How long can you visit?

#1 13.06.2011, 19:55

I have UK nationality/passport, How long can I stay in Switzerland without a residency/work permit?

Is there any point in applying for a permit before I find a job?

Pancakes · #2 13.06.2011, 20:38

I suggest asking the British embassy here in Switzerland:

British Embassy

Thunstrasse 50
3005 Berne
Tel: +41 (0)31 359 7700
Fax: +41 (0)31 359 7701
Email: info@britishembassy.ch

Deep Purple · #3 13.06.2011, 20:56

	Quote:	cran
	I have UK nationality/passport, How long can I stay in Switzerland without a residency/work permit? Is there any point in applying for a permit before I find a job?

3 months as a tourist/visitor plus 3 months job hunting as I understand it.

See these threads
EU and non-EU Permits, Schengen, Naturalisation.

miniMia · #4 13.06.2011, 20:58

90 days then you need to go or register as a resident/job seeker.

#5 13.06.2011, 21:40

	Quote:
	90 days then you need to go or register as a resident/job seeker.

So if I stay for 90 days as a tourist, how long do I have to leave for before I can come for another 90 days?

I don't really want to get residency until/unless I get a full time job as I might end up living/working in France or Spain.

miniMia · #6 13.06.2011, 22:39

Well, EU/EEA citizens in the free movement agreement can be tourists for 90 days then the need to return home for 90 days.

So you can come to CH for 90 days then you need to go home for 90 days then you can go to Spain for 90 days then you need to go home then you can go to France for 90 days, etc before you register as a resident.

That's how it should work. Do you have a "residence" in the UK?

#7 13.06.2011, 23:19

Yes, I currently have UK residency.

I don't think there is a 90 day limit in Europe.

	Quote:	http://www.euimmigration.org/
	The European Union (EU) consists of 27 individual countries, which entitles all citizens to live, travel and work in the country of their choice. Citizens can freely travel, work, retire, or just vacate without any problems in any EU country.

I guess I'll just stay a tourist unless I get a job. I don't need to be in Switzerland for more than 90 days at a time if I'm not working.

miniMia · #8 13.06.2011, 23:25

	Quote:
	Yes, I currently have UK residency. I don't think there is a 90 day limit in Europe.

There are regulations as to when you have to registers. You have a limit of time before you need to register as a resident. Once you pass x days (usually 90 days) you're no longer a visitor. You are a resident.

#9 13.06.2011, 23:51

Ok, thanks, If it looks like it's getting close to 90 days I'll investigate further.