Democratic Governance

Services and visa

All consular services and visa issues are provided by the Regional Consular Centre Western Balkans in Pristina.

Consular services
Visa and entry to Switzerland

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Online desk FDFA

Using the FDFA’s online consular services while abroad.

The relevant Swiss representation abroad can answer any questions concerning the FDFA’s online desk.

The goal is to improve services that include all social groups by advancing decentralization and strengthening local democracy. Decentralization is high on the country’s agenda and received a new impetus in 2014 with the Territorial and Administrative Reform. Local government units face new responsibilities and need competencies and skills. At the same time they need to federate and exchange best experiences. Increased efforts are required to fight corruption, improve services for citizens, and include vulnerable groups and communities such as the Roma.

Switzerland encourages the dialogue on decentralization and local governance, links national and local levels of government, and improves communication between them. Local government units are endowed with the relevant skills and competencies. Emphasis is also placed on public financial management towards increased transparency of government units with the participation of communities and the civil society.

Medical personnel caring for newborns in a neonatal ward in Lithuania — SDC/Jolanta Normantienè

Poverty means more than having no income, food and education. Unfortunately, the majority of the poorest is also characterized by fear and helplessness, lack of security and rights, discrimination and arbitrary government. So efforts to promote rule of law, human rights and justice are crucial for sustainable poverty reduction and guaranteeing development.

The SDC's worldwide engagement

Document showing a household’s budget — CC0

This contributes to good governance and transparency in managing public resources as well as stability in the fiscal policy environment (monetary policy, public finances, banking system).

The SECO’s worldwide engagement