Visa & Residence Permit

Visa

Please note that if you are not a UE citizen, you may need a visa to enter Switzerland.

It is the nationality of the student that counts, not the country in which the student is currently studying.

You can obtain the visa application form the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Please note that it can take up to 4 months to obtain a visa.

The following applies to study visits lasting more than 90 days.

Check the following website to see if you need a visa to enter Switzerland: https://www.swiss-visa.ch

A tourist visa does not allow you to study in Switzerland, nor does it allow you to enter the country and then apply for a student visa.

Please, start as soon as possible the visa application process.

EU STUDENT

EU and EFTA Nationals do not require a visa to enter Switzerland for a short stay of up to 90 days.

However, students wishing to enter Switzerland for a stay of more than 90 days within a 180-day period are required to apply for a residence permit upon arrival (see below).

This is subject to the authorization of the cantonal migration authority competent for the intended place of residence

Residence permit

Registration with the SPOMI (Service of Immigration):

A residence permit is required for all European and non-European students staying in Switzerland for more than 90 days.

We will fill in the form together and accompany you to SPOMI to hand in your application.

You must enclose the following items:

For EU STUDENTS	For NON EU STUDENTS
Entry form of the SPOMI carefully completed and signed; the entry form is only available in French or German. 1 recent ID photo 1 copy of your passport or identity card as well as 1 copy of the page with the visa if applicable AND 1 copy of the page where the stamp was made by the customs upon of your arrival in Switzerland. If possible copy in colours. 1 original copy of the certificate of enrolment at the HEG Fribourg	Fill in and sign the SPOMI entry form, which is only available in French or German. 1 recent passport photo 1 copy of your passport, if applicable, 1 copy of the visa page AND 1 copy of the page where the customs stamp was made on your arrival in Switzerland. If possible in colour. 1 original copy of the certificate of enrolment at the HEG Fribourg
The Residence Permit costs CHF 102.70	The Residency Permit costs CHF 174.70

For EU STUDENTS

For NON EU STUDENTS

Entry form of the SPOMI carefully completed and signed; the entry form is only available in French or German.
1 recent ID photo
1 copy of your passport or identity card as well as 1 copy of the page with the visa if applicable AND 1 copy of the page where the stamp was made by the customs upon of your arrival in Switzerland. If possible copy in colours.
1 original copy of the certificate of enrolment at the HEG Fribourg

Fill in and sign the SPOMI entry form, which is only available in French or German.
1 recent passport photo
1 copy of your passport, if applicable, 1 copy of the visa page AND 1 copy of the page where the customs stamp was made on your arrival in Switzerland. If possible in colour.
1 original copy of the certificate of enrolment at the HEG Fribourg

The Residence Permit costs CHF 102.70

The Residency Permit costs CHF 174.70

Reception of the permit : The residence permit in credit card format will be sent to your home address in Fribourg by postal mail after 5-10 days.

Please note that the residence permit does not allow the student to stay longer than the dates for which it was issued.

In the event of an extension, a new application for a residence permit must be submitted and a new fee will be charged.

Registering with the local authority

You must register with the local authorities during your stay. We will fill in the form together and accompany you to SPOMI to hand in your application.

You will have to provide:

Proof of application for a residence permit
Proof of health insurance
Show the rental contract of your apartment
Pay the fee (approx. CHF 20.-)

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