Switzerland•EuropeNational Visa (Category D)
At a Glance
Processing Time
28-84 days
Application Fee
100 CHF
Stay Duration
Varies
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Long-stay visa for more than 90 days. Issued for employment, studies, family reunification, marriage, or other long-term purposes. Requires cantonal migration authority approval.
The Category D national visa is issued for stays exceeding 90 days in Switzerland. It is required for long-term residence and is issued subject to cantonal migration authority authorization. The visa can be for various purposes including employment, studies, family reunification, marriage, or other reasons.
Annual Visa Allocation
8,500 visas per year
The Swiss Federal Council sets annual ceilings for third-country nationals, which for 2025 include 4,500 residence permits (B) and 4,000 short-term residence permits (L); separate quotas exist for UK nationals.
No lottery system
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
3 months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Language
N/A
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Valid for at least 3 months after intended stay completion
Passport photos
Recent biometric photos
Completed D visa application form
Signed application form for national visa
Cantonal approval letter
Authorization from cantonal migration office for intended residence
Proof of accommodation
Rental agreement, employment housing, or accommodation confirmation
Health insurance
Valid health insurance coverage in Switzerland
Criminal record certificate
From current country of residence, not older than 3 months
Medical certificate
May be required depending on purpose and nationality
OptionalSponsor Documents
Employer offer letter
If for employment - job offer with salary and conditions
University admission letter
If for studies - university enrollment confirmation
Family sponsorship letter
If for family reunification - sponsor proof of residence and means
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Advantages
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Work authorization with employment category
- Family members can be included
- Valid for entire intended stay period
Considerations
- Requires cantonal pre-approval
- Longer processing time (4-12 weeks)
- Purpose-specific requirements strict
- Employment-based visas require job offer
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
Register with cantonal migration office upon arrival in Switzerland
Application Forms
National Visa Application Form (D)
Ready to Apply?
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