How Do I Get a Residence Permit In Switzerland?

FGP Swiss & Alps

Do you feel like you are not ready to move to another country? Or are you simply not sure what you need to do to make a smooth move to Switzerland?

If you are planning to move to Switzerland, you will need to make a lot of applications, pay for a lot of documents, and then wait for months, sometimes even years, to get your residence permit.

If you try to move to Switzerland without the right visa, you will find that your stay will be limited. Some types of visas required for entry into Switzerland include a tourist visa, work visa, student visa, or family visa.

In this article, you’ll get all details on getting a residence permit in Switzerland. I will also give you an overview of some tips and tricks that will simplify the process.

Work Permits and Employment-Based Visas

To live in Switzerland as a foreigner, you need to obtain a residence permit from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The FDFA issues residency permits in Switzerland based on your occupation. This is called a work permit or employment-based visa. This type of visa is required if you work in Switzerland and have a salary higher than 3,000 CHF/month. 

If you are employed with a company based in Switzerland, your employer must apply for this visa on your behalf. The Swiss Federal Office of Migration (BAM) can issue work permits to foreigners already in Switzerland. They can also issue work permits to foreigners granted a residence permit in another Schengen country. 

The applicant will then receive an invitation to apply for a residence permit in Switzerland. Once you have received the invitation to apply for a residence permit, the visa office can provide more information.

How does the FDFA verify that your job is valid? Your employer must provide proof that your job is valid. These could include:

  • A document stating that your job is valid;
  • A letter from your employer confirming that your job is valid;
  • A letter from your employer stating that you are allowed to work in Switzerland and specifying the conditions of your employment (for example, hours of work, salary);
  • A copy of your passport or ID card with the stamp stating that your occupation is valid.

EU/EFTA Nationals Visa Requirement

If you are a national of an EU or EEA country, you do not need to apply for a residence permit in Switzerland. You can enter the country on a tourist visa. This type of visa is valid for 90 days and is valid for any number of entries.

If you plan to move to Switzerland with your family, you will need to apply for a residence permit for each family member. The process is similar to the process of applying for a work permit.