Information regarding entry into Switzerland and residence
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.
General information
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).
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.
- Do I require a visa? Information for entry to Switzerland, SEM
- Overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality, SEM
- Entry into Switzerland, SEM
- Calculation of short-term stays / short-stay calculator, SEM
Entry to Switzerland and residence for citizens of EU/EFTA countries
You may enter Swiss territory without a visa if you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and in possession of a valid recognised identity document.
For a stay over 90 days you will require an authorisation from the migration authority of the canton concerned. An application for authorisation accompanied by the relevant documents should be submitted to the said cantonal authority. Within 14 days after the arrival in Switzerland and before starting an employment, citizens of EU-25/EFTA have to announce themselves at the municipality of the place of residence and apply for residency permit.
Free Movement of Persons Switzerland – EU/EFTA
SEM can provide you with information on the conditions for entry and residence in Switzerland within the framework of the free movement of persons agreement
- Free movement of persons Switzerland – EU/EFTA, SEM
- Short stay: entry requirements for Switzerland, SEM
- Residence (long stay), SEM
- The various residence permits for nationals of EU and EFTA member states, SEM
Entry to Switzerland and residence (also Schengen Area) for non-Swiss citizens and nationals of countries outside the EU/EFTA
If you are not a citizen of Switzerland or of a country in the EU or EFTA, the conditions for entry to Switzerland will vary in relation to your nationality, the reasons for your proposed stay (tourism, visit, employment, studies, family reunification, etc.) and the length of your stay (short or long duration).
The website of SEM below will inform you whether or not you require a visa to enter Switzerland and on the travel documents that are recognised.
Persons who require a visa should submit their application to the Swiss representation competent for their place of residence.
Index
ETIAS – Travel authorisation
Third-country nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area must apply online for ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to the Schengen area. Authorisation costs EUR 20 and is valid for three years.
ETIAS will come into force in the last quarter of 2026. At this stage, no action is required from travelers. The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.
More information at: ETIAS (europa.eu)
Please note: there are many websites that contain false information about ETIAS. The only website that provides reliable information is the European Union website: ETIAS (europa.eu)