# 🇨🇭 Switzerland — visa routes

> Verified visa and immigration data for Switzerland from VisaPassage.
> Canonical page: https://visapassage.com/destinations/switzerland

28 routes with deep coverage. Every entry below is checked against official sources and carries its own verification date. Statuses describe typical eligibility — they are never a promise of approval; individual applications require review.

## Short visits by passport

- **United States**: Visa-free · stays up to 90 days
- **United Kingdom**: Visa-free · stays up to 90 days
- **Germany**: Visa-free
- **India**: Visa required · apply before travel
- **Canada**: Visa-free · stays up to 90 days
- **Australia**: Visa-free · stays up to 90 days

Other passports: check https://visapassage.com/visa-checker for your specific passports.

## Visit

| Route | Status | Max stay | Gov fee | Service fee | Processing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ETIAS travel authorisation | Travel authorisation · typically eligible | 90 days | €7 | €19 | 4 days |
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) -- tourism | Consular visa · typically eligible | 90 days | €90 | €49 | 15 days |
| Switzerland Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourism | Consular visa · typically eligible | 90 days | €90 | — | 15 days |
| Airport transit visa (Type A) | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | €90 | €39 | 15 days |
| Switzerland Airport Transit Visa (Type A) | Consular visa · typically eligible | 1 day | €90 | — | 15 days |
| Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) -- business | Consular visa · typically eligible | 90 days | €90 | €49 | 15 days |
| Switzerland Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business | Consular visa · typically eligible | 90 days | €90 | — | 15 days |

- **Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) -- tourism** — Key documents: Completed application form, Passport, Passport photo, Travel medical insurance, Proof of accommodation, Return / onward ticket, Proof of sufficient funds
- **Switzerland Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourism** — Key documents: Schengen visa application form, Passport, Two passport photos, Travel medical insurance, Proof of accommodation, Proof of sufficient funds, Proof of onward/return travel · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: ch.ch
- **Switzerland Airport Transit Visa (Type A)** — Key documents: Schengen visa application form, Passport, Passport photo, Onward flight booking, Destination entry document · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: eda.admin.ch
- **Switzerland Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business** — Key documents: Schengen visa application form, Passport, Letter of invitation, Employer letter, Travel medical insurance, Proof of funds, Return travel booking · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: ch.ch

## Study & Training

| Route | Status | Max stay | Gov fee | Service fee | Processing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National long-stay visa (Type D) -- study | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | — | €200 | — |
| Switzerland Student Residence Permit (Higher Education) | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | CHF 88 | — | — |
| Switzerland Young Professional / Trainee (Stagiaire) Permit | Consular visa · typically eligible | 548 days | CHF 88 | — | 42 days |

- **Switzerland Student Residence Permit (Higher Education)** — Key documents: National D visa application form, Passport, Admission/matriculation letter, Proof of sufficient means, Motivation letter, CV and prior diplomas, Undertaking to leave · Rights: Work: up to 15 h/week · Study: Study is the purpose of the permit. · Residency after 10 years · Family: Limited to spouse/children entitled to support; means-tested. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: eda.admin.ch
- **Switzerland Young Professional / Trainee (Stagiaire) Permit** — Key documents: Trainee application form, Employment contract with training programme, Vocational diploma or degree, Curriculum vitae, Passport copy · Rights: Work: Full-time work in the trained profession only; no part-time, self-employment or staff leasing. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: sem.admin.ch

## Work & Self-Employment

| Route | Status | Max stay | Gov fee | Service fee | Processing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Self-employment permit for third-country nationals | Available | — | — | — | — |
| Switzerland Self-Employment / Company Founder Permit (Third-Country) | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | CHF 88 | — | — |
| Startup / Entrepreneur Visa | Available | — | — | — | — |
| National long-stay visa (Type D) -- work | Consular visa · Conditional | — | — | €200 | — |
| Switzerland B EU/EFTA Residence Permit (Free Movement) | Visa-free · typically eligible | — | — | — | — |
| Switzerland G Cross-Border Commuter Permit (Grenzgaenger) | Visa-free · typically eligible | — | — | — | — |
| Switzerland B Residence Permit - Non-EU/EFTA Skilled Worker | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | CHF 88 | — | — |
| Switzerland L Short-Stay Permit - Non-EU/EFTA Worker | Consular visa · typically eligible | 365 days | CHF 88 | — | — |

- **Self-employment permit for third-country nationals** — EU/EFTA citizens can freelance in Switzerland freely, but third-country nationals are admitted for self-employment only if the activity serves Switzerland's overall economic interest, within annual B/L permit quotas and with cantonal plus federal (SEM) approval - rarely granted to ordinary freelancers. · Last verified 10 Jun 2026 · Source: zh.ch
- **Switzerland Self-Employment / Company Founder Permit (Third-Country)** — Key documents: Business plan, Business idea statement, Commercial Register / foundation charter, Proof of financial means, Business relationships evidence, Passport and D visa form · Rights: Work: Self-employed/entrepreneurial activity in the approved business. · Study: Study possible at cantonal discretion. · Residency after 10 years · Family: Reunification subject to sufficient means and housing (Art. 44 FNIA). · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: kmu.admin.ch
- **Startup / Entrepreneur Visa** — No dedicated startup visa; non-EU founders may receive a quota-limited L or B permit under Art. 19 FNIA if the canton and State Secretariat for Migration find the business in the overall economic interest (innovation, investment, job creation). · Last verified 10 Jun 2026 · Source: kmu.admin.ch
- **Switzerland B EU/EFTA Residence Permit (Free Movement)** — Key documents: Passport or national ID, Proof of employment, Commune registration, Proof of accommodation, Passport photo · Rights: Work: Full labour-market access nationwide with free job change under the AFMP. · Study: Study permitted. · Residency after 5 years · Family: Spouse and children under 21 plus dependent relatives may join and work anywhere. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: sem.admin.ch
- **Switzerland G Cross-Border Commuter Permit (Grenzgaenger)** — Key documents: Passport or national ID, Employment contract, Foreign residence permit, Proof of border-zone residence, Proof of main residence abroad, Swiss health insurance · Rights: Work: EU/EFTA: work anywhere in Switzerland; non-EU/EFTA: only within the issuing canton's border zone, job change needs permission. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: sem.admin.ch
- **Switzerland B Residence Permit - Non-EU/EFTA Skilled Worker** — Key documents: Cantonal/SEM authorisation, National D visa application form, Passport, Employment contract, Curriculum vitae, Diplomas and certificates · Rights: Work: Full-time work for the sponsoring employer; job change generally needs cantonal authorisation. · Study: Study possible alongside residence at cantonal discretion. · Residency after 10 years · Family: Reunification for spouse and unmarried children under 18, subject to housing and means (Art. 44 FNIA). · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: sem.admin.ch
- **Switzerland L Short-Stay Permit - Non-EU/EFTA Worker** — Key documents: Cantonal/SEM authorisation, National D visa application form, Passport, Fixed-term employment contract, Curriculum vitae · Rights: Work: Work for the sponsoring employer; job change needs authorisation and stays within the same sector/profession. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: sem.admin.ch

## Invest & Capital

| Route | Status | Max stay | Gov fee | Service fee | Processing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Lump-Sum Taxation Residence (Forfait Fiscal) | Available | — | — | — | — |
| Switzerland Residence by Expenditure-Based ('Lump-Sum') Taxation | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | CHF 88 | — | — |
| Switzerland Investor / Important Economic Interest Permit (Art. 23 FNIA) | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | CHF 88 | — | — |

- **Lump-Sum Taxation Residence (Forfait Fiscal)** — Counted as a golden-visa equivalent with note: wealthy non-working foreigners obtain a renewable B residence permit by agreeing to annual lump-sum taxation (federal minimum taxable expenditure CHF 434,700; Geneva ~CHF 500,000), with ~183 days/year presence expected; abolished in Zurich and several other cantons. · Last verified 10 Jun 2026 · Source: richmondchambers.ch
- **Switzerland Residence by Expenditure-Based ('Lump-Sum') Taxation** — Key documents: Passport and D visa form, Lump-sum tax ruling, Proof of sufficient lifelong means, Non-employment declaration, Proof of special ties / age (rentier), Swiss health insurance, Proof of accommodation · Rights: Study: Study permitted. · Residency after 10 years · Family: Family reunification via Art. 43/44 FNIA; cohabiting spouses must both qualify for the regime. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: efd.admin.ch
- **Switzerland Investor / Important Economic Interest Permit (Art. 23 FNIA)** — Key documents: Detailed business plan, Proof of investment and financing, Commercial Register extract, Job-creation evidence, Passport and D visa form, CV and qualifications · Rights: Work: Entrepreneurial/self-employed activity in the approved venture. · Study: Study possible at cantonal discretion. · Residency after 10 years · Family: Reunification for spouse and children (Art. 44 FNIA); family members may work. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: kmu.admin.ch

## Retire & Lifestyle

| Route | Status | Max stay | Gov fee | Service fee | Processing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Switzerland Residence Permit for Retired Persons Without Employment | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | CHF 88 | — | — |
| Young professionals / trainee exchange (stagiaires) | Available | — | — | — | — |

- **Switzerland Residence Permit for Retired Persons Without Employment** — Key documents: Passport and D visa form, Proof of age, Evidence of special ties to Switzerland, Proof of lifelong means, Non-employment declaration, Swiss health insurance, Proof of accommodation · Rights: Study: Study permitted. · Residency after 10 years · Family: Spouse and minor children may join (Art. 43/44 FNIA). · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: fedlex.admin.ch
- **Young professionals / trainee exchange (stagiaires)** — Not a classic working-holiday visa: bilateral trainee agreements with 13 states (incl. Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, USA, Argentina, Chile, Philippines, South Africa, Tunisia, Ukraine) let qualified young professionals aged 18-35 work in their learned profession for up to 18 months. · Last verified 10 Jun 2026 · Source: sem.admin.ch

## Family & Origin

| Route | Status | Max stay | Gov fee | Service fee | Processing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Switzerland Family Reunification (Art. 42-44 FNIA) | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | CHF 88 | — | — |
| Switzerland Family Member of EU/EFTA National (Free Movement) | Visa-free · typically eligible | — | — | — | — |
| Switzerland Ordinary and Facilitated Naturalisation | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | CHF 100 | — | — |

- **Switzerland Family Reunification (Art. 42-44 FNIA)** — Key documents: National D visa application form, Passport, Marriage or partnership certificate, Children's birth certificates, Sponsor's status proof, Proof of suitable accommodation, Proof of financial means · Rights: Work: Joining spouse and children may work in any field. · Study: Study permitted. · Residency after 5 years · Family: Spouse/registered partner and unmarried children under 18. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: fedlex.admin.ch
- **Switzerland Family Member of EU/EFTA National (Free Movement)** — Key documents: Passport or national ID, Marriage or partnership certificate, Children's birth certificates, Family-member certificate, Proof of accommodation, Sponsor's permit · Rights: Work: Spouse and children may work anywhere; dependent ascendants may not. · Study: Study permitted. · Residency after 5 years · Family: Spouse/partner, children under 21 or dependent, and dependent ascendants. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: sem.admin.ch
- **Switzerland Ordinary and Facilitated Naturalisation** — Key documents: Naturalisation application form, C permit copy, Language certificate, Criminal record extract, Debt-enforcement extract, No-social-assistance confirmation · Rights: Work: Full citizen rights; unrestricted work. · Study: Full citizen rights; unrestricted study. · Residency: Confers citizenship and a Swiss passport. · Family: Spouses may apply jointly; minor children may be included in a parent's naturalisation. · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: sem.admin.ch

## Special Categories

| Route | Status | Max stay | Gov fee | Service fee | Processing |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Switzerland Hardship Residence Permit (Art. 30 FNIA) | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | — | — | — |
| Switzerland C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence) | Consular visa · typically eligible | — | — | — | — |

- **Switzerland Hardship Residence Permit (Art. 30 FNIA)** — Key documents: Hardship application, Passport or identity document, Proof of length of presence, Proof of integration, Financial situation evidence · Rights: Work: Work permitted once the B hardship permit is granted. · Study: Study permitted. · Residency after 10 years · Family: Family reunification follows ordinary B-permit rules (Art. 44 FNIA). · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: fedlex.admin.ch
- **Switzerland C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence)** — Key documents: Settlement permit application, Passport, Residence-history proof, Language certificate, Debt-enforcement extract, No-social-assistance confirmation, Criminal record extract · Rights: Work: Unrestricted access to the labour market, free job and canton change. · Study: Study permitted without restriction. · Residency: This is permanent residence; required for ordinary naturalisation. · Family: Reunified family gain settlement and full work rights (Art. 43 FNIA). · Last verified 12 Jun 2026 · Source: fedlex.admin.ch

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Source: VisaPassage (https://visapassage.com/). Cite the canonical page above when referencing this data. Markdown index of all destinations: https://visapassage.com/destinations/llm.md.