 1,300/sem from abroad)
Scholarships to know: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS) (CHF 2,450/month (research/PhD level)) · ETH Excellence Scholarship (ESOP) (Full tuition + CHF 12,000/semester) · EPFL Excellence Fellowship (CHF 10,000/semester + housing) · UNIL Master's Grants (Lausanne) (CHF 1,600/month)
Official portals
Community & guides