Schengen Visa information

Switzerland has joined the Schengen visa scheme on December 12, 2008. Therefore all foreign nationals residing in the USA who require a Schengen visa will from that date onwards also require a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland. The Swiss visa desks can only accept applications from persons whose main destination is Switzerland.

US GREEN CARD HOLDERS ARE NO LONGER EXEMPT FROM THE VISA OBLIGATION FOR SHORT STAYS IN SWITZERLAND. 

Citizens of Bermuda require a visa, except if they are holders of a passport containing one of the following entries under the heading "nationality": Britisch Citizen (B.C.) or British National (Overseas) / B.N.O.)

Only persons who have a legal residence status in the United States can apply for visas at Swiss representations in the United States (e.g. F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, etc.). Tourists and visitors on B1/B2 visas must apply in their country of residence.

As a general rule, the applicant must appear in person to submit a visa request. Please consult the information below to find out which visa desk is responsible for your place of residence and whether you may apply by mail.

 Countries listing (Federal Office of Migration)

The time needed for a visa request to be processed may vary from case to case. It is therefore strongly recommended to take the necessary steps well in advance, so that the visa can be issued in the time required.

Short stay visas (tourists, visitors, business)
Complete applications are in general processed within 10 days

Long stay visas (work, study, residence) initiated at the visa desk abroad
At least six to eight weeks

Visa for persons who have already received an authorization from a Swiss cantonal authority (initiated by the employer in Switzerland)
One week

USD 89.00 must be paid in cash or money order (made out to the competent Consulate or the Swiss Embassy) when submitting the application. If the application is made by mail, a money order is required. The fee will not be refunded if the visa is denied or the application withdrawn.

An additional postage fee of USD 6.00 is required for a long stay visa application (work, residence), which has to be submitted to the responsible authorities in Switzerland.

Additional payment options at the Consulate General in New York: All major credit cards accepted (not for postal applications)

The Principalty of Liechtenstein is not yet a member of the Schengen Agreement. However, the requirements are the same as for Switzerland.

Please click on the information sheet on the right to obtain the requirements for a transit visa.

Please click on the information sheet on the right to obtain the requirements for a business visa.

Please click on the information sheet on the right to obtain the requirements for a visitor visa.

The very restrictive immigration policy of the Swiss Government has made it extremely difficult to obtain residence permits for employment. As a rule, only individuals who have been offered jobs which cannot be filled by Swiss nationals have a chance of obtaining residence permits. Inevitably, these vacancies are usually only in an occupation of a highly specialized nature.

The Swiss Embassy or Consulates General are unable to assist anyone in finding employment in Switzerland. No lists of Swiss or foreign companies, agencies or organizations are available. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, but a bilateral Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) has been signed and entered into force on June 1, 2002. The provisions of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons only apply to nationals of the member states of the EU. The new EU member countries do not yet benefit from the free movement of persons with Switzerland.

Requirements
Please click on the information sheet on the right to obtain the requirements for a work visa.

Procedure for formal employment: It takes approx. 6-8 weeks, and the prospective employer in Switzerland must apply for a work permit at the immigration authority. If such a permit is granted, the "Assurance of a Residence Permit" (German: "Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung", French: "Assurance d'autorisation de séjour", Italian: " Assicurazione di rilascio di un permesso di dimora") is sent to the employer as well the employee.

Nationals who require a visa to work in Switzerland (most non-Europeans, including American citizens) must file a personal application at the responsible Swiss visa desk at the same time as the employer applies for the work permit in Switzerland. An authorization to issue the visa is sent to the responsible Swiss visa desk after the work permit has been authorized and the appropriate visa has to be issued in your passport prior to your departure.

After arrival, every person must register with the immigration authority within 8 days of arrival and, at all events, before starting work.

If your employer has applied for your work permit in Switzerland and it has been granted, you still must apply for a visa to enter Switzerland with the competent Swiss representation abroad.

To apply for the visa, you must submit the following documents to the competent Swiss representation:

1. One application form which is fully completed and signed by the applicant. Applications which are not duly completed, dated and signed will not be accepted. Please also indicate your e-mail address and a contact phone number in case additional information is required.
2. Two passport photos per applicant (very strict requirements, please consult the details on the webpage)
3. Applicant’s valid original passport, plus a copy
4. Visa fee (only money order or cash)
5. If applying by mail: one prepaid, self-addressed, return envelope with a tracking number

Please click on the information sheet on the right side of this page in order to obtain the list of the requirements to apply for a student visa. 

Please click on the information sheet on the right side of this page in order to obtain the list of the requirements to apply for a visa for a spouse of a Swiss citizen.

Generally speaking, Liechtenstein's policy on admission of foreign residents is as restrictive as that of Switzerland. To find out the requirements and procedure, applicants with close ties should contact the authorities of Liechtenstein:
Ausländer und Passamt 
Heuweg 6
FL-9490 Vaduz
Tel.: +423 236 61 41