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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.

Following a regular public procurement procedure conducted by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, a new contract has been awarded to VFS Global for the operation of Visa Application Centres, effective 1st July 2025.

With the start of the new contract, some important updates will be introduced.

  • Applicants will be required to complete the visa application form online before scheduling an appointment.
  • Visa application acceptance through VFS Global will continue without interruption, and all appointments booked before 1st July 2025 will remain valid.
  • Updated VFS service fees will come into effect on 1st July 2025 and will be published on the VFS Global website.

For any further information, you may continue to reach VFS Global through the existing contact channels listed on the website.

Personal appearance and fingerprint

Starting from November 2013, all diplomatic representations of the Schengen member states in the Philippines have to capture the biometric data (finger scans and facial image) of  persons applying for a Schengen visa. The data will be kept in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 5 years.

If your finger scans have not been collected yet, personal appearances when applying for Schengen visa mandatory.

If your finger scnas were collected within the last 59 months, then you won't have to give new fingerprints for your next visa application(s) and personal appearance is not necessary. However, you have to provide  a copy of your visa sticker issued after March 2014. If you are not sure or do not remember whether your fingerprints have been captured for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, you have to appaear in person.

You will still have to appear in person to give your fingerprings in the case the previously collected fingerprints prove to be of insufficient quality

Personal appearances and fingerprint scan is not necessary for children und the age of 12

The Swiss representation still reserves the right to ask the applicant to appear for a personal interview after checking his application

Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is subject to the authorisation of the cantonal migration authority competent for the intended place of residence. For example: long-term student, family reunification, marriage in Switzerland, etc.

Airport transit visa

For citizens of certain countries who need a transit visa even if they are staying in the international transit area of the airport and do not enter the Schengen territory.

Labour / Work permits

Admission of foreign workers to an employer in Switzerland is subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authority. The entry visa is granted only when the requested authorisations have been delivered.

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Last update 20.05.2025