(V1)
Obligation to hold a visa with regard to exercising gainful occupation:

◾  in the primary or secondary construction industry and civil engineering, catering and hotel services, industrial and private cleaners, surveillance and security services, and erotic services;

◾  gainful occupation of any another kind, if such occupation exceeds 8 days within a calendar year.

Exemption to hold a visa with regard to exercising gainful occupation:

◾  Holders of a longterm residence permit issued by a Schengen member state or a valid type D visa, provided they also hold a recognized travel document.

Other nationalities

For other nationalities, please refer to the list on the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).

SEM – Overview of ID and visa provisions according to the nationality (Annex 1, List 1: nationality)

If you are obliged to hold a visa, please apply for it and refer to the information on the webpage:

Where to apply for a Schengen visa?

If you are not obliged to hold a visa, you are allowed to enter Switzerland resp. the Schengen territory and stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without any visa.

Additional information

SEM – FAQ Frequently asked questions