Consulate General of Switzerland

General information for work visa

Do I need a work visa?

If the applicant wants to take up employment in Switzerland whether receiving a salary or not and in disregard
of the duration of the work contract, a work visa will be needed.
Opening hours
Our counters are open from 9 am to 12 pm, Sunday through Thursday, except public holidays
Processing time
The processing time may take up to two months
Visa fees (subject to change without prior notice)
The visa fee is AED 320.00 per person plus AED 20.00 for postage. Please bring the exact amount.
Change of residency / workplace
Once in Switzerland you are not entitled to change the Canton of workplace without authorization of the Cantonal
Foreign Police.
Self-employment
As per law, self-employment is only possible after a permanent residence permit (C-permit) has been obtained. It is
therefore virtually impossible to immigrate to Switzerland for the sole purpose of being self-employed.
Exceptions
Foreign spouses of Swiss citizens and children of Swiss parents who are not Swiss citizens:
They must follow the immigration procedure outlined above. However, they are not subject to the quota restrictions
and they will not have any difficulty in obtaining a work permit.
Family members of a person who holds the nationality of an EU or EFTA state:
A different procedure applies for these persons. Please inquire the rules at the Consulate General of Switzerland.

Required documents for work visa

Applicants for a work visa are kindly requested to bring the following documents in triplicate execution to our office.
Please make three complete files with a copy of one required document in each.
1.

Three completely filled in and signed application forms. You can find the application form either on the internet
(http://www.eda.admin.ch/dubai) or in our office. The legal guardian must sign for children.

2.

Three recent passport-sized pictures of the applicant. The pictures should not be older than 6 months.

3.

The original and a copy of the passport of the applicant with all its valid visas and residence permits. The passport has to be valid for at least three months over the foreseen entry date in Switzerland.

4.

Work contract with your employer in Switzerland or letter of employment.

Please note that in some cases additional documentation might be requested

Consulate General of Switzerland

Dubai World Trade Centre Level 22 Tel. +971 4 329 09 99

Fax +971 4 331 36 79 E-Mail dai.visa@eda.admin.ch www.eda.admin.ch/dubai