General regulations
In order to enter Switzerland you need to produce a valid, recognised
identity document such as a passport or ID card. You do not need a visa.
Your arrival in Switzerland
As soon as you cross the border with the intention of settling in
Switzerland, you normally have eight days in which to register your arrival with
your home commune. In any case, you have to register your arrival before you
start your job. The commune will then pass on your documents to the cantonal
authorities who will process your request and send you your residence permit.
If you already have a formal employment contract:
report to your home commune within eight days of your arrival in Switzerland,
bringing with you the following documents:
- valid identity document (for you and all family members accompanying you)
- your health insurance certificate (showing you hold a policy with a
recognised health insurance company)
- passport photo (for you and all family members accompanying you)
- civil status documents such as family record booklet, marriage
certificate, birth certificates of minor children, etc.
- employment contract
If you are looking for work:
report to your home commune within eight days of your arrival in Switzerland
bringing with you the same documents as above with the exception of the
employment contract.
You do not need a residence permit for the first three months of your
job-hunting stay in Switzerland. If your search takes longer than three months
(or if you have your unemployment benefits exported), you will have to apply to
the authorities for authorisation for a further three months stay.
The residence permits issued for job searching purposes are not subject to
quotas. According to the bilateral agreements, they do not give you the right to
take advantage of the social security benefits of your receiving state.
Note that, while you are still a job-seeker, you have the same right to
assistance as that granted to Swiss nationals by the employment agencies. In
order to get that assistance, you have to register yourself at the regional
employment office (office regional de placement ORP). If you do find work, it is
the duration of your contract that will determine the type of permit granted (B
or L).
Retired persons and students
If you intend to stay more than three months in Switzerland, you need an
authorisation. Your home commune will give you all the necessary information on
the conditions of entry and residence applying to your situation.
The delivered residence permit is valid throughout the Swiss territory but
you have to inform the communal authorities about an eventual change of your
place of residence. The authorisation will be delivered if:
- you have sufficient financial means to provide for your own and your
family’s needs;
- you have health and accident insurance coverage during your stay.
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.
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