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The Switzerland work visa is a D visa or a National visa. This is a long-stay visa that allows you to stay in the country longer than 90 days within 180 days. As a non-EU citizen, you need to apply for a work visa for employment in Switzerland. All long-stay applications are processed directly by the Switzerland representative in India and New Delhi. Keep reading to learn more about the work visa: its eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, application process, fees, and more.
This Blog Includes:
- Who Needs a Switzerland Work Visa?
- Eligibility Criteria for a Switzerland Work Visa
- Switzerland Work Visa Requirements (Documents)
- How Do I Get a Work Visa for Switzerland?
- When to Apply for a Switzerland Work Visa?
- Where to Apply for a Switzerland Work Visa?
- Switzerland Work Visa Application Process
- Switzerland Work Visa Fees
- Minimum Bank Balance Required for a Switzerland Work Visa
- Switzerland Work Visa Processing Time
- Switzerland Work Visa & Residence Permit Types
- Is Getting a Work Visa in Switzerland Hard?
- FAQs
Who Needs a Switzerland Work Visa?
A Switzerland work visa is for those who want to work in the country. However, citizens of EU/EFTA member states are exempted from this requirement. Indian citizens are third-country nationals. Therefore, they need a work visa to be employed. Since UK has exited the EU, a UK national is subjected to the same requirements as a third-country national.
Eligibility Criteria for a Switzerland Work Visa
To apply for a work visa you must meet the entry requirements.
- You are a qualified worker. For example, a specialist, manager, or a university graduate with many years of work experience.
- You have applied for a job in Switzerland and got the job offer letter
- Your employer has applied for a work permit on your behalf, and you have received the same
After you have received the work permit you can apply for a work visa. The visa allows you to travel to Switzerland. Later on, you can register as a resident. You need to do the same within 14 days of arrival.
Learn about the Universities in Switzerland and their world rankings
Switzerland Work Visa Requirements (Documents)
You need to submit the relevant documents to obtain a work visa. The documents verify your eligibility and identity. The documents you must submit are provided below:
- Completed visa application form (D visa)
- Authorisation issued by the cantonal authority (original or copy). This refers to the work permit.
- Submit a recent photograph
- Proof of visa fee payment. That is, the visa fee payment receipt
- You must have a valid passport
- Proof of language skills (if applicable). For example, in German, French, or Italian.
- Any other additional documents requested by the Embassy
How Do I Get a Work Visa for Switzerland?
Follow the instructions below to get a Switzerland work visa:
- First, apply for a job in Switzerland and get hired
- Next, your employer will apply for a work permit on your behalf. In Switzerland, the work permit and residence permit are combined into one. Therefore, a work permit will grant you the right to live and work in the country.
- The cantonal authorities will access your application, and forward it to the Federal Office for Migration (FOM) for approval.
- Meanwhile, you can apply for a the visa. FMO will inform the embassy or consulate, you and your employer about the decision made on your work permit. If the work permit application is approved, and you meet the visa conditions you will be granted a visa.
- After obtaining your Switzerland work visa, you can travel in the country.
- Within 14 days of reaching the country, you need to register at the Residents’ Registry Office as a ‘resident’. The registration can be made through the cantonal migration offices.
When to Apply for a Switzerland Work Visa?
The Switzerland government states that visa applications should not be submitted 6 months prior to the date of intended travel. However, you are encouraged to apply D visa early, and not wait until the last minute.
Where to Apply for a Switzerland Work Visa?
The application for a long-stay visa cannot be processed online. You need to submit it directly to the Switzerland representative office. The application can be submitted at:
| Place of Residence | Application to be Submitted At |
| Indian | The Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi via VFS Global |
| Bhutan | The Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi via VFS Global |
Indian nationals can only send their application to the New Delhi Embassy.
Switzerland Work Visa Application Process
The application process for a Switzerland work visa is as follows:
- Ensure that you are eligible to apply for the work visa
- Download the visa application form, complete it, and print out the same. You need to attach your documents with the form
- Through VFS Global book a visa appointment at a visa application centre.
- On the date of your visa appointment get your biometric information recorded. You also need to submit your documents and application form on this date.
- At the VFS Centre,, you need to pay the visa application fee. You can make this payment on the day of your appointment.
- After your fees have been paid, your application will be processed.
- You can track your visa application online through email or SMS updates. You can also use your reference number to track your application.
- After a decision has been made, visit the visa application centre, and collect your documents, and passport.
- You can travel to Switzerland for work if the visa application has been approved.
Learn about applying for a Switzerland student visa
Switzerland Work Visa Fees
The fees for a Switzerland work visa are as follows:
| Visa | Fees in INR |
| Adult applicant | INR 8100 |
| Children aged from 6 to 12 | INR 4050 |
| Children up to 6 years of age | Free |
| Visa Service Fee (vfs charge) | INR 1850 |
Minimum Bank Balance Required for a Switzerland Work Visa
You need to have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay. Otherwise, your application will not be approved. However, the exact amount required is not provided by the Swiss government. You need at least:
| Number of Days | Minimum Amount Required |
| 1 Day | 100 Swiss Francs (EUR 92.34) |
You must have funds to cover your travel expenses, food, and accommodation in the country.
Switzerland Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Switzerland visa are as follows:
| Visa | Processing Time (working days) |
| Switzerland work visa/D visa/National visa | 10 to 15 days |
To learn about Switzerland work visa for Indian, watch this video:
Switzerland Work Visa & Residence Permit Types
A Switzerland work visa allows you to get different types of residence permits. These are as follows:
- Residence Permit L (short term)- This is typically given for up to 1 year. The duration of the permit depends on the employment contract. You are only allowed to work for a specific employer. You can extend this period for up to 1 year (in exceptional cases).
- Residence Permit B (temporary or first residence)- This permit is issued for 1 year, and you are only allowed to work for 1 specific employer. However, this permit is annually renewable. You can live on this permit for 10 years continuously and get a permanent residence (permit C).
- Residence Permit C- You can apply for this permit if you have stayed for 10 years continuously in Switzerland. You can work for any employer you like with this permit. This is the only permit that allows you to take by self-employment.
The residence permit requirements can vary depending on the canton. Switzerland has a total of 26 cantons that can issue residence permits to foreigners.
Is Getting a Work Visa in Switzerland Hard?
The Switzerland work visa can be difficult to obtain for Non-Eu nationals. The reason is, no EU nationals have to meet several requirements set by the government. Fr example, they must have a university degree, and years of work experience, and must be applying for a skilled position. Moreover, Switzerland has set a cap on the number of work permits that can be issued in a year. Therefore, only applicants who meet all the requirements, and come within the limit of visas that can be issued in a year are granted the visa.
On the other hand, EU/EFTA nationals can find it easy to get a work visa. SImilarly, those who are married to a Swiss citizen or resident can find it easier to get a visa.
FAQs
Yes. Indian nationals can get a Switzerland work visa. In order to stay in the country, and work for more than 90 days a D visa application or a National visa can be applied. However, it is important to ensure that you secure a work permit first. The work permit is filed by the employer on your behalf.
No. IELTS is not a requirement for a Switzerland work visa. However, you might have to clear an English language proficiency test to get a job in Switzerland. To obtain a residence permit/work permit in Switzerland you need a basic language proficiency (at least A1 level) in any of the official languages spoken in the country. For example,French, Italian, or German.
The job market in Switzerland is highly competitive. Therefore, you need proper skills to get hired. A Swiss work visa is given to applicants who are skilled workers. For example, a university graduate with years of experience, or a specialist or a manager.
We hope you now understand all about the Switzerland Work Visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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