Entry and visa
Various regulations apply for entering Switzerland. A basic distinction is made between citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and those of other countries. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) is the responsible authority in Switzerland.
If you are unsure as to whether or not you require a visa, please ask your local Swiss representation office: Visa requirements (admin.ch)
You are an EU/EFTA national and hold a valid and recognised identity document. In this case you do not need a visa to enter Switzerland.
For a stay of more than 90 days, a residence permit is required from the cantonal migration office responsible for the place of residence in Switzerland. The application for a residence permit, together with the required documents, must be submitted directly in Switzerland to the competent cantonal migration office. Within 14 days of arrival in Switzerland EU/EFTA citizens must register with their commune of residence and apply for a residence permit.
You need to apply for a visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate general in your home country at least three months before entering Switzerland.
If you are unsure as to whether or not you require a visa, please ask your local Swiss representation office: Visa requirements (admin.ch)
The university issues the admission decision and the invitation to enroll. No contact will be made with an Embassy/Consulate.
The process of admission to the University of Lucerne and the process of applying for a visa and a residence permit for Switzerland are not connected and are carried out separately.
Under no circumstances should you enter Switzerland on a tourist visa. A tourist visa cannot be converted to a residence permit after you have entered the country.
Important to know: The University of Lucerne has no influence on the Visa process. Please contact the Embassy/Consulate or the Office for Migration Lucerne directly if you have any questions about your Visa. https://migration.lu.ch/Besuch_Visum
Documents needed for the visa application:
• Confirmation of admission from the University of Lucerne
• Proof of payment of tuition fees and proof of financial means during studies,
• A written commitment that you will leave Switzerland upon completion of your study programme,
• Curriculum Vitae
Please note that the documents requested by the respective Swiss embassy/consulate may vary from country to country. Swiss authorities may also require a language test certificate in order to ensure the student is able to follow lessons.
For a stay of more than 90 days, a residence permit is required from the cantonal migration office responsible for the place of residence in Switzerland. The application for a residence permit, together with the required documents, must be submitted directly in Switzerland to the competent cantonal migration office. Within 14 days of arrival in Switzerland non-EU/EFTA citizens must register with their commune of residence and apply for a residence permit.
Important to know: Even if you are already live in Switzerland, you must check whether your current residence status allows you to study at the University of Lucerne. Please contact the Migration Office of the canton you currently live for more detailed information.
The information given on this page is for information purposes only and holds no guarantee for complete accuracy. The regulations on which this information is based may have changed since these guidelines were last reviewed. For legally binding information, please consult the website of the Federal Office for Migration or contact the Swiss embassy in your country of origin.
