Switzerland is a premier destination for high-net-worth individuals and skilled professionals, offering exceptional quality of life, political stability, and world-class infrastructure. As a Schengen Area member but not an EU member, Switzerland has its own immigration policies with strict work permit quotas. While there is no dedicated digital nomad visa, EU/EFTA citizens enjoy freedom of movement, and non-EU nationals can access residency through Golden Visa (lump-sum taxation) or business investment programs. Switzerland ranks 4th globally for passport strength with 187 visa-free destinations.
10
Visa Types
187
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)
Citizens of visa-exempt countries can enter Switzerland and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism, business visits, or family visits.
90 days
Duration
CHF 0
— fee
+CHF 150 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No visa application required
✓Immediate entry upon arrival
✓Freedom to travel across all 29 Schengen countries
✓Valid for tourism, business meetings, and family visits
✓No biometric registration until EES fully implemented
📋 Requirements (7)
•Valid passport from visa-exempt country
•Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure
•Passport issued within the last 10 years
•Proof of sufficient funds (CHF 100 per day)
•Proof of accommodation
•Return or onward travel ticket
•Travel insurance recommended
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate upon arrival
1Arrive at Swiss border or airport
2Present valid passport to immigration
3May be asked to show proof of funds, accommodation, and return ticket
4Receive entry stamp (or EES registration from October 2025)
5Maximum stay 90 days within 180-day period across all Schengen countries
•Use the official Schengen calculator to track your 90/180 days
•Keep proof of entry/exit dates as passport stamps may be replaced by EES
•Carry proof of accommodation and funds even if not always checked
•Consider travel insurance despite not being mandatory for some nationalities
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work
B Permit (Residence Permit)
Initial residence permit for employment exceeding one year. Subject to annual quotas for non-EU/EFTA nationals. Valid for long-term employment with Swiss employer.
365 days
Duration
CHF 250
— fee
+CHF 2,000 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Right to live and work in Switzerland
✓Access to Swiss social security system
✓Family reunification possible
✓Path to permanent residence (C permit)
✓Access to Swiss banking and financial services
✓Can change employers within same profession (with approval)
📋 Requirements (8)
•Valid passport
•Employment contract with Swiss employer (12+ months)
•Proof employer could not find suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate
•Professional qualifications and diplomas
•CV and employment history
•Clean criminal record
•Health insurance confirmation
•Proof of accommodation in Switzerland
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 4-12 weeks for work permit, additional 2-4 weeks for visa
1Swiss employer initiates work permit application with cantonal authorities
2Canton reviews application and checks quota availability
3Application forwarded to State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) for federal approval
4Once approved, employee applies for entry visa at Swiss embassy
5Upon arrival, register with commune within 14 days
Process: Apply for renewal at cantonal migration office 3 months before expiry. Continued employment required.
Renewal: Renewable annually as long as employment continues. After 5-10 years (depending on nationality), can apply for C permit (permanent residence).
💡 Pro Tips
•Apply early in the year as quotas are limited (4,500 B permits for non-EU in 2025)
•Highly qualified professionals have better chances
•Employer must prove labor market testing
•Consider starting with L permit if B quota exhausted
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Golden Visa (Lump-Sum Taxation)
Residency permit for high-net-worth individuals through lump-sum taxation agreement. Taxes based on living expenses rather than worldwide income. Available in most cantons except Zurich.
365 days
Duration
CHF 265,000
— fee
+CHF 26,000 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Tax based on lifestyle, not global income
✓No disclosure of worldwide income and assets required
✓Schengen Area travel privileges
✓Family members included
✓Access to Swiss healthcare and education
✓Path to permanent residence and citizenship
✓Political and economic stability
📋 Requirements (8)
•Non-Swiss nationality (both applicant and spouse)
•First-time Swiss tax residence or returning after 10+ years absence
•No gainful employment in Switzerland
•Minimum 183 days per year physical presence in Switzerland
•High-value residential property (owned or rented)
•Clean criminal record
•Ability to pay negotiated lump-sum tax
•Ages 18-55 typically preferred
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 3-6 months for complete process
1Engage Swiss immigration and tax lawyers
2Select canton (Vaud, Geneva, Ticino, Zug, Valais popular choices)
3Negotiate lump-sum taxation agreement with cantonal tax authority
4Apply for residence permit through cantonal migration office
5Obtain entry visa if required
6Establish residence in Switzerland
7Finalize tax agreement and begin paying lump-sum tax
Process: Renewed annually. Tax agreement typically negotiated for multiple years.
Renewal: After 5 years (US/Canada nationals) or 10 years (others), can apply for C permit and potentially citizenship. Must exit lump-sum scheme to naturalize.
💡 Pro Tips
•Only 496 people held Swiss Golden Visa as of July 2025 - very exclusive
•Federal minimum taxable base is CHF 434,700 (2025)
EU and EFTA citizens enjoy freedom of movement to live and work in Switzerland. No work permit required, only registration after 3 months. Simplified process with no quotas.
90 days
Duration
CHF 75
— fee
+CHF 350 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No work permit required
✓No quotas or employer sponsorship needed
✓Freedom to change employers
✓Can be self-employed
✓Family reunification easy
✓Path to C permit after 5 years
✓Faster citizenship path (5 years to C permit, then naturalization)
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport or national ID from EU/EFTA country
•Employment contract or proof of job search
•OR proof of sufficient financial means if not working
•Health insurance (mandatory after 3 months)
•Proof of accommodation
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate entry, registration within 3 months
1Enter Switzerland with valid EU/EFTA ID or passport
2Find employment or establish means of support
3Register with commune within 14 days of starting work
•Croatia no longer subject to quotas as of January 2025
•UK nationals are now treated as non-EU/EFTA post-Brexit
•Consider Swiss canton for tax optimization
•Digital nomads from EU can work remotely for 3 months without registration
Schengen Visa (Type C)
TouristPopular
Short-stay visa for nationals requiring prior authorization, allowing up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, or family visits in Switzerland and other Schengen countries.
90d
Duration
€90
— fee
+€125 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15 calendar days on average, up to 45 days in complex cases
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Schengen visa fee (adult)Increased from EUR 80 in June 2024
€90—
Additional (estimated)
Schengen visa fee (child 6-12)Children under 6 are free
€45—
VFS service feeVaries by country, approximately EUR 25-45
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure, issued within 10 years)
•Completed Schengen visa application form
•Two recent passport photos (35x45mm)
•Travel medical insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)
•Proof of accommodation in Switzerland
•Round-trip flight reservation
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Proof of employment or student status
•Letter of invitation if visiting family/friends
📝 Application Steps
1Complete online application form on Swiss government website
2Gather all required documents
3Book appointment at Swiss embassy, consulate, or VFS center
4Attend in-person appointment for biometrics and document submission
5Pay visa fee (EUR 90 for adults)
6Wait for processing (typically 15 days, up to 45 days)
7Collect passport with visa sticker if approved
⚠️ Restrictions
•Maximum 90 days per 180-day period
•Cannot work or engage in paid activities
•Cannot convert to residence permit
•Must leave before visa expires
•Overstays can result in bans up to 3 years
💡 Tips
•Apply at least 15 days before travel, up to 6 months in advance
•Apply at Swiss embassy if Switzerland is main destination
•Build travel history for better chances at multiple-entry visa
•Rejection rate for Switzerland was 11.3% in 2024 - prepare thoroughly
L Permit (Short-term Residence)
WorkPopular
Short-term residence permit for employment contracts between 3-12 months. Subject to quotas for non-EU/EFTA nationals. Suitable for project-based work or temporary assignments.
365d
Duration
CHF 195
— fee
+CHF 90 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱3-8 weeks
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
CHFUSD
Required
Cantonal permit feeVaries by canton, CHF 80-200
CHF 120—
Federal processing feeFor non-EU/EFTA applications
CHF 75—
Additional (estimated)
Visa fee (if required)EUR 90 for nationals requiring entry visa
CHF 90—
Required Total
CHF 195—
+ Additional (estimated)
CHF 90—
Estimated Total
CHF 285—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Employment contract (3-12 months)
•Proof employer could not fill position locally
•Professional qualifications
•Clean criminal record
•Health insurance
•Proof of accommodation
📝 Application Steps
1Employer applies to cantonal authorities
2Cantonal and federal approval process
3Employee obtains entry visa if required
4Register with commune upon arrival
5Receive L permit
⚠️ Restrictions
•Subject to annual quotas (4,000 for non-EU in 2025)
•Maximum 24 months total
•Tied to specific employer
•Limited extension options
•No direct path to C permit
💡 Tips
•Good option when B permit quota is exhausted
•Plan for transition to B permit if staying longer
•UK nationals have separate quota allocation
Business Investment Visa
Special ProgramPopular
Residency through significant investment in Swiss business. Requires establishing new company or investing minimum CHF 1 million in existing Swiss enterprise that creates jobs.
365d
Duration
CHF 1,020,000
— fee
+CHF 30,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4-8 months
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
CHFUSD
Required
Minimum business investmentCHF 1 million minimum in Swiss business
CHF 1,000,000—
Application and legal feesBusiness setup, legal, and immigration assistance
CHF 20,000—
Additional (estimated)
Company formation costsIf establishing new company
CHF 30,000—
Required Total
CHF 1,020,000—
+ Additional (estimated)
CHF 30,000—
Estimated Total
CHF 1,050,000—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Non-EU/EFTA nationality for this specific route
•Minimum CHF 1 million investment
•Business must create or maintain Swiss jobs
•Viable business plan approved by authorities
•Active role in company (CEO, CFO, etc.)
•Clean criminal record
•Proof of business experience
📝 Application Steps
1Develop comprehensive business plan
2Engage Swiss corporate and immigration lawyers
3Form Swiss company or identify investment target
4Apply for work and residence permit
5Demonstrate economic benefit to Switzerland
6Obtain approval from cantonal authorities
7Complete investment and establish operations
⚠️ Restrictions
•High capital requirement
•Must create real economic activity
•Business must remain operational
•Regular reporting to authorities
•Investment must be maintained
💡 Tips
•Focus on sectors with skilled worker shortages
•Technology and innovation sectors well-received
•Consider Zug for favorable corporate tax rates
•Joint ventures with existing Swiss companies may ease approval
C Permit (Permanent Residence)
Special ProgramPopular
Settlement permit granting permanent residence rights. Available after 5 years for EU/EFTA/US/Canada nationals or 10 years for others. Provides extensive rights similar to Swiss citizens.
1825d
Duration
CHF 150
— fee
+CHF 2,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-4 months
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
CHFUSD
Required
Application feeVaries by canton, CHF 100-250
CHF 150—
Additional (estimated)
Language courseIf language proficiency needs improvement
CHF 2,000—
Required Total
CHF 150—
+ Additional (estimated)
CHF 2,000—
Estimated Total
CHF 2,150—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Continuous residence in Switzerland (5 or 10 years depending on nationality)
•Valid B permit throughout qualifying period
•Integration into Swiss society
•Language proficiency (national language of canton)
•No criminal record
•Financial independence
•Knowledge of Swiss customs and way of life
📝 Application Steps
1Complete qualifying residence period on B permit
2Gather evidence of integration (language, community involvement)
3Obtain language certificate if required
4Apply at cantonal migration office
5Attend interview if required
6Receive C permit upon approval
⚠️ Restrictions
•Can be revoked for serious criminal offenses
•Extended absence (6+ months) may affect status
•Still requires valid passport
•No voting rights (requires citizenship)
💡 Tips
•Start integration activities early in B permit period
•Document community involvement and language learning
•Maintain continuous residence - avoid long absences
•US and Canadian nationals eligible after 5 years
Student Visa (Type D)
EducationPopular
Long-stay visa for students enrolled in Swiss educational institutions. Allows part-time work up to 15 hours per week during studies.
365d
Duration
CHF 190
— fee
+CHF 2,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱6-10 weeks
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
CHFUSD
Required
National visa feeType D visa fee
CHF 90—
Residence permit feeCantonal fee varies
CHF 100—
Additional (estimated)
University tuition (annual)Swiss universities CHF 1,000-4,000/year, private schools much higher
CHF 2,000—
Required Total
CHF 190—
+ Additional (estimated)
CHF 2,000—
Estimated Total
CHF 2,190—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Acceptance letter from Swiss educational institution
•Proof of sufficient funds for entire study period
•Proof of accommodation
•Academic transcripts and qualifications
•Language proficiency certificate
•Health insurance
•Clean criminal record
📝 Application Steps
1Obtain acceptance from Swiss institution
2Gather financial documentation
3Apply for Type D visa at Swiss embassy
4Attend visa interview
5Upon arrival, register with commune
6Apply for student residence permit
⚠️ Restrictions
•Limited to enrolled students
•Must maintain academic progress
•Work hours strictly limited during studies
•Cannot bring family easily
💡 Tips
•Apply early as study permits take time
•Swiss universities are excellent value compared to private schools
•Build network during studies for post-graduation opportunities
•Document academic progress carefully for renewals
UK National Work Permit
WorkPopular
Since Brexit, UK nationals require work permits similar to other non-EU nationals, but with separate dedicated quotas. Quarterly allocation of 1,400 L permits and 2,100 B permits.
365d
Duration
CHF 150
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4-8 weeks
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
CHFUSD
Required
Work permit feeCantonal and federal fees combined
CHF 150—
Additional (estimated)
Entry visaUK nationals can enter visa-free for tourism
CHF 0—
Required Total
CHF 150—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid UK passport
•Employment contract with Swiss employer
•Proof employer conducted labor market testing
•Professional qualifications
•Clean criminal record
•Health insurance
📝 Application Steps
1Swiss employer initiates work permit application
2Application processed against UK-specific quota
3Cantonal and federal approval
4Enter Switzerland (no visa required for UK nationals)
5Register with commune
6Receive B or L permit
⚠️ Restrictions
•No longer EU/EFTA freedom of movement
•Subject to employer sponsorship
•Labor market testing required
•Tied to specific employer initially
💡 Tips
•UK quotas significantly underutilized (only 16-20% used in 2024)
•Good opportunities for skilled professionals
•Consider applying early despite quota availability
•Pre-Brexit UK residents in Switzerland have protected rights
No, Switzerland does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. There are no indications that one will be introduced in the near future. EU/EFTA citizens can work remotely for up to 3 months without registration due to freedom of movement. Non-EU nationals must use existing immigration categories such as tourist visas (with remote work occupying a legal gray area), the Golden Visa for high-net-worth individuals, or employer-sponsored work permits. Tax residency can be triggered after 30 days of working in Switzerland or 90 days of presence without occupation.
Can I work remotely while visiting Switzerland as a tourist?
This is a legal gray area. Technically, tourist visas are for leisure and business meetings, not for productive work. However, Swiss authorities have shown some informal tolerance for short-term remote work by visitors whose work has no direct impact on the Swiss labor market. EU/EFTA citizens can work remotely for up to 3 months without registration. For non-EU nationals, extended remote work could trigger tax residency rules if you stay over 30 days while working or 90 days without occupation. It is advisable to limit remote work during tourist stays and consider proper work authorization for extended periods.
How long can I stay in Switzerland without a visa?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and most South American nations) can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This is the Schengen 90/180 rule, and days spent in ANY Schengen country count toward your limit. EU/EFTA citizens have no time limit and can stay indefinitely with proper registration after 3 months. Citizens of countries like India, China, Philippines, Indonesia, and most African nations require a Schengen visa before arrival.
What is the Swiss Golden Visa and how do I qualify?
The Swiss Golden Visa (formally known as the Lump-Sum Taxation Residency Program) is a residency pathway for high-net-worth individuals who pay a fixed annual tax based on their living expenses rather than worldwide income. To qualify, you must: be a non-Swiss national (both you and spouse), be establishing Swiss tax residence for the first time or returning after 10+ years, not engage in any gainful employment in Switzerland, spend at least 183 days per year in Switzerland, and establish residence in a high-value property. The minimum annual lump-sum tax ranges from CHF 250,000 to CHF 1,000,000 depending on the canton. This program is not available in Zurich, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Land, Schaffhausen, or Appenzell Ausserrhoden. As of 2025, only about 496 people hold this status.
How do work permits work for non-EU nationals?
Non-EU/EFTA nationals require employer-sponsored work permits which are subject to annual quotas. In 2025, 4,500 B permits (long-term, over 24 months) and 4,000 L permits (short-term, up to 24 months) are available for non-EU nationals. UK nationals have separate dedicated quotas. Employers must prove they could not find a suitable Swiss or EU/EFTA candidate before hiring a non-EU national. Only qualified individuals (executives, specialists, university graduates) can obtain permits. Processing takes 4-12 weeks, and the permit is tied to the specific employer initially. Croatian nationals are no longer subject to quotas as of January 2025.
What are the costs of living in Switzerland?
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern rank among the top 10 most expensive cities globally. A single person should budget approximately CHF 4,000-5,000 per month for basic expenses, while a family of four needs CHF 8,000-10,000. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in city centers averages CHF 1,500-2,500 per month. However, Swiss salaries are correspondingly high, with the average gross salary around CHF 6,500 per month (CHF 80,000 annually). Utilities average CHF 220 per month, and mandatory health insurance costs CHF 300-500 per month for adults.
How is the internet infrastructure in Switzerland?
Switzerland has world-class internet infrastructure. As of 2025, the country leads the OECD in fixed broadband penetration at 48.2 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Swisscom, the main provider, offers speeds up to 10 Gbps with fiber. Average broadband download speeds in Zurich exceed 310 Mbps. 5G coverage reaches over 99% of the population through Swisscom, with Sunrise at 96% and Salt at 99.9%. Fiber deployment covers about 46% of homes with targets of 57% by end of 2025 and 75-80% by 2030. Coworking spaces in major cities charge CHF 350-500 per month for dedicated desks.
Can foreigners open bank accounts in Switzerland?
Opening a Swiss bank account is possible but challenging, especially for non-residents. Residents with B or C permits can open full accounts at major banks like UBS, Credit Suisse (now part of UBS), or cantonal banks. Non-residents face significant hurdles: most private banks require minimum deposits of CHF 100,000 to CHF 1,000,000, enhanced due diligence can take 4-8 weeks, and in-person visits are typically required. US citizens face additional complications due to FATCA compliance, with many Swiss banks declining US clients entirely. Digital banks like Yuh and Neon offer easier access for EU residents. For everyday banking, PostFinance may accept G-permit holders and EU residents with lower requirements.
Is Switzerland safe to visit and live in?
Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world. It ranks 6th on the Global Peace Index 2024 and has been assigned a Level 1 advisory (Exercise Normal Precautions) by the US State Department - the safest possible rating. Violent crime is extremely rare, with a murder rate of only 0.54 per 100,000 people. The main concerns for visitors are petty crimes like pickpocketing in tourist areas and at transportation hubs (Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zurich train stations and airports). There is no elevated terrorism threat. Alpine hazards (avalanches, sudden weather changes, altitude sickness) require attention for outdoor activities.
How does the Schengen 90/180 day rule work for Switzerland?
Switzerland is a full member of the Schengen Area. The 90/180 rule means you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across ALL Schengen countries combined. Days spent in Germany, France, Italy, or any of the 29 Schengen countries count toward your Swiss limit and vice versa. This is a rolling calculation, not calendar-based. From October 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin replacing passport stamps with biometric registration to digitally track entries and exits. Use the official EU Schengen calculator to check your remaining days. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and bans of up to 3 years.
⚠️
Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025