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Do I need a visa to enter Switzerland?

In this article you will learn which nationalities require an entry visa for Switzerland and which do not.

Alina Spanuth avatar
Written by Alina Spanuth
Updated over a week ago

Citizens of the following countries do not require an entry visa to enter Switzerland:

  • EU member states

  • Andorra, Vatican City, Lichtenstein, Norway, UK, Iceland

Nationals of countries who are not part of the EU/EFTA, all have to apply for a long-stay Swiss visa. In addition to that, you need to apply for a residence permit as well. Non-EU/EFTA nationals have to apply for the Swiss long-stay visa and residence permit before entering Switzerland.

When you apply for a Switzerland work visa, you have to make an appointment at the Swiss representation (embassy/consulate) in your country. You have to submit the application in person and pay a non-refundable visa fee. When you submit your documents, they need to be in triplicate.

The documents required for a Switzerland work visa include:

  • Three completed and signed long-stay visa application forms in either German, French, Italian, or English. You can download it online or, in some cases, find it at the Swiss embassy/consulate you are applying in.

  • Valid passport/travel document with at least two blank pages. It must have been issued within the past 10 years, and be valid a minimum of three months after you intend to leave Switzerland.

  • Three copies of the relevant pages of your passport (pages 1-4 and the last page, the page showing the issue and expiry date, copies of all previous visas.)

  • Four identical passport-size pictures. They must be recent and biometric.

  • Your job contract along with two copies.

  • Proof of your professional activity.

  • Copies of your qualifications (diplomas, certificates, etc.)

  • Details about your previous education, like your grades, subjects, and the dates you attended the university/college.

  • Evidence you tried getting work in another method.

  • Your CV.

Documents that are not in German, French, Italian, or English must be translated.

Keep in mind that the required documents may change depending on the country. The Swiss authorities reserve the right to ask for any additional documents they deem necessary.

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