A complete understanding of the Swiss immigration procedure is crucial for anybody considering a move there. Those planning to move to Switzerland should familiarise themselves with the procedure for doing so. You need to know the basics whether you want a temporary visitor's visa or a permanent resident's visa. Missing a single basic can cause a rejection and it can also cause you loss of time and money. In this article, you will get to know more about Visas and Immigration essentials in Switzerland. 

Types of Visas in Switzerland

As of the effective date (12 December 2008) of Switzerland's accession to the Schengen and Dublin accords, Swiss representatives abroad are authorised to issue one of two types of visas, the validity of which is determined by the intended duration of the planned stay:

  • Type C Schengen Visa: for short-term visits, short-term language study, tourism, etc., allowing admission and a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days. A work permit is also necessary for any stay that includes the seeking of gainful employment.
  • For lengthier stays in Switzerland, visitors need a national visa, often known as a "type D" visa (more than 90 days). This visa is provided conditionally to approval by the Swiss canton with jurisdiction over the proposed place of residence.

Basics to remember while applying for Switzerland Visa

  • It might take weeks, or even months, to obtain a visa, depending on the time of year and the type of visa being applied for. You can apply for a Schengen visa up to six months before your intended date of travel into the Schengen region.
  • Both the required documentation and the process for applying for a visa change based on the applicant's place of residency.  Therefore, it’s best to consult your agent in advance to know all the requirement details in advance. 
  • With little over 25% of its population not having Swiss-born parents, Switzerland has one of the greatest immigrant concentrations in the West. However, immigration has been at the centre of political discussion in recent years, leading to votes to restrict EU migration and the implementation of more stringent requirements for obtaining residence cards. You may not have too many issues if you are a citizen of the European Union. If you are not, then you must satisfy a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements.
  • The Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance ensures access to quality healthcare for all Swiss citizens. Public healthcare in Switzerland is not free, but everyone is required to have private health insurance. Health issues and medications can cost you a hefty amount and become a big challenge for you in Switzerland. Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose health insurance using basic health insurance comparison switzerland.
  • There are various comparison tools available for supplemental health insurance Switzerland available in the market. However, the best one is PrimApp. PrimApp is one of the most popular tools online for health insurance comparison. Comparison on PrimApp is easy as it is available in English, French, and Italian language.
  • If you require a long-term non-immigrant Swiss visa for a specific amount of time, you should apply through the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa fee might range from €60 to €100, depending on the country of origin.
  • The specific requirements for supporting documentation for your visa application are as follows:
    • Application forms, 
    • Passport or other acceptable photo identification, and two photographs
  • In Switzerland, residency permits are issued by the individual cantons. As soon as you arrive in Switzerland, you should visit the immigration office in your canton to apply for one. It's important to take care of this during the first 90 days of your stay or your visa might be cancelled.
  • Students from outside the European Union or the European Free Trade Association who wish to enrol in a degree programme or a graduate certificate programme in Switzerland must obtain a Swiss student visa. In order to provide proof, you must do the following:
    • Sufficient funds to cover your time in Switzerland
    • Healthcare in Switzerland is covered under a universal system.
    • Verification of Enrollment in a Swiss School Payment of Tuition and Submission of Required Documents
    • A cover letter detailing your intentions for after graduation
  • Employers in Switzerland must receive permission from the appropriate cantonal authorities before they can hire foreign nationals to fill positions in the company. Only once all necessary permissions have been sent in will the entrance visa be issued.

When relocating to Switzerland, what steps should you take?

First, let's say your company is relocating you to Switzerland, or you've been engaged by a Swiss firm. Get in touch with Human Resources to learn about the necessary steps The second scenario: you're looking at the prospect of locating gainful employment in Switzerland. Before you start applying for jobs in Switzerland, you should speak with an immigration attorney. Lastly, let's say you're migrating while running a sole proprietorship: In order to better understand your immigration status, you should speak with a Swiss immigration expert. What to do if #4: You're moving for personal, rather than professional, reasons If you have questions about your immigration status in Switzerland, you should speak with an immigration attorney.

Should you Seek immigration assistance for a Swiss Visa? 

It is strongly advised that anyone coming in the country who is not an EU/EFTA national or who does not have a permanent local employment contract get in touch with an immigration consultant. They can guide you on everything from basic health insurance comparison Switzerland to how to file and create an application for swiss visa.

Conclusion

Switzerland is an excellent choice to stay. However, there are some important fundamentals that you should keep in mind to get your visa approval easily and quickly.  Be it an important thing like health insurance comparison Switzerland or attaching a right number of documents. You should consider using online tools and expert advice to get your swiss visa without hassle.