Type D — National Visa Type D - Long-Stay Entry Visa (Nationales Visum)

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Type D — National Visa Type D - Long-Stay Entry Visa (Nationales Visum)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €90

Stay Duration

90-180 days

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Entry visa for non-EU/EFTA nationals planning stays over 90 days, requiring cantonal pre-approval and 8–12 weeks processing before arrival for work, study, or family purposes.

The Swiss National Visa Type D is the mandatory entry authorization for non-EU/EFTA nationals staying longer than 90 days. Required before arrival to work, study, or reunite with family, this visa bridges initial entry and formal residence permit issuance. The cantonal migration office must pre-approve residency, ensuring all long-term residents are vetted before entry.

Processing takes approximately 8–12 weeks depending on the canton and application elements. The visa fee is EUR 90 and the visa remains valid for 90–180 days while you collect your residence permit locally. Spouses may not work independently; work authorization is restricted to the approved purpose. The visa is not renewable but converts to various residence permits (B, L, or family permits) upon arrival.

ValidityVaries (Renewable; Duration tied to sponsor's residence permit)

ProcessingVaries

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, at least 3 months validity beyond intended stay, 2 blank pages)

Completed and signed National Visa (Type D) application form

Proof of purpose of stay (e.g., enrollment letter for students, work contract, or family reunification authorization)

Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the entire duration of stay

Proof of accommodation in Switzerland

Criminal record extract (if requested)

Motivation letter explaining the reason for the long-term stay

Proof of language proficiency (if applicable for the purpose of stay)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Completed D visa application form

Cantonal approval letter

Proof of accommodation

Health insurance

Criminal record certificate

Medical certificate

Employer offer letter (sponsor)

University admission letter (sponsor)

Family sponsorship letter (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Clear path to Swiss residence — bridge document for work, study, or family reunification
Spouse can work with restrictions, enabling family economic participation
Includes dependent family members on the same visa status
Modest EUR 90 application fee
Permits Schengen travel for up to 90 days within 180-day period
Gateway to multiple residence permit types (L, B, ICT permits)
Pre-approved cantonal authorization ensures legal certainty before entry
No job offer requirement for family or study-based applications

Worth Knowing

Processing takes 8–12 weeks; timelines vary by canton and application completeness
Purpose-tied visa restricts work outside originally approved employment contract or course
Cantonal migration authority makes final decision, not the embassy
Requires health insurance and proof of sufficient financial means for entire stay
Non-EU/EFTA nationals only — EU/EFTA citizens use different pathways

Application Process

Obtain cantonal approval

Cantonal migration office must authorize residence before visa application

Apply for visa

Submit D visa application to Swiss representation abroad

Submit documents

Provide all required documentation supporting purpose of stay

Pay visa fee

Pay CHF 100 visa fee

Visa interview

Personal appearance if required by embassy/consulate

Await decision

Processing typically takes 4-12 weeks

Collect visa

Passport returned with D visa stamp

Register residence

Application Forms

National Visa Application Form

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Related visas

More visas in Switzerland

Work visas in other countries

Reactivation Employment Permit
Ireland
Residence Permit for Startup (Start-up)
Netherlands
Residence Permit for Dependent Employment
Greece

Official Information

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