Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Visitors coming to Switzerland for tourism, family visits, business meetings or events for up to 90 days.
National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
Non-EU/EFTA nationals authorised to live in Switzerland who need an entry visa to collect their residence permit.
L EU/EFTA Permit (Short-Term Residence)
EU/EFTA nationals with a Swiss employment contract of three months to under one year.
L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term)
Qualified non-EU/EFTA workers hired short-term (up to one year) within the federal quota.
B EU/EFTA Permit (Resident Foreign National)
EU/EFTA nationals with a permanent or 12-month-plus Swiss employment contract.
B Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Resident Worker)
Qualified non-EU/EFTA professionals with a long-term Swiss job, admitted within the federal quota.
Admission of Highly Qualified Third-Country Workers
Highly qualified managers, specialists and academics from outside the EU/EFTA needed by a Swiss employer.
G Permit (Cross-Border Commuter)
People who work in Switzerland but keep their main residence abroad and return there weekly.
Residence Permit for Self-Employment
Entrepreneurs setting up or running their own business in Switzerland.
Residence Permit for Study
Students admitted to a recognised Swiss university, college or school for full-time study.
Stay to Seek Work After Graduation
Non-EU/EFTA graduates of Swiss universities looking for a job in their field after completing studies.
Residence Permit for Researchers and Scientists
Academic researchers and scientists hosted by a Swiss university or research institution.
Trainee / Young Professional Permit
Young professionals aged 18-35 gaining work experience under a bilateral trainee agreement.
Au Pair Permit
Young people aged 17-30 living with a Swiss host family to help with childcare and learn a language.
Family Reunification - Spouse / Registered Partner
Spouses and registered partners joining a resident or Swiss citizen in Switzerland.
Family Reunification - Children
Dependent children joining a resident parent or Swiss-citizen parent in Switzerland.
Family Reunification via Registered Partnership
Same-sex registered partners of Swiss citizens or permit holders joining them in Switzerland.
C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence)
Long-term residents granted open-ended permanent residence in Switzerland.
Early C Settlement Permit (Successful Integration)
Well-integrated foreign nationals granted permanent residence after 5 years instead of 10.
Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation
Long-term C-permit holders applying to become Swiss citizens through the standard process.
Swiss Citizenship - Simplified Naturalisation
Spouses of Swiss citizens and third-generation residents eligible for the faster federal procedure.
Asylum and Recognised Refugee Status (Permit B)
People who flee persecution and are recognised as refugees in Switzerland.
Temporarily Admitted Persons (Permit F)
People who cannot be returned home (war, danger, or inadmissible removal) and are admitted temporarily.
Hardship Case Residence Permit (Cas de Rigueur)
People in serious personal hardship granted a residence permit on discretionary humanitarian grounds.