If you plan on moving to Switzerland from South Africa, there are various aspects you need to consider. Among these, you will first need a valid Schengen visa before applying for one of the available Swiss residence permits. Two types of residence visas can be issued to non-EU citizens interested in immigration to Switzerland, and those are the temporary and the permanent ones.
Below, our immigration lawyer in Switzerland explains the main steps when coming to this country from South Africa. If you need help in relocating to Switzerland from South Africa, we offer various services depending on your needs. We can also advise on the residence permit in Switzerland.
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Requirements for moving to Switzerland from South Africa
Before getting into details, it is important to note that no matter the reason for immigrating to Switzerland, South African citizens cannot apply for a visa unless he or she has a valid passport. Also, temporary passports are not accepted by the Swiss immigration authorities.
When immigrating to Switzerland from South Africa, you will first need to secure a Schengen visa, no matter the duration of your stay. Then, you will need to specify the reason for coming to Switzerland. When considering short-term stays, these can be divided into:
- business visits which require a visa for this purpose and for which specific requirements must be met;
- you can also come to visit family members or friends based on a short-term visa;
- you can come to study in Switzerland, a case in which you will need an official acceptance letter from the university;
- you can also move to Switzerland for family reunification purposes or if you have refugee status.
No matter your situation, our immigration lawyer in Switzerland can help you. We also provide immigration services to nationals of other countries within or outside the European Union.
Moving to Switzerland does not seem easy as there are numerous types of visas available. Moreover, the requirements are different for EU and non-EU citizens which can be confusing. Avoid such problems by using our immigration services. We are at your service with tailored guidance on relocating here.
What are the requirements to obtain a Swiss residence permit? There are several. Among them, one of the most important is your nationality. Based on it, you can decide the type of visa you can obtain. Then, qualifications. These are also important as they will serve as a reason for immigration.
Get in touch with us if you want to apply for a B permit for Switzerland. We have dealt with many cases where applications have been rejected for various reasons. We can review your case find out where the problem is and correct it. If you are looking for a tailored approach, we can help you.
Types of visas offered by Switzerland
There are various types of visas for relocation to Switzerland from South Africa, each catering to different purposes and categories of individuals. Here are some common types of visas to immigrate to Switzerland:
- Swiss work visa (Permit L, B, or G): These are for individuals intending to move to Switzerland for work. The type of work visa you need depends on your employment situation, including short-term assignments (L), long-term employment (B), and cross-border workers (G).
- Swiss family reunification visa: This visa allows family members of Swiss citizens or legal residents to join them in Switzerland. It’s often referred to as a family reunification permit. If you want to apply for this visa, please get in touch with our Swiss lawyers.
- Swiss student visa: If you plan to study in Switzerland, you will need a student visa or permit. This allows you to pursue your studies in Swiss educational institutions.
- Swiss retirement visa: For retirees looking to move to Switzerland from South Africa, there are permits designed for individuals who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. They can guide you in detail about relocation.
- Swiss entrepreneur or self-employment visa: If you want to start your own business or work as a self-employed individual in Switzerland, you may need a permit for this purpose. So, if you want to relocate to Switzerland from South Africa for business, our lawyers can help you get this visa.
- Swiss humanitarian visa: These visas are granted to individuals who need protection or asylum in Switzerland due to political persecution or other humanitarian reasons. Our attorneys can help you apply for a humanitarian visa in Switzerland.
- Swiss tourist visa: For short visits or vacations in Switzerland, you may require a tourist visa, depending on your nationality. Our immigration lawyers in Switzerland can guide you if you need a visa or not for short visits.
- Swiss permanent residency: After residing in this country for a certain number of years, you can apply for permanent residency, known as a C permit in Switzerland. The services of our lawyers are at your disposal if you are planning to apply for a residence permit in Switzerland.
These are some of the most common types of visas and permits for individuals immigrating to Switzerland. The specific requirements and eligibility criteria can vary depending on your nationality, purpose of immigration, and other factors. It’s essential to consult with our immigration lawyers for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the visa you need. They can help you to immigrate to Switzerland from South Africa.
Furthermore, if you have any questions about B permit in Switzerland, please ask our lawyers without any hesitation.
Immigrating to Switzerland from South Africa based on employment
One of the fastest and most secure ways of moving to Switzerland from South Africa is through employment. For this purpose, there are several types of visas that you can apply for. These are the L residence permit which is issued for short-term stays for less than a year, therefore for seasonal workers, and the B permit which will allow them to live and work in Switzerland for more than one year. If you have obtained a Schengen visa in a neighboring European country, you will also be eligible for the G permit which allows you to commute to Switzerland for completing your work. However, our immigration lawyer in Switzerland advises applying directly for the B or L permits.
If you are interested in relocating to Switzerland from South Africa, we can assist with the preparation of the immigration papers, revisal of the job offer given by the Swiss employer, and counseling during the visa application procedure. We can provide tailored assistance to those interested in immigration to Switzerland.
The conditions for obtaining Switzerland citizenship can be explained in detail by our specialists.
Documents related to immigration to Switzerland from South Africa
The file that needs to be filed when moving to Switzerland from South Africa should contain the following documents:
- the application form which depends on the relocation reason;
- the valid passport which must have a minimum validity period of 3 months;
- biometric details (usually the fingerprints of the applicant are required);
- recent passport-sized photographs;
- proof of accommodation which must be filed under the form of a pre-paid confirmation document;
- travel insurance with a minimum value of 30,000 euros;
- a bank statement that indicates the income for the last 3 months which must suffice for the duration of the stay in Switzerland;
- documents that indicate the reason for relocation (employment contact, an invitation letter from the university, information about the company).
If you have obtained a Schengen visa in another country, it is possible to move to Switzerland through it. No matter the way you want to use for relocating to Switzerland from South Africa, the processing time takes between 10 and 15 days. If you need help with preparing the documents, our immigration lawyers are at your disposal with various services.
If you are a citizen of another country and want to immigrate to Switzerland, we can assist you. When the time comes, we can help you apply for a residence permit in Switzerland.
Immigration to Switzerland implies meeting specific requirements. At first, applicants are issued temporary residence visas, followed by Swiss C permits that enable them to live here permanently. Employment is one of the ways through which you can relocate here from most European countries.
Swiss visa application and related fee
To apply for a Swiss visa, you should visit the nearest Swiss diplomatic or consular mission in your home country. Swiss Embassies and Consulates worldwide handle visa applications. You can find the specific Embassy or Consulate operating in your country with the help of our immigration lawyers in Switzerland. They can support you at every stage of the visa application process. Our attorneys can also offer you comprehensive information about the visa application process, including the necessary forms, required documents, visa fees, and contact details for scheduling an appointment or making inquiries. Be sure to check the specific requirements for the type of visa you need and make an appointment if necessary with the help of our lawyers. Note that applying at the appropriate Swiss mission will ensure that your visa application is processed efficiently and by the latest regulations. Or simply consult with our lawyers for immigration to Switzerland.
The application fees for individuals traveling to Switzerland differ based on their nationality and age. On average, the cost for a visa application is 90 Swiss francs per person, with additional charges for postal submissions. Switzerland has established agreements with specific countries to reduce the application fee from 90 to 43 francs. These countries include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Does Switzerland allow dual citizenship?
Switzerland allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship, which means you can be a citizen of Switzerland and another country simultaneously. This policy allows individuals to experience the privileges of both countries. However, it’s important to note that other countries may have their own rules and regulations regarding dual citizenship, so it’s advisable to check with our Swiss immigration attorneys to ensure compliance with their laws. So, if you want to relocate and apply for citizenship in Switzerland, the services of our lawyers are at your disposal.
Economic relations between Switzerland and South Africa
Switzerland has signed various bilateral trading agreements with South Africa and thanks to them, the relations between the two states have evolved. According to the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs:
- Switzerland and South Africa have 10 joint projects in the clean and green technology domain;
- They have also worked together on 8 social sciences and humanities projects;
- Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland committed 55 million CHF to climate-friendly projects in South Africa;
- At the end of 2017, there were 8,468 Swiss citizens living in South Africa.
For assistance in moving from South Africa and obtaining a residence permit in Switzerland, please contact our immigration lawyers.
