Immigration to Switzerland
Important
The information on the external page webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is binding. Please check this website first if you require a visa or not, as entry requirements can change at any time.
Students who do not require a visa
- EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
- EFTA countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
If you fulfil the requirements, see immigration without a visa.
Citizens of non-EU/EFTA countries who hold a valid and recognised travel document with:
- a valid residence permit of a Schengen country (valid until you have obtained your Swiss residence permit)
or - a valid D visa of a Schengen country
-> do not require a visa to enter Switzerland!
If you fulfil the requirements, see immigration with a valid Schengen permit.
Non-Swiss citizens who live already in Switzerland, hold a Swiss residence permit and wish to change the canton.
If you fulfil the requirements, see change of canton.
Students who require a visa
All other students must apply for a national "D" visa at the Swiss embassy/consulate general at their place of residence.
If a visa is required to enter Switzerland, see immigration with a visa.
Please note: The information on this page is meant for information purposes only. No responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information. The rules and regulations may have changed in the meantime. For legally binding information please contact the website of the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration or ask at the Swiss Embassy/ Consulate at your place of residence.