Studying in...

SWITZERLAND

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

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VISA & Immigration

If you are moving to Switzerland as a student, you will likely need a visa depending on your nationality, the length of your stay and the purpose of your move.

Types of Visas for studying in Switzerland

    • For up to 90 day (not any longer)

    • No visa needed for EU/EEA students

    • Non Eu students may need a Schengen Visa (Type C)

    • National Visa (Type D) if you are going to study for over 90 days

    • To be able to apply for this visa, you are required to have a full-degree program

How to apply for a visa

If you are applying for the Long-Term Stay (Type D) visa, here are all the documents you need and a step-by-step guide on how to do so:

  • University Acceptance Letter

  • Proof of financial means

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of Accommodation

  • Motivation Letter

  • Health Insurance Confirmation

  • Passport Sized Photos

  • Academic Transcripts and a CV

  • Visa payment fee

How to apply:

  1. Gather all the documents mentioned above

  2. Submit your visa application (you do this at a Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country)

  3. Attend a visa interview (if it is required)

  4. Receive your student visa!

Applying for a Swiss Residence Permit (Permit B)

Within 14 days of you arrival, you will have to register at the local migration office in your Swiss canton.

Here are the documents you need and also where to register:

  • Passport with Student visa

  • Proof of University Enrollment

  • Proof of address

  • Health Insurance Certificate (this can be Swiss or accepted foreign insurance)

  • Proof of financial means

  • Passport photos

  • Residence Permit application form

Where to register:

You register at a Einwhonerkontrolle (Residents Registration Office or a Cantonal Migration Office)

Banking & Taxes

Opening a Swiss bank account as a student is essential for managing your daily expenses, receiving scholarships or part time job payments. Many banks offer special student accounts with low to no fees.

What do I need to open a bank account?

As you have selected your student-friendly bank, here is what you need to open a bank account:

  • Valid passport or National ID (for EEA/EU students

  • Swiss Residence Permit

  • Proof of University Enrollment

  • Swiss Address

Do Students pay Taxes?

  • If you are a student with no income, you do not need to pay any taxes

  • If you are working part time, you may owe taxes based on your income, if you earn less than 2,500 CHF a month, you do not need to pay taxes.

  • If you earn more than 2,500 CHF a month, expect a tax deduction of about 5-10%

How to pay for taxes?

  • If you work a part time job, your employer will automatically deduct taxes from your paycheck.

  • If you earn above 120,000 CHF per year, you will have to file a tax return, but as a student with a part time job, it is unlikely.

  • Some cantons require all residents to file an annual tax return, so please check your local tax office

Healthcare

Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but health insurance is mandatory for all residents, this includes all international student. You must sign up for health insurance plan within 3 months of your arrival, or you might risk facing fines.

How to get health insurance as a student?

Before applying, you will need to select an approved Swiss health insurance provider, after you have done so, here are all the documents and a step-by-step guide on the application process:

  • Personal details (name, address and date of birth)

  • Valid passport or ID

  • Proof of enrollment from a Swiss university

  • Swiss Residence Permit (B/L Permit) or a proof of residence

  • Bank details for payments

How to apply:

  1. Fill out an Application form for your chosen provider with the documents mentioned above

  2. Select a plan that suits you

  3. Pay the monthly premiums (the deductibles range from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 ($350-$2900 per year, the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium is)

Exemptions and discounts

If you are an EU/EEA student with an EHIC card, you do not need Swiss health insurance. EHIC covers basic medical healthcare in Switzerland but not private treatments

If you are a non-EU student, Swiss universities offer cheaper health insurance options for students, if your home country’s insurance covers you abroad, you can apply for exemption, but you have to prove that your insurance meets Swiss standards.

Housing & Renting

Switzerland has a very high demand for rental properties, especially major cities like Zurich and Geneva. Rental prices are among the highest in Europe, and it can take a long time to secure an apartment.

Student housing options

    • Many universities offer dormitories or student apartments at lower prices than the private market

    • Managed by university-affiliated organizations like: WOKO, FMEL and Cite Universitaire

    • Rooms are usually furnished and may have shared kitchens, bathrooms and laundry

    • Renting a room in a shared apartment with other students or young professionals

    • A very popular and budget-friendly option

    • Utilities and Wi-Fi may be included or separately

    • This is ideal for exchange students or students in foundation/short courses

    • Fully furnished with kitchen, linens and internet

    • Some Swiss tenants sublet their apartments or rooms for a few months or a semester

    • Often a lot cheaper than renting from landlords directly

    • Requires written consent from the original tenant and may need approval from the landlord

Documents needed to rent as a student

When applying for housing, landlords or student housing agencies are going to ask you for a little more documentation than normal, here are the documents they are going to ask for:

  • Passport or National ID

  • Swiss residence permit

  • Proof of income or guarantor (can be a scholarship or a parent guarantee form)

  • Swiss bank account details

  • 1-3 months deposit

Driving & Transportation

Switzerland offers an efficient and reliable transport system making it very easy to travel by train, tram, bus and car. If you do plan to drive, EU/EEA licenses are valid indefinitely, while non-EU licenses must be converted within 12 months.

How to get a Swiss Drivers License as a Foreigner?

If you do decide to drive in Switzerland as a foreigner on a non-EU license, here are all the documents and a step-by-step guide on how you can convert, or apply for a Swiss drivers license.

Documents needed:

  • Application form (you can get this at the cantonal road traffic office)

  • Original Foreign Driver’s License (and an official translation if it is not in English, German, French or Italian)

  • Residence Permit (B, C, L permit)

  • Swiss Health Certificate

  • Recent Passport Photo

  • Proof of Address in Switzerland

  • Application fee (varies by which canton you go to)

Now that you have all your documents in place, here is the step-by-step guide on how to apply:

  1. Visit the Cantonal Road Traffic Office (locate the nearest Strassenverkehrsamt" or "Office de la circulation routière)

  2. Complete the application form

  3. Take an eye test (usually done at an optician)

  4. Submit all the documents mentioned above

  5. Take a Practical driving test (Non-EU citizens require a short control test)

  6. Receive your Swiss License!

Public Transportation in Switzerland

    • Most efficient way to travel between cities like Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne

    • Swiss Federal Railways operates trains with punctual schedules

    • Purchase tickets through the SBB website or app

    • Trams are common in Zurich, Basel and Geneva running frequently

    • Buses connect suburbs, rural areas and smaller towns where trains do not go

Swiss Travel pass is the best for anyone going to travel a lot using the public transportation, you get access to unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats. Discounts on museums, mountain excursions and scenic trains.