Hi everyone,

I'm an American living in Zug, Switzerland and I came here to spend some time with my girlfriend. This is the first time I've lived abroad and frankly all this visa and paperwork stuff has left me confused. I was issued a type D visa as I am taking German lessons at a local language school. I was wondering if I am allowed to work with it? Is it different from a type D work permit? I've tried to google the answers myself for the sake of not sounding like a complete idiot, but haven't found the answers I am looking for. Can anyone help with my question?

Work Visa (Type D)
For applicants wishing to take up employment in Switzerland

http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/...nf/visgeo.html

Thanks for the reply! I did read that the type d visa is for a stay of up to 90 days or longer, but is a student visa type d is different from a work visa type d...?

4. Long stay national visa for the purpose of taking up office

This concerns category D visas. With effect from 5 April 2010, they are also valid throughout the entire Schengen area for stays of up to three months.
As the issuance of this type of visa remains the sole responsibility of the Swiss authorities, the associated procedures remain the same. For further information on this subject, please contact the Swiss representation responsible for the applicant’s place of residence.

http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/...is/manvi2.html

Sorry, I am not too good in this area, never having had that visa.

D visa is an entry visa.

you need to change that to a permit. Probably and L.

Visas & permits are two different things.

Have you registered at the commune yet?

Thanks for your input, jrspet and miniMia! And no, I haven't registered yet, but I'm planning to do so this week.

When you register they will issue you the permit. Student permits usually allow some part time work, say 20 hrs. You should ask that when you register.

Don't wait too long. You should register within 8 days of arriving.

Good luck.