National Type D Visa
Switzerland
Last updated: December 22, 2025
5-year residence permit (renewable)
$102
3-4 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets you live and work in Switzerland for more than 90 days. It's for people who want to work for a Swiss company, start their own business, or study. Switzerland doesn't have a special "entrepreneur visa"—instead, you get a regular Type D visa and then get permission from the local government to start a business. You can work, start a business, study, or join family members already living in Switzerland. You get full rights to live and work legally while you're here. The main difference from other countries: Switzerland doesn't make it easy. Local governments (called cantons) decide if they want you. If you're not from the EU, they're stricter. They want to make sure your business will create jobs and help the local economy.
Key Benefits
- Work legally for yourself or any employer
- Bring spouse and children with work rights
- Access mandatory health insurance
- Travel freely in Europe (Schengen area)
- Become permanent resident after 10 years
- Become Swiss citizen after 12 years
- Start any legal business type
- Full family reunification rights
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 or older
- Valid passport required
- No serious criminal convictions
- Enough money to support yourself
- Good health
- For employment: Job offer from Swiss company OR university degree + 3+ years experience
- For business: Must actively manage business, typically need CHF 1,000,000+ capital, must be decision-maker
- For students: School acceptance letter and CHF 25,000/year available
- Non-EU citizens: Need local government approval and are subject to annual limits
Financial Requirement
For Students: CHF 25,000 per year ($27,000) for tuition and living costs. For Workers: Job contract required; no minimum salary. For Entrepreneurs: Typically CHF 1,000,000+ ($1,080,000) in capital expected; no official legal minimum. Real requirement: Business must create jobs and help the local economy.
Documents
- Valid passportIssued within 10 years, at least 2 blank pages
- Application form3 copies, fully completed
- Passport photos4 recent photos matching Schengen standards
- Bank statements3-6 months showing available funds
- Accommodation proofLease or property ownership document
- Health insurance proofValid certificate for entire stay
- Police recordProof of no criminal history from home country
- Business planFor entrepreneurs only: 10+ pages with market research and 3-year financial projections
- Job offer letterFor employees only: From Swiss employer
- School acceptanceFor students only: Acceptance letter and proof of tuition payment
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.