Switzerland

Information for all students

Always make sure your passport is stamped when entering and exiting Schengen borders - these stamps are your proof that you haven't overstayed your 90-day limit. Please also ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.

The Schengen 90/180 rule allows visitors to visit any Schengen Zone country without requiring a visa for 90 days within a 180-day window. These days are calculated on a rolling basis, meaning you look back at the last 180 days to count how many days you have spent in the Schengen area. To be eligible to return, you must wait for enough of your previous stay to fall outside of the current 180-day period. You can calculate your days spent in the Schengen Area using this calculator.

Read more about the Schengen rules

Studying for less than 3 months

British students do not require visas or residence permits for study or research visits up to 90 days, within the 180 period. You can complete the following activities during this period without a visa:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Attending business meetings, cultural or sports events
• Short-term studies or training

EU/EEA students do not need a visa or residence permit to study, work or reside in Switzerland. However, you should always keep your passport or National ID card with you.

EU/EEA students do not need a visa/residence permit to study, work or reside in Switzerland.  

Students from countries that do not have a visa-waiver agreement with Switzerland will need to apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C) for stays up to 90 days. Please read more here.

Recommended documents

You will need the following documents to complete your visa type C application:

• Visa application form (duly signed by the applicant)
• One photograph, passport-size
• Passport (original) and copy of passport (including the signature page)
• UK residence permit (original) and copy of UK residence permit
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Travel arrangements
• Confirmed reservation of return ticket to the UK or onward travel, such as a confirmed overseas ticket
• Travel insurance from a UK or Schengen-based company
• Confirmation of student enrolment from an institution in the UK
• The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Discover the full list of documents.

How to apply

Your visa application must be submitted in your country of residence. If you are a UK resident, it must be submitted to the Visa Application Centre TLS Contact.

Studying and working for more than 3 months

To study/work in Switzerland for more than 90 days students will need to apply for a Visa type D, also known as a National Visa. You will need to specifically apply for a student permit.

Gather your documents

You will need the following documents to complete your Visa type D application:

• 3 completed application forms (National type D)
• 3 passport-size photographs (no older than 6 months)
• National passport or official travel document (valid for more than 3 months beyond the validity of the requested visa, with at least two blank visa pages)
• 2 copies of your passport, including the signature page
• 2 copies of the curriculum vitae (note your intent to study in Switzerland)
• 2 copies of the letter of acceptance from the institution in Switzerland
• Proof of payment of school fees
• 2 copies of the proof of payment of school fees
• Proof of financial resources (if sponsored, a signed and dated sponsorship letter must be provided along with a copy of the sponsor’s passport – including the signature page – and their bank statements)
• 2 copies of the proof of financial resources

International students must also provide:

• UK residence permit
• 2 copies of the UK residence permit

Documents in the following languages are accepted as they are written:

• English
• German
• French
• Italian
• Spanish

If your document is not in one of the above languages, you will require and original certified translation from the institution in Switzerland.

How to Apply

UK students should make an appointment through the TLS Contact to submit a completed national visa application to the Regional Consular Centre at the Embassy of Switzerland in London.

Long-stay visa applications need to be submitted at the Swiss Regional Consular Centre. Appointments need to be booked at your nearest TLS Contact Centre. 

Upon arrival

You must declare your your arrival at the Residents’ Registration Office within the first 14 days of your initial entry to your place of residence. Your study permit will be issued upon notification of your arrival in Switzerland.

Working for less than 3 months

EU/EEA students 

• Do not need any additional documents to work or reside in Switzerland 

UK students 

• Must obtain work authorisation from their employer before starting work.  
• Visa only allows them to work 15 hours per week during an academic term (if student). 
• Need to Apply for an entry permit after receiving work authorisation.  
• Even within the 90-day-visa-free period, work authorisation is required here 

Please note that the outlined rules apply till the end of 2025

Non-EU/Non-EEA students 

• Need to apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C) 
• Must ensure their employer has obtained work authorisation from the relevant cantonal (learn more about cantons) authority.  
• May need an additional work permit depending on nationality and duration.  

 

Gather your documents

You will need the following documents to work for up to 90 days in Switzerland:

• Authorisation issued by the cantonal authority (original or copy)
• Application for a Visa type C
• A recent photograph
• Proof of visa fees
• Valid passport

Discover the full list of documents.

How to apply

• Applications must be submitted in person at the Regional Consular Centre 
• Book appointments by emailing london.visa@eda.admin.ch