Home > Everything You Need to Know About Long Stay Visas: Switzerland

Everything You Need to Know About Long Stay Visas: Switzerland

If you're planning to stay in Switzerland for a longer period of time (we will get to what that means), you will likely need to apply for a visa.

There are many reasons why a foreigner might need to stay in Switzerland for a while. This could be anything from a work mission or studying abroad to spending time with a family member.

While your reason may be legitimate, you still must meet the entry requirements to head to Switzerland and stay there legally.

In this guide, we're going to take a look at Switzerland long stay visas - what they are, who might need one, what's required of applicants, and how to apply.

Do I need a long stay visa for Switzerland?

Whether or not you need a long stay visa to stay in Switzerland depends primarily on two things:

Your nationality (which country you hold a passport for).
How long you intend to stay in Switzerland.

If you can say YES to both of the following, you likely need to apply for a long stay visa (though always check the official Swiss Embassy's website for confirmation).

You are NOT a Schengen country citizen.
You plan to spend more than 90 days in Switzerland.

What is a Swiss long stay visa?

In general, long stay visas allow foreigners to stay in a specific country for an extended period.

For Schengen countries specifically (Switzerland is a Schengen country), long stay visas allow travelers to spend more than 90 days there. Sometimes, these visas are referred to as national visas or Type D visas.

Which long stay visa do I need?

There are several types of long stay visas for Switzerland, and the one you need is the one that most accurately reflects the reason you want to spend time on Swiss soil.

Categories include:

For work/employment.
To reunite with family members (spouses, children, dependent parents, for example).
To study.
For medical reasons.
"Other". The Swiss long stay visa application does have a box that you can check for "other", but you do need to specify the reason. Approval is never guaranteed.

You should always check on the official Swiss Embassy's site, or a trusted partner's (such as a visa processor) for the most accurate information on visas and immigration.

Switzerland long stay visa requirements

Different categories (work, study, etc.) will have different requirements during the visa application process.

Because of this, it's essential that you pay close attention when researching the type of visa you need and what the requirements are. Meeting the requirements is critical when it comes to your application.

With that being said, requirements may vary from country to country, meaning a citizen of one country may have different requirements than a citizen of another country.

Taking a look at a Swiss long stay visa for work, for example, requirements (as of 2025) include:

A complete application form.
A valid passport copy.
Confirmation that the role you're filling is advertised by the regional employment office within the EURES system.
Copies of job listings in Switzerland for the role (on social media, job boards, professional journals, etc.)
Information on other efforts to employ someone in Switzerland.
Confirmation from "an appointed employment agent."
Information from the work place on local applications received and why they don't make the cut.
A comprehensive resume/CV in tabular form.
Proof of qualifications (this can be references, diplomas, etc.).
Reasons that this role needs to be filled.
The job description as well as information on the company.
An employment contract.

Additional documents may be required if it's project-based work or a start-up. Note: These requirements can change at any time. Make sure you check official sites for the most accurate information (i.e., the Swiss Embassy or a trusted partner).

As you can see, the requirements are quite specific to the purpose, meaning they will differ depending on which visa you need.

How to apply for a Swiss long stay visa

There are a few steps that you will need to complete in order to apply for a national visa (long stay visa) for Switzerland.

The first step is to determine which type of visa you need, whether that's for work, to reunite with a family member, or something else.
Next, you need to visit the official Swiss Immigration site/Embassy in order to learn what the specific requirements are for that type of visa.
Once you know the requirements, you can begin collecting the necessary documents. These documents will show proof that you meet the specific requirements for your visa and will be submitted alongside the application form you fill out.
Next, you need to book an in-person appointment in your country of residence. Depending on your country of residence, where you need to attend the appointment may vary. In the USA, for example, you need to book an appointment at the Swiss Consulate that serves your region (there's one in Washington DC, Atlanta, New York, and San Francisco).
At the appointment, you will submit your application.
Wait for processing. Processing times vary, according to the Swiss Immigration site. Times vary from case to case. For American applicants, the processing time is listed as "at least eight to ten weeks". However, if a Swiss employer has initiated the process and it has been authorized by the proper authorities, the processing time is listed as one week.

Again, the best place to get the most reliable information about Swiss visas is through an official Swiss site.