Does Switzerland have a digital nomad visa?
AI Answer
Switzerland does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use tourist visas, freelancer permits, or other residency pathways depending on their situation and nationality.
Most non-EU/EFTA citizens cannot simply work remotely on a tourist visa. You'd need a Type D visa, often requiring a job offer from a Swiss company. For EU/EFTA citizens, it's easier; you can stay up to three months without a permit, but for longer, you need a residence permit (B permit) and often proof of sufficient funds.
Freelancer permits are rare and difficult to obtain without a strong business plan or existing clients in Switzerland. Switzerland is very strict about who it grants residency to, prioritizing skilled workers filling specific economic needs. The cost of living is also very high, with Zurich scoring 100 on our Cost of Living Index, compared to an average of 60 across other popular nomad destinations.
If Switzerland is your dream, consider options like the Portuguese D7 visa or Spanish Digital Nomad Visa first. You could then visit Switzerland for shorter periods as a tourist. Living there long-term as a remote worker without a local employer is challenging and requires significant planning and legal consultation.