Schengen/Dublin refers to the agreements signed following coordinated attempts by EU member states to enhance the personal freedoms of its citizens, while at the same time improving security within Europe’s borders to a significant degree. On Friday, December 12, 2008, the Swiss association agreement under Schengen entered into force. Ever since this date, Schengen visas have been accepted for entry into Switzerland.

You can obtain further details on visa regulations through the information provided below, as well as in the documents listed on the right hand side of this page. In addition, the Regional consular center South-East Europe can provide further information, as can other Swiss representative offices abroad, Cantonal Migration Offices, and the Federal Office for Migration.

A number of different regulations apply for entry into Switzerland (e.g. those for tourists, students, employed persons, and retired persons). It is worth clarifying these before you arrive. If you intend to travel to Switzerland, are expecting someone to visit Switzerland from abroad, or would like to invite someone to Switzerland, the information sheet for entry into Switzerland (listed on the right hand side of this page) could prove useful.

• For short-term stays of up to 3 months as part of six months' stay in the wider Schengen area you will need a visa. You can fill out the Schengen visa application form online.
• For long-term stays in Switzerland that are longer than three months and require an official permit you will need a national visa D. The visa application form for a national visa D can likewise be filled out online.

 Information sheet for entry to Switzerland (pdf, 59 Kb)

 Student Visa (pdf, 8 Kb)

 Application for Schengen Visa (pdf, 263 Kb)

 Application for a long stay visa (visa D) (pdf, 282 Kb)

Anyone who wants to work in Switzerland during their stay or who wishes to stay in Switzerland for longer than three months will require a permit. This will be issued by the Cantonal Migration Offices. A distinction is made between a short-term residence permit (less than 1 year), a fixed-term residence permit and an open-ended residence permit.

• The various residence permits for citizens of EU/EFTA member states can be found via the following link: 
   Permits to stay for EU/EFTA citizens
• The various residence permits for nationals of other countries can be found via the following link: 
   Permits to stay for other countries. 

Further information can be obtained from the following website:

 Federal Office for Migration