How to immigrate Switzerland

Switzerland has four languages, 26 cantones and almost 9 million people but only 75% of them are Swiss. Welcome to Europe's most individual country, but there's more to Switzerland than Banks and Skis, Franks and cheese. This is a place where the breathtaking scenery shaped a nation not just a tour itinerary and where tradition is has important has Innovation. 

Let's start a complete guide on how to migrate to Switzerland.

Due to its high quality of life, work opportunities, education, better healthcare and even its scenic nature, Switzerland is a very popular country to immigrate to. Only in 2018 over 140,000 people immigrated to Switzerland overall, including both EU and EFTA. So it's one immigration policies and conditions differ. However, depending on what nationality you are. Okay.  

Switzerland immigration for EU and EFTA citizens

Switzerland is one that is not part of EU (European Union), but it doesn't enjoy a lot of its benefits you to its participation in the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) The EFTA countries Switzerland Iceland Liechtenstein and Norway join with the EU. The freedom of movement act allows EU and EFTA citizens to move to Switzerland.

They enjoy the same benefits in regards to work, residents and treatment. EU and EFTA citizens do not need a visa for entering Switzerland, but they need to register and apply for a Swiss residence permit if they want to live there long term meaning more than three months. Furthermore. Switzerland is also part of the schingen area which consists of 26 countries that have a established visa and border control free travel between them. Citizens of Schengen countries can also move to Switzerland without a Visa but have to apply for residents permits for stays exceeding three months. 

Three facts to know

Let's have a look on three facts about immigration to Switzerland:

 

1:- Visit Switzerland as a tourist, you are authorized up to 90 days without registration. It is however forbidden to work during this period.

2:- Working in Switzerland for more than 8 calendar days per year requires is a work permit.

3:- If you are not from an EU or EFTA country, then you may also require a visa to enter Switzerland. Only after you receive your long-term Visa, you can enter Switzerland and proceed to apply for a Swiss residence permit. 

Now to move to Switzerland, you must go through these three steps:

Step A:- Apply for either a Swiss work visa, study Visa, or family Visa 

Step B:- Get the appropriate residence permits. 

Step C:- Get this with Swiss C residence permit. 

You've learned the three steps, you must go through. 

Applying for a Swiss long stay Visa

The most common reasons people immigrate to Switzerland is for work, studying or joining a family member, spouse as such. You will have to apply for the appropriate Visa before moving to. 

Switzerland work visa 

It is for immigrants who want to take up work as employees in Switzerland. You will normally need a work contract before you can apply. 

Switzerland study Visa 

It is for foreigners who have been admitted into a Swiss educational institution. You need to have a certificate of enrollment before you can apply 

Switzerland family reunion Visa 

It is for foreigners who want to move to Switzerland to join a family member, spouse or parents who is a permanent resident or citizens of Switzerland. 

Important to remember each Visa has its own conditions, requirements and restrictions. Obtaining a Swiss residence permit, everyone has to apply for a residence permit if they want to move to Switzerland, even EU and EFTA nationals. 

You apply for a residence permit at the Cantonal Immigration Office of the Canton you want to immigrate to. Switzerland consists of 26 counts who are responsible for issuing residents permits and work authorization to the immigrants who want to take up residency in that particular Canton.

Important notes 

You must apply for a residence permit within 14 days of entering Switzerland. 

Typically immigrants who want to move to Switzerland for the first time will be issued one the following residents:

Swiss Permit L

This is a Swiss permit for short-term residents, valid for up to one year. It can be renewed but only to maximum of 24 months. The Swiss L permit issued to immigrants who moved to Switzerland to work in a specific job or company. If you have the L permit and wish to change jobs, you may not receive a new permit.

Swiss Permit B 

Permit is for initial or temporary residence. It is a shoot for up to five years to EU and EFTA Nationals and for one year for non-EU EFTA Nationals. It can be renewed as needed. It is called the initial or temporary residence because after having lived in Switzerland for 10 consecutive years with the B permit you can apply for Swiss permanent residents Permit C. 

So now that you got a better understanding on how to migrate to Switzerland. 

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