Studying and Working in Switzerland: Residence Requirements and Living Costs

Planning to study or work in Switzerland starts with understanding admission and residence requirements and estimating the budget you will need. ElWijha provides concise answers to the main questions, from languages, scholarships and employment opportunities to housing, insurance and moving with your family.

Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The language used varies by region, so check the language of your programme or job before choosing a city. Knowing the local language also helps with everyday life, even if you study in English.

Requirements depend on your nationality, the purpose of your visit and its duration. Short stays are generally limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the length of stay authorised by your visa.

For people who require a visa, the national D visa is used for stays exceeding 90 days. It is separate from a residence permit. A visitor visa does not automatically grant the right to work.

Choose your university and programme, then check qualification requirements, language requirements, documents and application deadlines. Depending on your qualification and the university, you may need an additional examination or proof of university admission in the country that issued your qualification.

Requirements vary between institutions and programmes. The university’s website remains the authoritative reference for the conditions applying to your application.

Basic requirements include admission, sufficient financial resources, suitable accommodation and insurance coverage. You may also be asked for a study plan, a CV, a motivation letter and information about your language proficiency.

University admission does not guarantee approval of a visa or residence permit. Prepare your application according to the instructions of the Swiss representation responsible for your country of residence and the authorities of the canton, the Swiss federal state, where you will study.

Fees vary depending on the university, programme and the student’s circumstances. Registration and service fees may also apply. Check the applicable amount on the university’s website before applying.

For living expenses, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne recommends budgeting approximately CHF 29,000 per year, in addition to tuition fees.

This estimate applies to its students. It is neither a standard amount for every city nor the financial proof required for a residence permit. Your budget should cover accommodation, food, insurance, transport, study-related expenses and personal spending.

Yes, but eligibility, coverage and deadlines vary. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships primarily target researchers who have completed a master’s degree. Scholarships for a first master’s degree in an artistic field are also available to nationals of selected countries.

Look for scholarships offered by your chosen university and check your eligibility and the expenses covered before relying on them in your budget.

Rules depend on nationality. For people from countries outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, professional admission generally focuses on highly qualified workers. Requirements concern qualifications, pay, recruitment priority and quotas.

A job offer alone does not allow you to start working. The employer must submit an authorisation application to the competent authority and obtain the necessary approvals.

For an Algerian student, cantonal authorities may authorise supplementary employment no earlier than six months after studies begin, for up to 15 hours per week outside university holidays. The employer must submit an application, and the institution must confirm that the work will not interfere with studies or delay their completion.

After graduating from a Swiss higher education institution, graduates from countries outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association have six months to look for a job matching their qualifications. Obtaining work authorisation remains subject to the applicable requirements.

Establishing a company does not automatically grant residence rights. People from countries outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association who need authorisation for self-employment must demonstrate a lasting positive economic impact. They must provide a business plan and information about the market, investments, financing and expected employment.

The competent authorities assess the project and whether it meets the authorisation requirements.

Family reunification depends on nationality, permit type, accommodation and financial resources. For nationals of countries outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association, the main eligible categories are spouses or registered partners and unmarried children under 18.

Language requirements and application deadlines may apply. A B permit does not guarantee family reunification in every situation.

Compare accommodation options and their location relative to your university or workplace. Read the lease, deposit and additional charges carefully before committing. Include transport in your budget, and do not rely on a possible student job to cover your essential expenses before arriving.

You generally need to take out health insurance within three months of taking up residence. Some students may request an exemption if they have equivalent coverage, but the exemption requires approval from the competent cantonal authority.

Insurance premiums are paid separately, and insured people may also have to cover part of their treatment costs.

The C permit is a settlement permit. Its requirements and qualifying residence period vary according to nationality, legal status and integration. It is not granted automatically after spending several years in Switzerland or simply holding a B permit.

Contact the cantonal authorities to check the qualifying residence period and the language and integration requirements that apply to your circumstances.