Visa requirement

You need a valid passport to enter Switzerland. If you are planning on staying for more than three months, and if you are not a citizen of an EU member country, you may need a visa, and this must be obtained before you enter Switzerland.

If you're not sure, visit this official list of entry and visa requirements for every country in the world

If you do need a visa:

Download and fill out the visa application form

take it with you (or mail it) to the closest Swiss embassy in your country along with:

• Your passport (valid through the period you will be in Switzerland)
• A copy of the letter of invitation or contract from EPFL
• two passport photos
• Proof of sufficient funding for financing your stay
• money

Plan on starting this process at least three months before you plan to arrive in Switzerland. This must be coordinated with people at EPFL who also must provide supporting materials. If all goes smoothy, the visa takes about six weeks to process.

Domestic partners do not have the same rights as married couples with regard to visas and residence permits. Each partner will have to apply separately. Read some information on how to proceed in this case. You will have to spend considerably more effort and time, so plan accordingly.

Family reunification
Bilateral accords for EU residents (pdf), from EPFL RH
Extension to 10 EU member countries (pdf), from EPFL RH

Residence permits

Anyone who is employed in Switzerland or who plans to stay for more than three months has to obtain a residence permit. To do this, you must visit the foreign resident's office (contrôle des habitants) in the commune where you will be living within 8 days of your arrival in Switzerland. (This is why it is advisable to arrange your housing in advance!) Bring along the following documents:

• Your Passport (with visa, if applicable)
• Passports for all family members who will be staying with you in Switzerland
• marriage certificate
• Birth certificates for children who don't have passports
• Letter of invitation or contract from EPFL
• passport photos (two for every family member)
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses
• cash (the cost of the permit varies from commune to commune and with the number of people involved. Bring plenty)

You will have to fill in some forms, one (at least) of which is in French only. If your French is spotty, it might be a good idea to bring someone with you to help translate. You will be asked for your religious affiliation -- you can enter "none". Don't be surprised if it takes at least a month for your permit to arrive.  You will either receive it in the mail, or the contrôle des habitants office will call you to collect it.

This "permit de séjour" is considered your "identity card." You should have it with you when you leave and re-enter the country.

Traveling in Europe

Be aware that Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. Before you travel in Europe, be sure to find out whether or not you need a visa. (Americans do not need special visas to travel in Europe.) Also be sure to bring your passport and residence permit with you whenever you leave the country.

When you leave

You are supposed to give the 'contrôle des habitants' for your commune details about your departure and a forwarding address. You may or may not get a letter reminding you to do this.