Published on 31 August 2026

Where to apply for a national visa?

The time needed for a visa request to be processed may vary from case to case. It is therefore strongly recommended to take the necessary steps well in advance, so that the visa can be issued in the time required.
Long stay visas (work, study, residence) initiated at the visa desk abroad:
At least eight to ten weeks
Visa for persons who have already received an authorization from a Swiss cantonal authority (initiated by the employer in Switzerland):
One week