Hi all, I have a friend who is Swiss, and his girlfriend is Mexican. Is it possible for her to stay here longer than 3 months (tourist visa) and somehow get a Fiancé visa (I am not sure if this really exists). Is it difficult for a Mexican citizen to get a visa to work in Switzerland? Does she need to find an employer first who might sponsor her to come over?

Thanks for any help or advice. I find the entire talk about the Fiancé visa a bit elusive...

I am American and married a Swiss 2 years ago, so I am familiar with all the paperwork but I am wondering if it is more difficult from Mexico or the same. I had an employer and a work visa so that was not a problem for me.

Thanks!

Alynn

Well, technically no. She would have to return to Mexico after the 3 months. Her fiancé would have to apply for the Fiancé permit at his commune/gemeinde office as he has to prove his place is big enough for both of them and that he can financially support her. At the same time she applies at the Swiss embassy in Mexico for a Type D (long stay) visa. If everything's okay at this end, a permit will be granted and then she can get the visa at the embassy in Mexico to come over and join him.

That's the way it should be done; however he could try asking at his commune/gemeinde office and the cantonal migration office if she could get the permit while she's still here as a tourist. Others have managed to do this, but the authorities seem to be tightening up on things since the recent vote to curb immigration so they may not agree. If they say yes, then she could probably get the visa at a Swiss embassy in Germany or France.

Tell them to expect searching and very personal questions about their relationship; the authorities will want to make sure it's not a sham marriage simply to get her into the country permanently.

And yes, unless she can get a permit via her fiancé it will be almost impossible to get a permit as a non-EU citizen unless she's very skilled/specialised in her field of work.

I think one of 100 posts regarding this topic must be finally pinned.

American, Mexican, Russian, Chinese here are non-EU and rules are same, be it marriage or work. Ok, maybe quotas are different and some other bits, but in general it is not "more difficult" for a mexican vs american.

Chances of marrying here without getting out of the country are 0. I had L permit and wasn't allowed to apply for marriage without leaving the country. Ofc it is always good to call and ask. We even went and ask in person and received a no.

Getting work permit especially now is impossible if she is not a special specialist in a very narrow field.

Dear Medea, Thank you for your super helpful post. I really appreciate it! I passed on the tips to my friend, and his girlfriend who is actually back in Mexico right now will visit the Swiss embassy to get more information.

Many thanks!

Alynn

You're welcome Alynn. Hope they work it out and have good news soon.