Preparation and Entry
Apply for a category D long-stay visa
Third-country nationals need a national category D visa for a stay of more than three months. The application is filed with the Swiss embassy or consulate general in your current country of residence; the cantonal migration authority decides on the permit and the State Secretariat for Migration (federal) gives its approval. Only then does the representation abroad issue the visa. Allow several weeks of processing time, and do not enter on a Schengen category C visa — it cannot be converted into a residence permit.
Who this applies to. This guide applies if the nationality group is Third country, the cross-border commuter status is no and the planned length of stay is at least 3 months.
Checklist
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Identify the responsible Swiss representation abroad
Embassy or consulate general in your current country of residence; responsibility follows your place of residence, not your nationality.
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Complete the visa application and book an appointment
National category D visa application form of the representation abroad; depending on the country, appointments must be booked several weeks in advance.
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Assemble the supporting documents
Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure, passport photographs, employment contract or letter of admission, and a CV.
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Wait for the State Secretariat for Migration to approve
Approval by the State Secretariat for Migration (federal) precedes the visa; without it the representation abroad issues nothing.
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Have the visa in your passport before you travel
Entering to take up residence without a category D visa leads to refusal at the border.
Costs
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National category D visa CHF 50–100 · one-time · per person
The fee is set by the representation abroad and depends on the exchange rate.
No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.
Frequently asked questions
Who does this guide apply to?
This guide applies if the nationality group is Third country, the cross-border commuter status is no and the planned length of stay is at least 3 months.
What does it cost?
National category D visa: CHF 50–100 (one-time, per person).
What do I need to do?
Identify the responsible Swiss representation abroad; Complete the visa application and book an appointment; Assemble the supporting documents; Wait for the State Secretariat for Migration to approve; Have the visa in your passport before you travel.
As of: 08.10.2026