Immigration in a nutshell - Volume 3
Our blog series provides practical knowledge from the field of business immigration.
As a first step, before a residence permit can be approved, foreign nationals who want to study in Switzerland need a confirmation of admission from their chosen institution. Generally, applications for a study place can be submitted online.
Students from an EU/EFTA member state
Due to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, nationals of EU/EFTA member states are legally entitled to study in Switzerland.
With the confirmation of admission from the chosen educational institution, students register with the competent residents' authority at their place of residence within 14 days of entering Switzerland. They must prove sufficient financial means to cover their living expenses during their studies. Proof can be provided, for example, by a bank statement from a bank authorised in Switzerland or by a written confirmation from the parents saying they will ensure the student's livelihood for the duration of their studies.
Students from third countries
Third-country nationals are not entitled to a residence permit for study purposes. The granting of a residence permit is at the discretion of the cantonal migration authorities.
Students from third countries who require a visa should apply for a visa at the Swiss diplomatic mission or consular post of their country of residence before arriving in Switzerland. Students from third countries without a visa requirement must submit a residence application to the competent cantonal migration office in good time. The visa or residence permit must be obtained before entering Switzerland.
After enrolment, students must report to the cantonal migration authorities immediately, at the latest within 14 days of entry, and also provide proof of available financial resources.
What else needs to be considered?
The residence permit for students is generally valid for one year, but can be extended if the studies continue. In this case, financial means must be proven again. For third-country nationals, the total duration of studies is limited to a maximum of eight years (including doctorate and post-doctorate).
The migration authorities must be notified of any change of subject or educational institution. Usually, students from third countries do not have their residence permit extended if they change their field of study or discontinue their studies.
In contrast to students from the EU/EFTA area, third-country nationals are allowed to pursue gainful employment alongside their studies only to a limited extent. An application to this effect can be approved six months after entry, although only for a maximum of 15 hours per week. In addition, it must be proven that the studies continue to be the main purpose of the stay in Switzerland. Therefore, the educational institution must confirm that the studies will not be affected by taking up a job. A change of job is also subject to approval.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Immigration Team.
The author thanks Andrea Elvedi for her valuable collaboration in writing this blog post.
Author: Urs Haegi
