Know more about Visas and Immigration essentials in Switzerland
Switzerland is a trendy country to immigrate to because of its high quality of life, job opportunities, education, better healthcare, and even its scenic nature. Over 140,000 people immigrated to Switzerland in 2018.
However, immigration policies and conditions in Switzerland differ depending on your nationality.
Moving to Switzerland is far easier for EU/EFTA citizens, who do not face quota restrictions, than non-EU/EFTA citizens, who face annual quota restrictions.
Immigrant Requirements in Switzerland
EU/EFTA citizens with a local permanent employment contract are exempt from the visa requirement. Upon arrival, one can register with the Swiss immigration authorities to obtain a work/residence permit. Non-EU/EFTA citizens must have a work permit and, in some cases, an entry visa. One must get these before departing from his/her home country. Non-EU/EFTA citizens over the age of 18 who intend to stay in Switzerland for more than a year must provide a copy of their criminal record (or confirmation that they do not have one) from their home country’s police or justice authorities.
If you need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland, travel health insurance is necessary as part of the visa application process. However, if you can visit Switzerland without a visa, travel insurance is optional.
Regardless of visa requirements, a piece of good advice is to purchase a health insurance policy when visiting Switzerland due to the high costs of medical treatment. It is also imperative to research Switzerland’s health insurance costs to ensure that you can purchase a plan that suits your budget and helps you comply with the Swizz mandatory requirements.
If you plan to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you must obtain private health insurance from Switzerland health insurance companies rather than travel insurance.
Documents needed for Immigration
Here is the quick checklist of the immigration documents you will need upon arrival. You must collect certified copies of all standard immigration documents, including marriage certificates, birth certificates, work contract or confirmation of admission to a higher education institution (for students), lease contract or rental agreement in Switzerland;
Non-EU/EFTA citizens should avoid travelKing during the permit application process. It is important to note that you will need your immigration documents upon arrival, so you should not pack them with your household goods shipment. The last thing you need to do in the immigration process is local registration upon arrival.
Essential Factors to know about Visa Application
You can submit applications for short-term visas (up to 90 days, Schengen visa) for reasons such as tourism, visit, or business online. One can submit a visa application six months before entering the Schengen area.
Long-term visa applications (over 90 days, National visa) must be submitted directly to the Swiss representation. Depending on the Swiss model, you can make appointments for both Schengen and National visas. Making an appointment is completely free. Please check the website of the responsible Swiss representation before beginning the application process to see if there is a waiting period for an appointment.
Where can you apply?
Depending on where you live, you can submit your visa application in these ways:
Directly at a Swiss representation abroad; online; at an external visa service provider; or the authorized office of another Schengen State.
Work Permits and Visas Based on Employment
It is becoming increasingly tough to obtain a work permit or an employment visa in Switzerland. Non-EU/EFTA nationals planning to live and work in Switzerland should know that the Swiss government has permit quotas, limiting the number of permits distributed each year. When the quota is reached, potential expats have to wait for an additional year before applying for the permit.
Visas for Self-Employment
While there is no official self-employed visa in Switzerland, both EU/EFTA and non-EU/EFTA nationals will need permission to work and live as self-employed people. Only those with Swiss residency are permitted to work for themselves.
Temporary and Permanent Residency Permits
Whether you are an EU/EFTA national or not, anyone staying in Switzerland for more than 90 days must understand how to apply for a temporary residence permit. Expats from any country can learn more about becoming permanent Swiss residents. However, keep in mind that the requirements for continuous residency in Switzerland vary depending on your nationality.
Conclusion
These are some essential things about visas and immigration that you should consider before traveling to Switzerland. As a potential Swizz immigrant, you must research the immigration process thoroughly for seamless application process experience and to attain quick approvals.
