Visa – Entry to and residence in Switzerland

Publication

The dossier is intended for people who leave Switzerland to take up permanent residence in another country and work abroad.

Dossier: Vivre et travailler au Japon (PDF, Number of pages 34, 903.2 kB, French)

Other languages

Dossier: Leben und Arbeiten in Japan
Dossier: Vivere e Lavorare in Giappone

Services

Contact the responsible Swiss representation or consulate when you want to register or unregister as a resident, when you need a new passport, have moved or wish to apply for citizenship. The entire selection of services offered can be found in the dropdown menu to the right. The contact details of the responsible Swiss representation are shown on the corresponding page.

Swiss citizens who get into difficulties abroad, also can ask for advice and help from the Swiss representative.

The magazine for the Swiss Abroad appears six times a year and provides information about what is happening at home and the activities of Swiss associations abroad. It also answers administrative questions.

Online desk FDFA

Using the FDFA’s online consular services while abroad.

The relevant Swiss representation abroad can answer any questions concerning the FDFA’s online desk.

Information about travel to Switzerland related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Starting March 19, 2020, Switzerland temporarily stopped accepting visa applications and issuing Schengen and national visas.

The visa services will resume and/or have resumed as follows:

Beginning May 11, 2020:
National type D visas for family reunification for family members of Swiss, EU and EFTA citizens /Work visas

Beginning June 8, 2020:
National type D visas for studies (over 90 days) and family reunification for family members of all nationalities

Beginning July 20, 2020:
Schengen visa applications can be submitted again. Please apply and book your appointment online www.swiss-visa.ch and follow instructions on Tokyo Visa Desk.
Travelers from Japan entering Switzerland directly, do not have to undergo quarantine in Switzerland.
Please note, that the entry-ban issued by the Japanese authority is still in place for foreigners living in Japan. Meaning if you leave Japan after 2nd of April you are not able to return to Japan.

For further information please consult the State Secretariat for Migration SEM - COVID19-Ordinance 3 or the website of the Q&A - SEM

Please note that the airlines themselves decide on the conditions on which they carry passengers. Please ask the airline concerned about the conditions that they apply.

Starting July 6, 2020, travelers from specific countries have to go into quarantine when entering Switzerland. For further information, please consult the website of the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH

Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.

SEM

Since Switzerland’s adherence to the Schengen and Dublin agreements came into force (12 December 2008), Swiss representations abroad are able to issue certain categories of visa, depending on the length of stay and purpose of the journey in Switzerland. Please select one of the following options.