With a valid Schengen permit
Students from Non-EU/EFTA countries with a valid residence permit from a Schengen state are exempt from the visa requirement. However, they must present the same documents as students requiring a visa.
In principle, you are allowed to enter Switzerland and apply for your residence permit at your new place of residence within 14 days of your arrival.
To enter Switzerland without a visa, citizens of Non-EU/EFTA countries must carry the following documents with them:
- a valid and recognised travel document
- a valid residence permit of a Schengen country or a valid D visa of a Schengen country
However, for the Canton of Zurich, it is recommended that you apply for an assurance of a residence permit ("Zusicherung zur Aufenthaltsbewilligung") 2-3 months before the expected date of entry.
Documents
To apply for an assurance, submit the same documents as students with a visa requirement to the Zurich Migration Office via their external page contact form.
Additionally, the following documents must also be submitted:
- the external page application for an entry permit, 1st page (instead of the visa form)
- your valid Schengen permit or D visa of a Schengen country
Important: If you have any questions or queries regarding the procedure for entering Switzerland with a Schengen permit, please always contact the external page Migration Office Zurich directly.