Emigration to Switzerland: how can Ukrainians move in 2025?

Switzerland in 2025 remains attractive for emigration due to its stable economy and high standard of living. Ukrainians are increasingly considering this country as a place for professional and personal development. Learn more about the steps required for successful relocation and legalization in Switzerland in 2025

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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For many years, Switzerland has been attracting migrants from all over the world with its high standard of living, security, and developed social system. In 2025, the requirements for emigrants remain strict, but there are still opportunities for legalization and employment. Most often, Ukrainians choose Switzerland for prestigious jobs, quality education, and the opportunity to start their own business.

However, emigration requires strict adherence to the procedure for obtaining a visa, work permits and other legal requirements. A step-by-step plan will help you navigate all the nuances, and if necessary, you can consult with migration lawyers who specialize in Swiss law.

You can learn more about the cost of living in Switzerland here.

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Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers! Our specialists will answer all your questions and provide you with the necessary support in migration matters.

Rules of entry for Ukrainians to Switzerland

Ukrainians with a biometric passport can visit Switzerland without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If a long-term stay is planned, it is necessary to obtain an appropriate residence permit or other official status.

For unimpeded entry, you must have a valid biometric passport and a health insurance policy with coverage of at least EUR 30,000, which will be valid for the entire period of stay.

If traveling with children, each child must have his or her biometric passport. If the child is traveling with relatives or friends, a notarized permission from one of the parents is required. However, during martial law in Ukraine, a child may travel abroad accompanied by one of the parents without the additional consent of the other.

Moving to Switzerland for Ukrainians: the stages of preparation

Switzerland has traditionally attracted Ukrainians with its high standard of living, economic stability, and ample opportunities for professional development. However, moving to this Alpine country requires careful preparation and compliance with certain formalities.

The first stage. Choosing an emigration option

Switzerland has strict migration laws, and there are several scenarios for obtaining a long-term residence permit:

1. Employment visa: required for official employment in Swiss companies. The employer must prove that he or she could not find the required specialist among Swiss or EU/EFTA citizens. The applicant usually needs a high level of qualification or rare skills;

2. Studying at a university: obtaining a student visa, which allows for further job search after graduation. It is necessary to have a letter of invitation from the university or college and confirmation of financial solvency.

3. Family reunification: to move to a spouse or parents (under certain conditions) or other immediate relatives. It is necessary to confirm the family ties and the availability of sufficient funds for the host party.

4. Starting a business and investing: you can set up a company in Switzerland or buy a share in an existing business. Migration authorities assess how your project or investment is beneficial to the country's economy (job creation, tax revenues, etc.).

5. Scientific, cultural, sports programs: for specialists invited to scientific institutes, sports clubs, or cultural organizations.

Choose the option that best suits your purpose and qualifications. If you are not sure, contact Visit Ukraine lawyers for advice on migration issues.

The second stage. Preparation of documents and visa issues

1. Short-term (type C): for trips up to 90 days (tourism, business meetings, visiting relatives);

2. Long-term (type D): for study, work, business or long stays (more than 90 days).

To move to Switzerland, you need to collect the following documents:

- Passport: valid for at least 3-6 months after the end of the planned trip;

- Health insurance: for a type C visa, a policy valid in the entire Schengen area. For a type D visa, there are separate requirements (Swiss insurance is often required upon arrival, but a temporary policy can be issued to obtain a visa);

- Proof of financial solvency: bank statements, a work certificate or a sponsorship letter;

- Confirmation of the purpose of the trip: a work contract, an invitation letter from the university, documents on starting a business;

- Proof of residence in Switzerland: rental agreement, invitation from relatives or hotel reservation confirmation.

If you have any doubts about the translation, form, or authenticity of the documents, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists. Our lawyers will check the correctness of the documents and help you avoid rejection due to minor mistakes.

Appointments for submission of documents are made through the Swiss embassy or consulate, and in some cases - through visa centers. Please note that available dates may be limited, especially during the “high season”.

Fill in the information as carefully as possible. In case of inaccuracies, the process may be delayed or result in a refusal.

The amount of the consular and service fees depends on the type of visa, the applicant's age, and the availability of benefits (for example, for students). If necessary, applicants are invited to personally explain the purpose of the visit and provide additional documents. A successful outcome depends on clear arguments and completeness of the information provided. The application processing time can vary from 2 weeks to several months. If the visa is approved, you will receive a passport with a corresponding sticker (or stamp).

The third stage. Preparing for the move

Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, each of which has a certain degree of autonomy in making decisions regarding migration issues, tax rates, and other nuances. Therefore, before moving, find out the specifics of the legislation of your future canton. Check what quotas apply to foreigners (for work visas, starting a business, etc.).

Pre-arrange your place of residence in Switzerland.  If you rent a house, sign a contract and find out about the conditions of registration in the local municipality.

Open a bank account (you can use a Ukrainian bank with international services) or get ready to open one upon arrival in Switzerland. Familiarize yourself with the tax peculiarities of the canton where you plan to live. Tax rates and benefits can vary significantly. Check the customs regulations if you are transporting large quantities of personal belongings or have pets.

The fourth stage. Legalization upon arrival

After arrival (usually within 14 days), you need to register at the migration office at your place of residence (Gemeinde).

In Switzerland, it is mandatory to obtain local insurance for the first 3 months. You can be offered several tariffs and service packages - choose the best one.

If you moved on a work visa, your employer must confirm your position and salary. If you are a student, you may have the right to work part-time (a limited number of hours per week).

To make your move comfortable and safe, contact Visit Ukraine for support - we will help you at all stages of your move!

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Moving to Switzerland by your car

If you are planning a trip to Switzerland by your car, you should take out a Green Card policy in advance. Without this document, you will not be allowed to cross the border. It takes only a few minutes to apply: just fill out an online form, provide the necessary data and make a payment. To obtain a policy, you will need a passport of a citizen of Ukraine, a foreign passport, and a vehicle registration certificate.

Ensure peace of mind when traveling - apply for a Green Card at Visit Ukraine right now!

In our previous article, we described the rules for cars with Ukrainian registration in Switzerland.

The distance from Lviv to Zurich is approximately 1500 km, which takes about 15 hours on the road. If you travel from Kyiv, you will have to cover another 550 km. The main route goes through Austria and Slovakia or Hungary. The cost of the trip, taking into account fuel prices, can range from 250 to 400 euros.

There are three checkpoints on the Slovak-Ukrainian border: Ubl'a - Maly Berezny (for cars and pedestrians), Vysne Nemecke - Uzhhorod (for cars only), and Velke Slemence - Mali Selmentsi (for pedestrians and cyclists only). The first two are open around the clock, the third - from 09:00 to 21:00.

To avoid long queues, it is better to plan your trip at the beginning of the week. On Monday through Wednesday, the load at checkpoints is much less than on weekends. You can check the status of queues online.

Financial assistance for Ukrainians in Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Council has decided to extend the temporary protection status S for Ukrainians who fled the war until March 4, 2026. This status gives the right to reside and work in the country, as well as the possibility of receiving social assistance.

Ukrainian nationals staying in Switzerland under this program have access to free medical care, including medical consultations, diagnostic examinations and prescription drugs. The conditions of medical care may vary from canton to canton.

Social assistance covers basic needs such as housing, food and hygiene. The amount varies by region, but on average it is CHF 1,000 per month. If a person is employed, but their income is not enough to cover the costs in full, they may be provided with additional financial support.

Citizens with S status can also register for health insurance, which will be effective retroactively from the date of application for protection. Persons with this status have the opportunity to continue their studies at Swiss universities, where each institution sets its own conditions.

The Swiss authorities also support the integration of Ukrainians into the labor market by allocating 3,000 francs per person annually for language learning and professional development.

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Switzerland

In order to legally stay in Switzerland, Ukrainians need to obtain the temporary protection status S. Registration is carried out at the Federal Asylum Centers Bundesasylzentrum (BAZ). To avoid queues, you can pre-select the date of the interview through the RegisterMe app. You can also submit your application by e-mail or regular mail.

The application procedure consists of three stages: filling out an application, providing personal data, and submitting fingerprints. Each application is reviewed individually and a decision is made within a few days. The answer is sent to the e-mail or postal address of the region of residence.

After registration, the person is assigned to one of 26 cantons responsible for providing housing and social assistance. Initially, refugees are placed in reception centers, where living conditions can be shared - up to 20 people in a room. Later, if there is space available, they can be relocated to families who accept refugees.

How to change canton in Switzerland?

To move to another canton in Switzerland, refugees need to obtain an official permit, as it is the canton that is responsible for their accommodation and social support.

The procedure for changing canton involves several steps. You need to fill out and sign the appropriate application, and then send it to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) at: Staatssekretariat für Migration SEM, Taskforce Kantonswechsel, Quellenweg 6, 3003 Bern-Wabern. The application should include personal data and the reason for relocation, as well as relevant supporting documents.

Applications are most often approved in cases of family reunification, whether it is spouses, parents with minor children or grandparents. Relocation is also possible for vulnerable categories, including people with disabilities or serious illnesses.

If the reason for relocation is employment, renting private sector housing, or moving to a distant relative or friend, you must obtain consent from both the current canton and the new one.

Traveling outside Switzerland for Ukrainians with S status

If you are planning a trip lasting more than 5 working days, you must notify EVAM. This rule applies to all Ukrainians in Switzerland, regardless of whether they receive social assistance. The cantonal authorities must be aware of your departure, its reasons and the duration of your stay outside the country.

Each request is reviewed individually, and if the trip has a valid reason, such as studying or a business trip, it may be approved for a longer period. However, it is worth remembering that social benefits for S status holders are temporarily suspended during their stay abroad.

Staying within the Schengen area cannot exceed 90 days within 180 days. To leave the country, you must have a valid passport and a valid S status. You should check with the consulate of a particular country for entry requirements.

If the trip lasts for two months or more and involves travel outside the Schengen area, the S status is canceled, as it is considered a change of residence.

Traveling to Ukraine is allowed, but you need to notify EVAM and specify the exact dates and purpose of the trip. If a refugee stays in Ukraine for more than 15 days per quarter, the S status may be revoked, unless there are valid reasons, such as caring for a sick relative or preparing to return to permanent residence.

Permanent residence permit in Switzerland

A permanent residence permit grants foreigners almost equal economic rights with Swiss citizens. However, it can be revoked or withdrawn in certain cases provided for by law. The peculiarity of this permit is its indefinite validity, but the document is formally renewed every five years.

It is impossible to obtain a permanent permit immediately after entering the country. First, a foreigner must reside in Switzerland with another type of permit. The only exception is made for professors who are invited to work at local universities.

To obtain a Permis C in the general procedure, you need to legally reside in Switzerland for at least 10 years, and the last five years without interruptions in residence. It is important to note that not all periods of stay are counted towards this period. In addition, the applicant must have no criminal record, either in Switzerland or abroad.

A Schengen visa does not count towards the period of residence required to obtain a Permis C.

If your residence permit is about to expire, you need to extend it in time. To do this, you should contact the municipal administration at your place of residence and submit a request. The application must be accompanied by a valid permit, a passport with a validity period of at least three months after the permit expiration and a notification of the expiration of the document (if received from the cantonal authorities). The application may be submitted no earlier than three months and no later than two weeks before the expiration of the permit.

In the event of divorce or death of the person with whom the applicant is reunited in Switzerland, the extension of the permit is not guaranteed. However, if the applicant has a Permis C, he or she can stay in the country without the need for additional reasons.

In order to avoid difficulties in the process of obtaining a residence permit in Switzerland, it is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements in advance and prepare all the necessary documents. Specialists in migration issues can help you to properly prepare the application and supporting documentation, which will significantly increase the chances of successful obtaining of the permit.

Permit G (Permit for cross-border movement)

Permit G is a permit that allows you to work in Switzerland without residing in the country. It is intended for cross-border workers who live in EU or EFTA countries but are officially employed by Swiss companies.

To obtain this permit, an EU/EFTA citizen must meet several requirements. First, they must reside outside Switzerland, i.e. in a country of the European Union or the European Free Trade Association. Secondly, he/she must be officially employed by a Swiss company or be an individual entrepreneur operating in Switzerland. It is also important to return home at least once a week.

The validity of the permit for EU/EFTA citizens is five years with the possibility of further extension. For non-citizens of these countries, a Permit G can be obtained only if they have a permanent residence permit in an EU/EFTA country. In this case, the document is issued for one year and is valid only in the canton that issued it.

Permit L (Short-term work residence permit)

Permit L is a short-term residence permit issued to foreigners for a period corresponding to the duration of their employment contract, but not more than one year. In exceptional cases, it can be extended for another year, but this depends on the specific canton in which the application is submitted.

For EU/EFTA nationals, a Permit L is possible if they have an employment contract of 3 to 12 months. If the contract is concluded for a shorter period, registration is carried out through an online notification in the relevant canton without a residence permit.

Non-EU/EFTA nationals are required to find a job before moving. The employer submits their contract to the migration service, proving that they were unable to find a qualified employee among the local population or EU citizens. Candidates must have the appropriate education, professional experience and a salary that meets the minimum level in a particular canton.

Permit B (Long-term residence permit for work)

Employee residence permit in Switzerland is granted to foreigners who have a signed employment contract for at least 12 months. For non-EU/EFTA nationals, obtaining a job in Switzerland is a more complicated process, as they must find an employer before moving.

Swiss law requires employers to prove that there are no candidates available on the local labor market or among EU/EFTA nationals who can perform the job in question. To do this, the company must demonstrate that it has actively searched for employees in Switzerland and the EU, but has not found a suitable specialist.

Managers, highly qualified specialists, specialists with higher education and work experience have the best chances of obtaining a work permit. Knowledge of one of the official languages of Switzerland (German, French or Italian) may be an additional advantage. The initial work permit is issued for one year with the possibility of further extension.

Permit C (residence permit)

Permanent residence permit holders in Switzerland (Permit C) have almost the same rights as Swiss citizens. They can work without restrictions for any employer, change their place of work without additional permits, start their own business, move freely and live in any canton. Also, holders of this status are entitled to social assistance, can buy real estate and have their qualifications recognized for work or study.

However, Permit C does not give the right to vote, run for public office, or leave Switzerland indefinitely without losing the status. The main condition for obtaining it is a sufficient length of residence in the country. Citizens of the EU/EFTA, as well as the US and Canada, can apply after 5 years of continuous residence. For citizens of other countries, this period is 10 years if they have Permit B.

However, some exceptions allow for an earlier application. If a person is the spouse of a Swiss citizen or a child aged 12 to 18, he or she can apply for Permit C after 5 years of residence in the country under the family reunification program.

If you are planning to travel abroad, it is important to take out an insurance policy, as this is a guarantee of a safe and peaceful stay outside Ukraine. Visit Ukraine recommends taking care of health insurance in advance to avoid unforeseen expenses and ensure quality medical care if necessary.

Work permit in Switzerland for Ukrainians

Ukrainians who wish to work in Switzerland must obtain an official work permit. This permit is mostly granted to highly qualified specialists - managers, engineers, doctors, IT specialists and other professionals. The main criteria are a university degree and several years of proven professional experience. The employer also has to prove the economic feasibility of hiring a Ukrainian, as the vacancies are primarily filled by citizens of Switzerland and EU/EFTA countries.

In addition to qualifications, social integration plays an important role. Knowledge of one of the official languages of Switzerland (German, French or Italian) significantly increases the chances of successful adaptation. English may be sufficient to work in international companies, but in some regions, knowledge of the local language is mandatory.

Special attention is paid to employers who want to hire a foreigner. They must prove that there are no specialists available in the local labor market who can fill the position. In addition, Switzerland has a quota system that limits the number of work permits for third-country nationals, including Ukrainians. Each canton receives its share of permits depending on economic needs and the presence of foreign investors.

Ukrainians can also obtain a work permit as self-employed persons. To do so, they need to provide a business plan that confirms the economic feasibility of the activity, have sufficient financial resources and meet the legal requirements of Switzerland.

The procedure for applying for a work permit

To obtain a work permit in Switzerland, the employer must apply to the cantonal migration authorities. If you are self-employed, you must apply independently in accordance with the requirements of the canton where you plan to work.

After obtaining a work permit, you need to apply for a work visa. This should be done through the Swiss embassy or consulate in Ukraine before entering the country. Without this visa, legal employment will be impossible.

After arriving in Switzerland, you need to register with the municipality (Gemeinde) at your place of residence within 14 days. To do this, you will need the following documents: a valid rental agreement, a passport, two photographs, an employment contract, and a health insurance policy, as health insurance is a mandatory requirement in Switzerland.

The registered data is transferred to the cantonal migration authorities, which issue a residence permit. This document is issued in the form of a card similar to a driver's license and is the official confirmation of your status in Switzerland.

Do you need help with paperwork? Visit Ukraine is your reliable partner in visa and migration issues. Contact our lawyers and we will help you at every stage of your move!

Employment in Switzerland for Ukrainians with S status

The Swiss government has adopted important changes that facilitate access to the labor market for Ukrainians with S status. Now they do not need to obtain additional permission from the cantonal authorities for official employment. Previously, this permit could be paid for and delayed the process of entering the workforce, but now Ukrainians can start working faster without bureaucratic obstacles.

The conditions for changing the place of residence have also been greatly simplified. Ukrainians can now move to other cantons if it helps them find a job. Previously, the place of residence was strictly tied to a particular canton, which made it much more difficult to find the best jobs and opportunities.

In addition, new measures have been introduced to support unemployed Ukrainians. They have to register with state employment services and participate in professional integration programs. This will help increase their competitiveness in the labor market and facilitate their adaptation to Swiss employment conditions.

To properly prepare a package of documents and protect your rights during employment, it is recommended to contact experts. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get professional legal assistance, check the reliability of the employer, obtain diplomas for work abroad and solve related organizational issues related to the move.

Can Ukrainians obtain Swiss citizenship?

Switzerland is known for its high standard of living, but it is extremely difficult to obtain Swiss citizenship. The naturalization process involves compliance with a number of requirements, including knowledge of one of the country's official languages - German, French, Italian or Rhaetorian.

There are several ways to acquire Swiss citizenship. One of them is marriage with a Swiss citizen. However, even in this case, it is necessary to live in the country for at least 5 years. Children who have at least one of their parents as a Swiss citizen automatically become Swiss citizens. The main way for foreigners to become citizens is naturalization, which requires at least 10 years of continuous legal residence.

The process of obtaining citizenship is complex and includes three levels of verification: federal, cantonal and municipal. Each level has its own criteria, which greatly complicates the procedure. Applicants must prove not only their integration into society, but also their financial stability and impeccable reputation.

How to obtain Swiss citizenship by naturalization

Swiss citizenship by naturalization is possible only if a number of strict criteria are met. One of the ways is refugee status, which requires residence in the country for at least five years. Citizenship can also be obtained by foreigners who have been living in Switzerland for more than 10 years and have an official residence permit. Another option is to invest in the country's economy or set up your own business.

Marriage to a Swiss citizen is also a ground for citizenship, but the union must last at least three years, and the applicant must have lived in the country continuously for at least five years. Persons with significant achievements in the field of culture, science or sports can also apply for citizenship.

To successfully obtain a Swiss passport, you must have a permanent residence permit (permit C), comply with the country's legislation, have no criminal record and demonstrate integration into society. The application can be submitted to the authorities of the canton where the applicant resides. After the documents are checked, an interview is held to assess the applicant's knowledge of the language, history, and geography of the country. The final decision is made at three levels: cantonal, state, and federal. Refusal at any of the stages makes it impossible to obtain citizenship.

What documents are required to obtain Swiss citizenship?

To obtain Swiss citizenship, you need to prepare a full package of documents. The main requirements include a completed naturalization application form, a valid passport or other official identity document. You also need to confirm the legality of your stay in the country by providing an employment contract or an official letter from your employer.

Additionally, you will need a certificate of income, which can be a bank statement, as well as a language certificate confirming knowledge of one of the state languages. The package of documents includes a standardized photograph, a certificate of no criminal record, documents on the change of surname (if applicable), and a receipt of payment of the administrative fee.

The cost and timeframe for citizenship application depends on the specific canton and municipality, as each region sets its own requirements and verification processes.

Thus, emigration to Switzerland from Ukraine requires compliance with a clear algorithm of actions, from submitting documents to legalizing your stay. All these actions require careful analysis and preparation, which is not always possible for ordinary citizens without appropriate qualifications to complete.

Therefore, we advise you to contact the migration lawyers on the Visit Ukraine platform, who will help you with emigration to Switzerland, take care of the process of submitting documents to various structures and obtaining appropriate decisions.

Visit Ukraine lawyers provide professional advice to Ukrainians on any migration issues. To get a professional consultation, choose a specialist profile, country, and a convenient format of cooperation. Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp - they will help you choose the best option for your situation. Contact our specialists to make your migration to Switzerland go quickly and without any problems.

We remind you! Citizens of Ukraine who have been granted temporary protection status in Switzerland can register a car for free. Read more about how to do this and what documents are required.

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