A citizen of Poland does not need a visa for Switzerland, either for tourism or for work. A visa is required for a non-EU / non-EFTA national who lives in Poland and wishes to work or study in Switzerland for longer than 90 days. Such a person needs a Swiss national visa D. Below we explain who needs it, who grants approval, and how long the procedure takes.
Polish and EU citizens: visa-free entry
Switzerland is in the Schengen Area and has an agreement with the European Union on the free movement of persons. A Polish citizen enters with an ID card or a passport. Work of up to 90 days per year only requires an online notification, which is submitted by the employer. For longer work or stays, you must register with the local municipality and you will receive an L or B residence permit. This is a registration, not a visa procedure.
Foreign national residing in Poland: short stay
A residence card issued in Poland, together with a valid passport, allows you to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period. For a holiday in Switzerland a visa is therefore not required. The Swiss embassy in Warsaw does not issue Schengen visas. A short stay, however, does not confer the right to work in Switzerland.
When a national visa D is required
work in Switzerland for a period longer than 90 days,
studies or training longer than 90 days,
other stays exceeding 90 days, such as family reunification.
Any employment in Switzerland of a non-EU / non-EFTA national, even short-term and under a Polish contract, requires a work permit. The D visa is issued by a Swiss consular post, but the permission to issue it is granted by the cantonal migration authority, in some cases together with the federal State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). Without this approval, the embassy will not issue the visa.
Work visa for Switzerland
The procedure is initiated by the employer in Switzerland. They submit an application to the canton for a work and residence permit. Switzerland admits workers from outside the EU and EFTA primarily for highly skilled employment, within annual quotas. The employer must demonstrate that they have been unable to find a suitable candidate in Switzerland or in the EU.
In parallel, the foreign national personally submits an application for a D visa at the Swiss embassy in Warsaw. Among other things, the following are required for the application:
a valid passport and residence card in Poland,
a D visa application form and a biometric photo,
an employment contract or assignment contract,
a work permit or confirmation that the employer has submitted an application to the canton.
Student visa for Switzerland
For studies or training longer than 90 days, you must submit a D visa application in person at the embassy. The embassy forwards it to the cantonal migration authority, which issues the authorization to issue the visa. This part usually takes from 6 to 12 weeks.
The authority mainly checks:
confirmation of admission to studies or a course,
means of subsistence for the entire period of study,
a CV and previous education, including diplomas,
a study plan and a declaration that you will leave Switzerland after completion.
Documents in a language other than German, French, Italian or English must be translated. A diploma or birth certificate often also has to be affixed with an apostille. You can order both in Notberg as part of document legalisation.
How long the procedure takes
The longest part is the cantonal decision. For studies this is usually 6–12 weeks; for work, the time depends on the canton and on available quotas. Once the approval reaches the embassy, the visa itself is issued quickly. Submit your application at least 3 months before your planned departure.
After arrival in Switzerland
The D visa allows you to enter the country. Within 14 days of arrival, before starting work, you must register with the local municipality. Only then will you receive an L or B residence permit, which is your identity document in Switzerland. Changing employer or canton may require new approval.
Most common mistakes
Travelling to work on the basis of a residence card. The card allows you to travel; it does not entitle you to work in Switzerland.
Application without the employer’s involvement. A work visa will not move forward until the employer submits an application to the canton.
Residence card or passport nearing expiry. Both documents must be valid during the procedure and at the time of travel.
Documents without translation. The canton may put the case on hold until they are supplied.
Visa for Switzerland with Notberg
With Notberg you can apply for a work visa for Switzerland or a student visa. We check your documents, prepare the D visa application and monitor your case until a decision is issued. All communication with us is in Polish. Approval is granted by the canton, therefore the waiting time depends on the authority.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Polish citizen need a visa for Switzerland?
No. An ID card or passport is sufficient. For a longer stay or work, registration with the local municipality is required.
Can I travel to Switzerland on holiday with a residence card?
Yes, for up to 90 days in any 180‑day period, with a valid passport and residence card.
Can I change my status to worker once I am already in Switzerland?
As a rule, no. An application for a D visa must be submitted before departure, at a Swiss consular post in your country of residence.
Can my family join me?
Yes, under family reunification. This is a separate application and a separate cantonal approval.