Swiss visa resources
Appointments and biometrics for a Switzerland application
You lodge the national visa application at the Swiss representation abroad (by appointment), and biometric data for the residence-permit card is captured by the cantonal migration office after you arr
Important
The national (type D) visa application is submitted at the Swiss representation abroad responsible for your place of residence, either in writing on the application form or in person; representations typically require an appointment, and in certain cases applications can be lodged through the online visa system. The representation then forwards the file to the cantonal migration office for a decision.
Swiss residence permits for third-country nationals (L, B and C) are issued as biometric cards in credit-card format. The biometric enrolment and card issuance are handled by the cantonal migration authority for your place of residence once you are in Switzerland, rather than at the consulate.
At the Swiss representation abroad
- Lodge the national visa application on the type D form (appointment usually required)
- In certain cases the online visa system can be used
- The representation issues the visa only after cantonal approval
Biometrics in Switzerland
- Third-country residence permits (L/B/C) are biometric, credit-card-format documents
- Enrolment for the permit card is done at the cantonal migration authority after arrival
- Follow the canton's instructions to book the biometric appointment
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.