Residence in Switzerland of foreign nationals without gainful employment

Residence in Switzerland of foreign nationals without gainful employment

Foreign nationals who are not gainfully employed in Switzerland may stay in the country for various reasons, such as study, retirement, family reunification or tourism. The conditions and administrative formalities depend on the nationality of the foreigner and the duration of his or her stay in Switzerland.

If the stay does not exceed three months, citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) generally do not need a residence permit, but must register with the relevant authorities within 14 days of their arrival in Switzerland. Nationals of other countries may need a visa to enter Switzerland or a residence permit to stay.

For a stay of more than three months, foreign nationals generally need to apply for a residence permit from the relevant cantonal authorities. The conditions for obtaining a residence permit depend on the reason for the stay, the nationality of the foreign national and his or her personal circumstances.

Foreign nationals who do not have a residence permit in Switzerland are generally not entitled to work, unless they have a specific authorisation, such as a work permit for volunteers or a work permit for spouses of Swiss or foreign nationals working in Switzerland.

Finally, foreign nationals staying in Switzerland must respect Swiss laws and regulations, including residence, work and social security. They must also ensure that they have adequate health insurance to cover health costs in Switzerland