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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Information regarding entering into Switzerland

Visa

Due to the war in Ukraine, the Embassy premises in Kyiv are temporarily closed. Visa applications shall be submitted to the

Embassy of Switzerland in Bucharest who is currently competent for issuing visas.

Please contact the Regional Consular Centre South East Europe in Bucharest. 

Protection status S for refugees from war

Switzerland helps persons in need of protection who have fled Ukraine - with protection status S (no quota)

All questions regarding protection status S can be found on the website of the SEM Swiss Migration Secretariat (also in Ukrainian).

We would like to point out that the information that refugees with protection status S receive a monthly payment of CHF 1,600 in Switzerland is a false report. Switzerland treats persons in need of protection similarly to other Schengen countries.

Visa liberalisation for Ukraine

Starting from 11th of June 2017, Ukrainian citizen are exempted from the visa requirement when travelling to the Schengen area for a short stay of mot more than 90 days within a 180 day period.

The visa waiver applies only to holders of biometric passports.

The obligation to hold a visa with regard to exercising gainful occupation persists (also for an occupation not exceeding 8 days within a calendar year).

For additional information please refer to the Frequently asked questions FAQs (PDF, 4 Pages, 422.5 kB, English).

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.

Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is subject to the authorisation of the cantonal migration authority competent for the intended place of residence. For example: long-term student, family reunification, marriage in Switzerland, etc.

Airport transit visa

For citizens of certain countries who need a transit visa even if they are staying in the international transit area of the airport and do not enter the Schengen territory.

Labour / Work permits

Admission of foreign workers to an employer in Switzerland is subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authority. The entry visa is granted only when the requested authorisations have been delivered.

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Last update 20.11.2023