Eligibility quiz
Do you plan to work for yourself in Switzerland in a way that benefits its economy overall?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Switzerland
You can live in Switzerland for the period and purpose stated on your permit.
Work in Switzerland
With work permission, you can work across Switzerland, within your permit’s purpose and conditions.
Travel visa-free
You can enter Switzerland with a valid residence permit.
You can also visit other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, whatever your citizenship.
How to apply
From outside SwitzerlandFrom outside Switzerland
Find your cantonal office
Find the migration office for the canton where you plan to live in Switzerland.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Swiss cantonal migration office handles a self-employed residence permit for someone planning to live in your city?”
Get the application form
Get the residence permit application form or online application instructions from your cantonal migration office.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get the Swiss self-employed residence permit application form for the canton of your city?”
Fill in your application
Complete and sign the canton's residence permit application form.
Get help with the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in a Swiss cantonal self-employed residence permit application?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents required for your residence permit application and, if you need a visa, your visa application.
See required documentsSubmit your application
Send or hand in your completed application and documents to the cantonal migration office. Ask the office whether to apply online, by post or in person.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Swiss self-employed residence permit application to the cantonal migration office for your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the cantonal migration office to decide and send anything else it asks for. Applying does not itself give you permission to work or stay in Switzerland.
See how decisions workSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Swiss cantonal self-employed residence permit decision take?”
Find your consulate
If you need a visa to enter Switzerland, find the Swiss consulate responsible for where you live. Apply for your visa after the canton authorises your residence.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Swiss consulate handles national visa applications for residents of your city?”
Download the visa form
If you need a visa, download the national type-D visa application form.
Download the visa formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download the Swiss national type-D visa application form?”
Fill in the form
Complete and sign the national type-D visa application form.
Get help with the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Swiss national type-D visa application form?”
Book an appointment
Book an appointment with your consulate if it requires one for your visa application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Swiss national type-D visa appointment at the consulate serving your city?”
Submit your visa application
Bring or send your completed form and documents to your consulate as it instructs. Pay the applicable visa fee in the way the consulate tells you.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for a Swiss national type-D visa application at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for your visa
Wait for the consulate to issue your visa and provide anything else it asks for. The visa can be issued only after the canton approves it.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Swiss national type-D visa take after cantonal approval?”
Travel to Switzerland
Travel to Switzerland after approval. If you need a visa, enter while it is valid.
Find entry informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Switzerland with a national type-D visa after my residence permit is approved?”
Once in SwitzerlandOnce in Switzerland
Register your arrival
Report your arrival to the cantonal or local office as instructed.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register my arrival in your city Switzerland for a residence permit?”
Get your residence permit
Complete the fingerprint and photo process as instructed and receive your residence permit from the canton. It lets you live in Switzerland under the conditions on your permit.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I give biometrics and receive a Swiss self-employed residence permit in your city?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Proof of personal funds
Provide evidence that you have enough independent means to support yourself. Check with your canton which documents it accepts.
Business funding proof
Provide evidence of the money available for your business and where it comes from. Include proof of available assets and financing for your proposed investment.
Copy of your passport
Provide your valid passport or travel document and copies of the relevant pages and visas. Check with the office receiving your application which pages it needs.
Application forms
Complete and sign your canton’s residence application form. You can find your canton’s office through the cantonal authorities list. If you need a visa, also complete and sign the national type-D visa application form.
Business plan
Prepare a detailed plan explaining your proposed investment, spending and business operations, including the jobs you expect to create or keep. Include evidence showing how your plans would benefit Switzerland’s economy or serve an important public interest.
Proof of insurance *
Provide evidence of your health or insurance arrangements. Check with your canton which documents it accepts.
* Only if your canton asks for it.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationProof of current residence *
Provide proof that you live legally in the country where you apply for your visa. Check with your consulate which proof it accepts.
* Only if you apply for a visa at a consulate.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPassport photos *
Provide recent biometric passport photos of yourself. Check your consulate’s photo requirements before having them taken.
* Only if your consulate asks for them.
Proof of accommodation *
Provide evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Switzerland. Check with your canton which documents it accepts.
* Only if your canton asks for it.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationResidence application proof *
Provide your cantonal approval or proof that your residence application has been filed. Check with your canton or consulate which one to provide.
* Only if you apply for a visa and your consulate asks for it.
Company documents *
Provide documents about the company involved in your investment. Check with your canton which company documents it needs.
* Only if your investment involves a company.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Permit conditions
You must follow your permit’s purpose and conditions and cooperate with the authorities.
If you are required to follow an integration agreement, you must respect it.
Tax from pay
If you work, your employer generally deducts income tax for the federal, cantonal and communal authorities from your pay.
Residence can end
Your permit can end on expiry without renewal, or for false statements, hidden facts, a long prison sentence or certain criminal measures.
Other reasons include serious or repeated threats to or breaches of public safety and order, broken conditions, social assistance for you or a dependent, or abuse in Swiss naturalisation.
Unjustified failure to follow an integration agreement can also lead to loss; decisions must be fair to your circumstances.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
🇨🇭Expats in Switzerland ⭑ Living, Moving & Advice ✨
English Facebook group for people living in Switzerland interested in Swiss visas
Join on Facebookr/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditEXPATS IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭✨ Lifestyle, Networking & Travel Tips 🌍
English Facebook group for people living in Switzerland interested in Swiss local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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