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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.

Important

Phone inquiries: The Consulate General of Switzerland in Istanbul does not respond by phone to any visa related queries.

Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

You are requested to book an appointment and submit your visa application through our external service provider VFS Global. It is strongly advised to book early (up to 6 months prior departure date) due to high demand.

For all information on how to book an appointment, required documents, application process as well as technical issues with the online appointment system, please contact VFS Global.

Inquiries seeking information made available on the website of the Consulate General or VFS Global will not be answered.

Visa application processing time at the Consulate General can take up to 15 days. Before that, inquiries about the status of your visa application will not be considered.

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

For appointments for national visas, please contact the Consulate General in Istanbul.

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 11.09.2025