Residence permit

Irrespective of whether you require an entry visa, you must have a residence permit for your period of study in Switzerland. You must apply for this in person within 14 days of your arrival at the Citizen’s Registry Office (“Einwohnerkontrolle”) at your new place of residence or at the respective district office (“Kreisbüro”) if you live in the city of Zurich.

You will be asked for:
•    your passport or identity card
•    your ETH card (Student ID Card)
•    your rental contract
•    an up to date passport photograph
•    CHF 20.- (registration fee)
•    CHF 65.- (EU-countries) / CHF 142.- (non-EU countries) (document fee)
•    Evidence of sufficient financial resources (not required if you entered Switzerland with a visa)

After a few weeks, you will receive a written invitation to collect your residence permit. This is generally issued for one year and can be extended if your course of studies lasts longer.

Non-EU nationals get new documents containing biometric data.

Subsequent immigration of family members

Family members are not permitted to enter Switzerland with students or subsequently join students once a student has been admitted to Switzerland.