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Path context

Visa / work rights

Use visa information to verify whether a career path is workable for you. Visa and work rights stay separate from the public CampCareer Score.

6 verified routes

StudyStudy

Study residence permit

Switzerland

Official source
Processing time

Varies by canton, nationality, permit type, visa requirement and case completeness

Success rate

Not published

Duration

Normally linked to the study period, often issued for one year and renewed while the conditions remain met

Requirements

6 items
  • Admission to a recognised Swiss educational institution and a credible full-time study plan
  • Sufficient financial resources for tuition and living costs without relying on Swiss social assistance
  • Adequate health and accident insurance for the stay
  • Suitable accommodation and any canton-requested evidence of qualifications, language ability or intention to complete the programme
  • Registration with the local commune and a residence-permit application under the rules for the applicant's nationality
  • For third-country university students, supplementary work is generally possible only after six months, for up to 15 hours per week outside holidays, with university confirmation and an employer-led cantonal application

Process overview

Total: Varies by canton, nationality, permit type, visa requirement and case completeness
  1. 1

    Confirm the canton and permit route

    Before applying

    Use the linked SEM guidance and the competent cantonal authority to confirm the permit type, visa requirement, local fee and document checklist.

  2. 2

    Secure the study, job or placement basis

    Preparation stage

    Obtain the admission, Swiss degree evidence, employment contract, training agreement, host-family placement or other route-specific documents.

  3. 3

    Submit through the responsible authority

    Application stage

    Applications are normally handled by the canton, employer, Swiss representation or home-country authority depending on the route and nationality.

  4. 4

    Complete entry and registration formalities

    Varies by canton, nationality, permit type, visa requirement and case completeness

    Wait for the required authorisation, obtain any entry visa, then register with the commune within the applicable deadline and before beginning restricted work.

Cost breakdown

No fixed amount is shown because the official fee depends on the route, applicant or application location.

Tuition, housing, health insurance and proof of living funds are separate from permit and visa fees. Switzerland has canton-specific permit and visa fees, so no single national total is shown; confirm the amount with the responsible authority.

Top cities

ZurichGenevaBasel