Switzerland is one of the dream destinations for starting a new life. The low crime rate, high income, charming nature are some of the reasons why people want to live there. If you also have dreams of living in Switzerland and want to obtain information about a long-term Switzerland visa, then you are in the right place. In this blog, you will get priceless details and learn the conditions of the Switzerland National Visa.
- What are the national visa Switzerland requirements?
- Where to apply?
- What are the required documents?
- How much is the visa fee?
- How to get visa to Switzerland?
The visa policy
There are several things that visitors should be sure of before visiting a new country, and the visa is the first one. If your country doesn't have a visa waiver agreement with the country that you intend to visit, you should obtain a visa. It is the same for visiting Switzerland, too. Depending on the purpose of the visit and duration of stay the country offers several types of visas. We can divide them into three main categories:
- Transit Visa. Foreigners who travel to a none-Schengen area country and need to change plane in Switzerland must obtain a transit visa. This visa doesn't allow you to leave the international airport area. If you want to leave the airport, you must have a short-term visa. Some people do not need to apply for a transit visa: people who have a visa for Canada, USA, family members of EU, EEA, or Switzerland residents, diplomatic passport holders, and so on.
- Short-term or Schengen Visa. Probably you already knew that Switzerland is a Schengen area country. So, people who want to realize non-permanent visits to this country must have a Schengen visa. The visa allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days every six months. Also, you can visit all other Schengen area countries during the validity duration. Schengen visas include all types of non-permanent visits such as tourism, education (90 days), work (90 days), business or cultural visits, and more.
- Long-term or National Visa. Regardless of nationality, all foreigners who want to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days need to apply for National Visa. Such as short-term visa the long-term visa has several subcategories related to the purpose of the visit. Although the main features are the same, each of these subcategories has some unique conditions.
Do you want to learn more? You can check the "Services" section on our website. There you will find information about each category and subcategory. You just need to choose your nationality and Switzerland as the country you intend to visit.
National Visa for employment
If you want to find legal work in Switzerland, you must apply for Switzerland visa for employment. It allows you to work and stay in the country till the end of visa validity. What is the average monthly income in Switzerland? The average income changes between 5000-6000 CHF (5400-6488 USD).
National Visa for education
Short-term visas let you stay in the country for education for a maximum of 90 days. If your education lasts more than three months, you should obtain a long-term visa. Who are eligible for a visa application? Foreigners who have received an acceptance letter from one of the state colleges or universities of Switzerland can apply for a long-term study visa. What are the best colleges and universities in the country?
- ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
- University of Zurich
- University of Bern
- University of Basel
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
- University of St. Gallen (HSG)
National Visa for a family reunion
It is for family members of Switzerland residents who intend to stay in the country for a long period. To make the application candidate must prove the relationship between him (her) and the Switzerland citizen. Parents, spouses, and children can apply for a Family Reunion National Visa.
National Visa for self-employment
Foreign citizens who have a business plan and want to become a shareholder or stockholders in Switzerland can apply for Switzerland visa. The main aim is to create chances for those who can invest in the country's economy. Applicant must hold a position in the administrative or management section of the company, and the company must be legally recognized by the government of Switzerland.
Au Pair Visa
Au Pair Visa allows young people to travel to Switzerland as a guest of the local host family and stay with them for a long period. The main goal of a visa is creating a chance for young people to develop language skills, general knowledge about the local culture and traditions, the lifestyle of a Swiss family, and so on.
How to get visa to Switzerland?
Candidates must finish several steps to obtain a visa to Switzerland. Switzerland visa application will begin with making an appointment. After that, applicants can start to collect the required documents. The list of documents varies depending on the applied visa. So, candidates should check the list pr. Followingly, applicants will pay the visa fee and attend an interview. After several days of processing, applicants will be informed about the final result. As you see, the process is not complicated, just it takes some time.
Where can I apply for Switzerland National Visa? You can apply for a visa in visa application centers, consulates, or embassies whichever is responsible for visa applications in your country. None of them are available in my country, what can I do? In that case, you can apply in the nearest embassy or consulate.
Required documents
Each applicant must fit national visa Switzerland requirements to get a right for a long stay in the country. As there are several subcategories, terms may vary depending on the purpose of the visit. One of the terms that all applicants must answer is documentation. During this step, you will provide some personal details and documents to prove your eligibility for a visa to Switzerland. You will need the following documents in Switzerland visa application:
- Application form. You should fill out the form in English or German, sign, and date.
- Passport. The passport must have at least six months validity beyond the date of departure, two free visa pages, should not be older than ten years, and be signed by the bearer.
- Photo. Each applicant must provide four photographs on white background (not older than 180 days). The applicant's face must cover a minimum of 70-80% of the image with clear facial features.
- Copy of identity card (at least three months validity beyond the departure date)
- Residence Permit
- Visa Copy
- Photocopies. Copies of previous Schengen visas, the main page of the passport, and Switzerland resident permits.
- Evidence of employment (only for Employment Visa)
- Evidence of qualification (only for Employment Visa)
- Health insurance. It must be valid for a minimum of a year (travel insurance is not accepted)
- The document of a criminal record. It must be issued in the country where you have lived last five years (the document should not be older than three months).
- Financial means. Each applicant should provide proof that he (she) or a sponsor has enough money to cover all expenses.
- Curriculum Vitae (Employment, Education, and Au Pair Visa). You should mention language skills, certificates, diplomas, and all other qualities.
- Evidence of accommadation. You should mention the address, contact number, and other details.
- Confirmation letter from university (Education Visa)
- Certificate of language skills (Education Visa)
- Essay about future plans (Education Visa)
- Marriage certificate (only for Family Reunion Visa)
- Profile of the company (Self-employment Visa)
- Business plan (Self-employment Visa)
- Invitation letter from host family (Au Pair Visa)
- Agreement paper with the host family (Au Pair Visa)
- Au Pair and Host Family questionnaire (Au Pair Visa)
- Motivation letter (Au Pair Visa)
The fee for Switzerland National Visa
As we mentioned above, paying a visa charge is one of the steps of the application procedure. How much does it cost? It completely depends on the purpose of the visit. For example, if you travel to the country for education, then you will not pay any fee for getting a visa. Charges for other subcategories are:
- Employment Visa. 92 USD (may vary depending on the country of submission)
- Study Visa (no fee)
- Family Reunion Visa. 92 USD (these people are free of charge: spouses and children of Swiss and EU/EFTA nationals, students who study in Switzerland)
- Aur Pair Visa. 92 USD (may vary depending on the country of submission)
Processing time
After finishing all steps of the visa application process, you will need to wait for processing time. How long does it take? Generally, it lasts for a maximum of two months (in most cases, you will get the result much earlier). Processing time may last longer due to workload, national holidays, and so on. Also, the country of submission may affect the duration. At the end of the procedure, the embassy or consulate will inform you. So, you should provide your current address and contact details.
