Swiss visas for UK residents
If you are a UK citizen in possession of a full UK passport or a BOTC (British Overseas Territories Citizen), BOC (British Overseas Citizen), BPP (British Protected Person) or BS (British Subjects) passport, you do not need a visa to enter Switzerland. However, you will need one if you are a UK resident and a citizen of one of these countries. You can apply for a visa through the Swiss Embassy/Consulate or, alternatively, you can contact a Swiss visa application centre such as TLScontact offices or fill out a form on the IAM website.
In addition to the documents listed in the first section, you will need the following to obtain a Swiss visa in the UK:
- One passport photo with a light background, properly coloured and showing all face features. It must be less than three months old and must be attached to the application form with a paper clip
- Biometric data (only if you haven’t provided biometric data within the last 59 months):
- Fingerprints
- A copy of the passport bio page with the photo
Do keep in mind that requirements may change depending on the progression of Brexit, so it is a good idea to check them on a regular basis. This page on the Swiss Confederation and the UK provides detailed information on the application and entry process.
Swiss visas for US residents
If you are a United States citizen with a valid US tourist passport, you do not need a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland. However, you will need one if you are a US resident and a citizen of one of these countries. You can apply for a visa at a Swiss representation in the United States only if you have a legal residence status in the United States.
In addition to the documents listed in the first section, you will need the following to obtain a Swiss visa in the United States:
- For foreign US residents only: original of valid US alien registration card or valid US residence visa
- One passport photo less than three months old
All documents must be in English, German, French or Italian or officially translated by a certified translator.
Swiss consular services are available through its embassy in Washington and consulates in Atlanta, New York and San Francisco. Waiting times may be up to five weeks, so it is advisable to book your appointment in advance. Except for rare instances, you must submit your application in person.
Swiss work permits for scientists and researchers
The website of the Federal Institute of Technology (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, ETH Zürich) is a good place to start looking for information on visas and permits if you want to work at a university, but one thing is true no matter where you are from and no matter what type of position you are pursuing in science and research: you will need a work permit. Your chances of receiving one generally depend on existing work quotas, your educational background, your work experience and whether an EU/EFTA candidate is available for the position.
Unless you are a student or related to someone with a settlement permit, you must obtain permission to work before entering the country. Once you have secured employment, your employer will submit an application to the local cantonal employment service, which will review and forward it to the Federal Office for Migration (Bundesamt für Migration) for approval. You will get your residence and work permit when you arrive in Switzerland.
Application forms and specific requirements vary from canton to canton, but you generally need to submit the following:
- Photocopy of your passport/travel ID data page
- Copies of job advertisements
- Evidence of other effort to get work
- Your CV
- Copies of qualifications (in German, French, Italian, or English)
- Information on your university/place of higher education
