Switzerland
General visa requirements for travelling to Switzerland. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Swiss Work Permit - B Permit (Residence) - EU/EFTA Nationals)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 1825 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- CHF 100-200 (varies by canton)
- Validity
- 5 years, renewable. Initial permit valid for 5 years for EU/EFTA nationals with permanent contracts.
- Entry
- Multiple entry
EU/EFTA nationals benefit from AFMP. B permit allows full labor market access. Family reunification permitted. Spouse and children under 21 receive derivative permits.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
EU/EFTA nationals only.
Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
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Employment
Must have employment contract of at least 12 months with a Swiss employer.
Required status: Employment contract of 12+ months with Swiss employer
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Employer gathers employment contract, company registration, and applicant's identification.
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Document submission
Employer submits application to the cantonal migration authority.
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Processing wait
Cantonal authority processes the application.
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Visa collection
Employee enters Switzerland and registers at the communal office within 14 days. B permit card is issued.
Work / Immigration visa (Swiss Work Permit - L Permit (Short-Term Residence) - Third-Country Nationals)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-12 weeks
- Fee
- CHF 100-300 plus CHF 50-100 Type D visa fee
- Validity
- Up to 12 months, may be extended up to 24 months total
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Strict quotas and labor market priority apply. Employer must demonstrate the position cannot be filled by Swiss or EU/EFTA nationals. Applicant must hold qualifications from a recognized university or have specialized expertise.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
All non-EU/EFTA nationals. Subject to annual quotas allocated by canton.
-
Employment
Must have a valid employment offer from a Swiss employer. Employer must pass labor market test. Position must require specialized qualifications.
Required status: Employment offer with labor market test passed
-
Financial
Salary must meet Swiss-standard wages for the position and industry.
Minimum funds: Swiss-standard wages
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: At embassy/consulate; Amount: CHF 50-100 visa plus CHF 100-300 permit fee
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
-
Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Switzerland; Minimum coverage: Swiss mandatory health insurance
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Employer advertises the position domestically and across the EU for a reasonable period. Must demonstrate no suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate is available. Engages with regional employment agencies.
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Document submission
Employer submits work permit application to the cantonal labor market authority with recruitment evidence, employment contract, and applicant qualifications. After approval, applicant applies for Type D visa at Swiss embassy.
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Processing wait
Cantonal authority reviews and forwards to State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for federal approval. Both levels assess labor market need and compliance.
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Visa collection
Enter Switzerland with Type D visa. Register at communal office within 14 days. Receive L permit card.
Work / Immigration visa (Swiss Cross-Border Commuter Permit - G Permit)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 1825 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- CHF 100-200 (varies by canton)
- Validity
- 5 years for EU/EFTA nationals with permanent contracts. 1 year for contracts under 12 months.
- Entry
- Multiple entry
G permit holders are subject to Swiss taxation on employment income (withholding tax). Some cantons have special tax treaties with neighboring regions. Holder must maintain primary residence in the neighboring country.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
EU/EFTA nationals residing in France, Germany, Austria, Italy, or Liechtenstein in the border zone.
Eligible countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein
-
Employment
Must have an employment contract with a Swiss employer in the border region.
Required status: Employment contract with Swiss employer in border region
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0
-
Proof of address
Provide current address evidence, such as a utility bill, tenancy document, residence certificate or official correspondence.
Accepted documents: Proof of residence in France, Germany, Austria, Italy, or Liechtenstein within the designated border zone; Max age months: 3
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather employment contract, proof of residence in neighboring country, and identification documents.
-
Document submission
Employer submits G permit application to the cantonal migration authority.
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Processing wait
Cantonal authority processes the application.
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Visa collection
Collect G permit card. Must carry permit when crossing the border for work.
Work / Immigration visa (Swiss Settlement Permit - C Permit)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 4-12 weeks
- Fee
- CHF 100-300 (cantonal fee)
- Validity
- Indefinite/permanent, renewed every 5 years (administrative renewal)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
C permit is the most secure residence status short of Swiss citizenship. Requires successful integration: language proficiency (B1 oral in national language), no criminal record, financial independence, and participation in economic and social life. Can be revoked if holder leaves Switzerland for more than 6 months.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
All nationalities, subject to residence duration requirements.
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Criminal record
Clean criminal record in Switzerland. No welfare dependency.
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Visa history
5 years continuous B permit residence for EU/EFTA nationals. 10 years for most third-country nationals (5 years for nationals of certain countries with bilateral agreements).
Required history: 5-10 years continuous B permit residence
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 6
-
Language proficiency
Accepted tests: Certified language tests in German, French, or Italian; Minimum score: B1 oral, A1 written in national language of canton
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather proof of integration: language certificates, employment history, tax records, proof of financial independence, and clean criminal record.
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Document submission
Submit C permit application to the cantonal migration office with all supporting documents.
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Processing wait
Cantonal authority evaluates integration criteria and residence history.
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Visa collection
Collect C permit card from cantonal migration office.
Work / Immigration visa (Swiss Work Permit - B Permit (Residence) - Third-Country Nationals)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-12 weeks
- Fee
- CHF 100-300 plus CHF 50-100 Type D visa fee
- Validity
- Initially 1 year, renewable annually. After 5-10 years of continuous residence, eligible for C permit (settlement).
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Third-country B permits are highly restrictive. Employer must demonstrate exceptional need. Salary must meet or exceed Swiss standards. After 10 years of continuous residence (5 years for nationals of certain countries), eligible for C permit. Family reunification allowed after B permit issuance.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Non-EU/EFTA nationals. Subject to annual quota limits.
-
Employment
Must have a confirmed job offer from a Swiss employer. Employer must pass labor market test. Position must require specialized qualifications not available in Swiss/EU labor market.
Required status: Confirmed employment with labor market test passed
-
Financial
Salary must meet Swiss-standard wages for the position, location, and industry.
Minimum funds: Swiss-standard wages
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-size photographs
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Proof of accommodation in Switzerland or commitment to arrange housing; Must cover full stay: No
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: At embassy/consulate; Amount: CHF 50-100 visa plus CHF 100-300 permit fee
-
Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
-
Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Switzerland; Minimum coverage: Swiss mandatory health insurance
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Employer advertises position domestically and across EU/EFTA for reasonable period. Engages regional employment agencies. Documents all recruitment efforts.
-
Document submission
Employer submits B permit application to cantonal labor market authority with full documentation. After approval, applicant applies for Type D visa at Swiss embassy.
-
Processing wait
Cantonal authority reviews, then forwards to SEM for federal approval. Dual approval required.
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Visa collection
Enter with Type D visa. Register at communal office within 14 days. Receive B permit card.
Work / Immigration visa (Swiss Work Permit - L Permit (Short-Term Residence) - EU/EFTA Nationals)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- CHF 100-200 (varies by canton)
- Validity
- Up to 12 months, may be extended up to 24 months maximum
- Entry
- Multiple entry
EU/EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). No priority workforce or labor market test required. Employer must offer Swiss-standard working conditions and wages.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
EU/EFTA nationals only.
Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
-
Employment
Must have a valid employment contract with a Swiss employer for 3-12 months duration.
Required status: Employment contract for 3-12 months with Swiss employer
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Swiss employer gathers employment contract, company registration, and applicant's identification documents.
-
Document submission
Employer submits L permit application to the cantonal migration authority where the job is located.
-
Processing wait
Cantonal authority processes the application. EU/EFTA applications are typically processed faster.
-
Visa collection
Employee enters Switzerland and registers at the communal registration office within 14 days. L permit card is issued.