Switzerland: In-Country Appointment and Processing Delay

Foreign nationals now may face several months' delay for in-country processing steps in Switzerland, after starting work. Upon arrival, cantonal migration authorities will invite foreign nationals to schedule an appointment to submit biometric data (photograph and fingerprints). Some cantons, mainly in the west part of Switzerland, only send invitations two months after the foreign national's arrival, and corresponding biometric submission appointments may have a two to three-month scheduling delay. Foreign nationals must await the invitation letter before they can schedule a biometrics submission appointment. As such, processing times to issue a residence permit card are currently three to four months, up from one to two months. Although foreign nationals are permitted to work and stay in Switzerland during these process steps, the delays may restrict Schengen travel options for affected applicants. Employers and foreign nationals are advised to plan for longer in-country processing particularly if anticipating Schengen travel requirements and consider enough time to obtain a re-entry visa.