Switzerland Visas
Capital Bern · Currency CHF · State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Switzerland is in the Schengen Area but not the EU. Short visits use a Schengen visa; work and study require a cantonal permit, and non-EU work permits are subject to annual quotas.
Schengen area (not EU); ETIAS launching for visa-exempt visitors.Switzerland visas at a glance
| Visa type | Fee | Processing | Stay / validity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist / Visit Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) |
EUR 90 | 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases) | Max 90 days per 180-day period | View → |
| Student Student Residence Permit |
CHF 88 (approx.) | 8–12 weeks | One year, renewable | View → |
| Work / Skilled Work Permit (L / B) |
CHF 95 (approx.) | Several weeks to months | L up to 1 year; B up to 5 years | View → |
| PR / Immigration Settlement Permit (C) |
CHF 100 (approx.) | Several weeks | Permanent (periodic renewal of card) | View → |
Visa types for Switzerland
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Tourism, family visits or business up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
- Processing: 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases)
- Stay: Max 90 days per 180-day period
- Validity: Up to 90 days / 180 days
Student Residence Permit
Study at a Swiss university with a national (D) visa and cantonal residence permit.
- Processing: 8–12 weeks
- Validity: One year, renewable
Work Permit (L / B)
Employer-sponsored permit for skilled workers; non-EU nationals are subject to annual quotas.
- Processing: Several weeks to months
- Validity: L up to 1 year; B up to 5 years
Settlement Permit (C)
Permanent residence, usually after 10 years (5 for some nationalities and Blue Card-style cases).
- Processing: Several weeks
- Validity: Permanent (periodic renewal of card)
Embassies, consulates & visa centres
Embassy of Switzerland
New Delhi, India
Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
Switzerland visa FAQs
What visa types does Switzerland offer?＋
VisaViews covers 4 Switzerland visa types: Tourist / Visit, Student, Work / Skilled, PR / Immigration. Each has its own eligibility criteria, fees and processing times.
Does Switzerland have an eVisa or visa-free entry?＋
Schengen area (not EU); ETIAS launching for visa-exempt visitors.
How much is a Switzerland tourist visa?＋
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) costs EUR 90. Fees are indicative and can change — always confirm on the official source.
How long does a Switzerland visa take to process?＋
Processing time varies by visa type; the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) typically takes 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases).
Who handles Switzerland visas and immigration?＋
Switzerland visas and immigration are administered by State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The official portal is https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html.