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Entry into Switzerland and Residence Permits
The following indications apply to Israeli nationals as third-country nationals. In case an Israeli national is also citizen of a EU or EFTA member state, other rules apply.
1. Entry requirements
1.1 Recognized identity document (pass or ID) for crossing the border (a) issued within the previous 10 years and (b) validity for at least 3 months after intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. 1.2 Visa – generally not required for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-days period) of Israeli nationals, but only
Visas are issued by the Swiss diplomatic representations abroad or the cantons. When a visa is required, a travel medical insurance has to be stipulated with a coverage of at least CHF 30'000 and including coverage for costs for repatriation for medical reasons or death and for urgent medical attention or emergency hospital treatment during the stay in Switzerland. Exceptions: for (i) those who have a travel medical insurance as a result of their professional activities and (ii) those for whom the host or guarantor with domicile/seat in Switzerland has stipulated a travel medical insurance. 1.3 Financial means for the period of stay: It must be ensured that the person entering into Switzerland does not become a burden on the social assistance system. Evidence: proof of own financial resources, bank guarantee or other comparable securities, travel medical insurance, or declaration of sponsorship by the host with domicile or seat in Switzerland (engaging to meet uncovered costs caused by the foreign nationals, incl. costs of living, accident, illness and return trip up to CHF 30'000). 1.4 Not posing a threat to public security and order or to Switzerland’s international relations 1.5 Not being subject to a measure banning them from entry or an order for expulsion from Switzerland the applicable Swiss criminal laws 1.6 Providing a guarantee of leaving Switzerland if only a temporary period of stay is planned |
2. Residence permits with gainful employment
2.1 Israeli nationals who intend to exercise a gainful occupation in Switzerland require a permit to work irrespective of the period of stay. Exceptions: (i) providers of temporary cross-border services in Switzerland for periods below 8 days (counter-exceptions: construction industry, catering and hotel services, cleaning industry, security and surveillance services, erotic services) and (ii) employees of a foreign employer exercising a temporary gainful occupation in Switzerland, in general for periods below 8 days or for periods of maximal 90 days if they are already integrated in the EU/EFTA labor market. 2.2 Procedure
2.3 Types of permits
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3. Residence permits without gainful employment
3.1 Israeli nationals intending to stay in Switzerland for a period of more than 3 months without gainful employment require a residence permit. (Instead, no residence permit is required for any period of stay of up to three months.) 3.2 Procedure
3.3 Types of permits: (a) Short stay permit, (b) Residence permit and (c) Permanent residence permit (see section 2 above). |
4. Exceptions
Derogations from the admission requirements in Sections 2 and 3 above are permitted in cases such as (a) family reunification, (b) personal hardship or important public interests, (c) foster children, (d) persons to be protected from exploitation who are particularly at risk in view of their work, (e) victims and witnesses of trafficking in human beings and of persons who are cooperating with the prosecution authorities as part of a witness protection, (f) relief and development projects in the interests of economic and technical cooperation, (g) facilitation of international economic, scientific and cultural exchange as well as basic and continuing professional education and training, (h) simplification of the transfer of senior management staff and essential specialists within internationally active companies, (i) au-pair workers recruited through a recognized organization, (j) readmission of foreign nationals who held a residence or permanent residence permit, (l) employment and participation in employment programs of asylum seekers, temporarily admitted persons and persons in need of protection. Particularly relevant laws and ordinances: |