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Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Following a regular public procurement procedure conducted by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, a new contract has been awarded for the operation of Visa Application Centers. 

As of September 4, 2025, VFS Global, the newly appointed external service provider will process following visa applications

in Vancouver: for Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Finland, Spain (for residents in provinces of British-Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan as well as the Northwest and the Yukon territories)

in Montreal: for Switzerland, Finland, Liechtensein (for residents in provinces of Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut territory)

A new website providing comprehensive information on the visa application process, required documentation, service fees, and available services can be accessed via the following link.

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.

Short-stay entry for Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Schengen for a short stay of less than 90 days.

However, by the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026, Canadians will need to register online before travelling to Europe. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a new system for visa-exempt non-EU visitors. This includes Canadians. 

More information

Schengen visa for a stay of up to 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period: for example, in a context of tourism, a visit to relatives or friends, short-term language studies, participating in a conference or in sporting/cultural events, etc.

National visa for a stay of more than 90 days

For persons wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is subject to the authorisation of the cantonal migration authority competent for the intended place of residence. For example: long-term student, family reunification, marriage in Switzerland, etc.

Airport transit visa

For citizens of certain countries who need a transit visa even if they are staying in the international transit area of the airport and do not enter the Schengen territory.

Labour / Work permits

Admission of foreign workers to an employer in Switzerland is subject to the authorisation of the competent cantonal authority. The entry visa is granted only when the requested authorisations have been delivered.

Authorized Visa

For applicants whose work or residence permit request was submitted directly in Switzerland and/or has now been authorized by the cantonal migration office.

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Last update 02.09.2025