If you’re planning to move to Switzerland for over 90 days for work, study, or family reunification, it’s important to ensure that your visa application is complete. The Swiss government has recently updated its visa documentation policy, and missing any required documents could lead to delays or even denials.
For anyone applying for a Swiss national visa, the necessary documents now include:
- Three completed copies of the three-page national visa application form. Be sure to choose the correct form in your preferred language, whether it’s French, English, or another language.
- Two recent biometric photos that meet the latest Swiss visa photo standards. Ensure they are high-quality and the right size, as poor-quality photos will be rejected.
- Two identical sets of all supporting documents, which depend on the purpose of your stay. This could include proof of accommodation in Switzerland, an admission letter for students, family relationship documents for family reunification, financial proof or sponsorship, employment contracts if relevant, a valid passport, previous visa copies, and language proficiency certificates (particularly important for family reunification).
- If you’re applying for family reunification, you’ll need to provide proof of basic language proficiency.
All applications must be submitted by mail to the appropriate Swiss embassy or consulate—walk-ins are not accepted. The application package should contain three completed visa forms, two biometric photos, and two sets of all required documents.
It’s also important to double-check the specific requirements for the canton you’ll be living in, as each one may have its own additional policies.
If your employer has already arranged your work permit and you have confirmation from the cantonal office, you may be able to bypass the full application process and move directly to the authorized visa process.
