BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
National Visa Type D - Student
SwitzerlandSwitzerland•Europe
Open

National Visa Type D - Student

Study

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 months

Estimated Cost

CHF 170

Stay Duration

Duration of study program

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Overview

For individuals admitted to an accredited Swiss educational institution for long-term study.

The Type D Student visa is a long-term national visa for international students. It requires coordination between the Swiss embassy and the cantonal migration authority where the school is located. Students are permitted to work part-time after an initial six-month waiting period.

Cost Breakdown

Visa application feeCHF 75
Residence permit authorizationCHF 95
TotalCHF 170

Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

L Permit - Post-Graduation Job Seeker
Switzerland flagSwitzerland

L Permit - Post-Graduation Job Seeker

Validity6 months
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details
B — Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung)
Switzerland flagSwitzerland

B — Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung)

Validity5 years
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Unconditional admission to an accredited Swiss educational institution

Proof of financial means (approx. CHF 21,000/year)

Written commitment to leave Switzerland after studies

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Savings

21,000 CHF

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Proof of financial means

Confirmation of enrollment

CV

Motivation letter

Written commitment to leave

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Access to Swiss education
  • Part-time work rights after 6 months

Worth Knowing

  • Long processing times
  • Strict financial requirements
  • Lack of admission to accredited institution
  • Insufficient financial proof

Application Process

1

Secure admission

2

Submit visa application to embassy

3

Embassy forwards to cantonal authority

4

Cantonal authority approves residence permit

Application Forms

Visa Application FormFill online

Ready to see if the National Visa Type D - Student is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery