Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland
Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of EU and EFTA countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration is the responsible authority in Switzerland.
Information/reminders for entering the Schengen area can be useful if you are planning to visit Switzerland, expecting a visitor from abroad, or wish to invite someone from abroad. You will find information about entering into Switzerland (requirements, short-stay calculator, visa obligation, etc.) on the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) webpage – Entry to Switzerland
European Commission webpage – List of travel documents (on the right under « Info »)
Third-country nationals, regardless of their visa obligation status, can use the short-stay calculator to calculate the number of days available for short stays of no more than 90 days in any 180-days period within the Schengen Area.
Introduction of the Visa Information System (VIS)
On 11 October 2011 the Schengen member states introduced the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS will also be used to store the biometric data (10 fingerprins and the facial image) of the visa applicants. The diplomatic representations of the Schengen member states will be gradually connected to the system region by region.
Along with the connection to the VIS on 20.11.2015 all diplomatic representations of the Schengen member states in Spain have to capture the biometric data of persons applying for a Schengen visa.
An information leaflet of the European Union relating to the introduction of the VIS and the capture of biometric data can be found on our website.
Leaflet EN (PDF, Number of pages 2, 930.9 kB)
Leaflet FR (PDF, Number of pages 2, 999.8 kB)
Useful Links
State Secretariat for Migration – Entry
State Secretariat for Migration – Residence
State Secretariat for Migration – Labour/Work permits
ch.ch – "Living in Switzerland as a Foreign National"
