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The long-stay national (D) visa that visa-required third-country nationals need to enter Switzerland for stays over 90 days, after a residence or work permit has been approved. The visa itself is issued by the Swiss representation abroad once the canton authorises it; SEM does not issue visas.
Visa-required non-EU/EFTA nationals entering Switzerland for work, study, family reunification or other long-term residence.
Our licensed advisors assess your eligibility, build a strategy to strengthen your application, and manage the process end to end, so you submit a complete, competitive application with confidence.
You need a national D visa when you plan to stay in Switzerland for longer than 90 days, for example to work, study, join family or settle. A Schengen C visa only covers short stays of up to 90 days.
You need a national D visa whenever your intended stay in Switzerland exceeds 90 days, for example for work, study or family reunification. Short visits up to 90 days are covered by a Schengen (C) visa or visa-free entry.
The national (D) visa is the long-stay visa that visa-required third-country nationals need to enter Switzerland for stays over 90 days, issued by the Swiss representation abroad only after the underlying residence or work permit has been approved by the canton and SEM.
Typically a completed national visa application form, a valid travel document, proof of the purpose of your stay (such as a work contract, university admission or family link) and evidence of sufficient financial means.
The D visa is issued by the Swiss diplomatic or consular representation (embassy or consulate) responsible for your country or place of residence. You apply abroad before travelling to Switzerland.
Family members can generally come, but each relative usually needs their own D visa and the underlying residence permit must allow family reunification. They cannot simply travel on your visa.
You must register your arrival at the commune where you live within 14 days of entering Switzerland, before starting work or studies.
You must hold a valid travel document, show the purpose and circumstances of your stay, prove sufficient financial means, have no Schengen entry ban, and pose no threat to public order or security.
