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Entry Visa & Stay

Do I Need a Visa?

EU/EEA/EFTA Nationals:
-  ​​No visa is required. Students need only a valid passport or EU ID card. After arriving in Geneva, consult with the Student Services Department to file your residence permit application with OCPM.

Non-EU Nationals:
- ​A visa is required before arrival (even if you have visa-free tourist access to Switzerland).
- Applications are made via the Swiss Embassy/Consulate in your home country.
- The official name of the visa is Student Visa Type D.

Required Documents for Non-EU Students

Personal Documents:

  • ●
    Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and at least two blank pages  (and three copies).
  • ●
    Two recent passport-sized photos.

Enrollment Proof:

  • ●
    Certificate of Enrollment at SSM Geneva (provided by SSM upon enrollment).
  • ●
    Admission and Acceptance Letters from SSM (provided by SSM upon enrollment).

Financial Evidence:

  • ●
    Bank certificate showing a minimum of 30,000 CHF (required by Swiss law).
  • ●
    If sponsored, a signed letter of guarantee from the sponsor as well as a copy of their passport.

Academic Records:

  • ●
    Copies of previous diplomas and transcripts.

Additional Requirements:

  • ●
    Your CV.
  • ●
    Letter of Motivation (1 page written by the applicant).
  • ●
    Study Plan (1 page, detailing academic intentions written by the applicant).
  • ●
    Return Statement (pledge to leave Switzerland after studies written by the applicant).
  • ●
    Address proof in Switzerland.

Forms:

  • ●
    Completed Type D visa form from the Swiss embassy website in the student’s home country.

Copies:

  • ●
    We strongly encourage all applicants to bring three copies of all documents.

Visa Application Process

Step 1: Consult the website of the Swiss Embassy in the student’s home country.

Verify specific document requirements as they may vary from country to country.

Step 2: Meet with the Student Services Department.

Upon enrollment at SSM, students will be contacted by the Student Services Department to schedule a meeting to discuss the visa application process. Before this meeting, the student is encouraged to have already the relevant materials gathered. This meeting specifically discusses the financial, accommodation, motivation letter, and visa package aspects.  

Step 3: Make an appointment and submit the application. 

In most cases, it is necessary to make an appointment to submit your application. Wait times and backlogs are common, especially in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Iran, so make sure to plan ahead. Swiss embassies in countries, such as the United States, allow applications to be submitted by mail. In some countries, Swiss visa applications are handled by the embassy of another Schengen state, such as Germany or France. Ensure all documents are accurate and complete. Missing details can delay the process.

Step 4: Approval and Review.

The application is reviewed by:
- Embassy: Preliminary check for completeness.
- Swiss Federal Authorities (Bern): Assigns a national reference number.
- Local Cantonal Authorities (OCPM in Geneva): Assigns a cantonal reference number.

Step 5: Decision.

Outcomes: Visa Accepted, Additional Info Requested, or Initial Denial (Intention to Reject).

If additional documents are requested, resubmit promptly. In the case of initial visa denial, typically, applicants are given 20-30 days to appeal the decision. Students should notify the Student Services Department immediately if they receive such a notification. Then the Student and the Student Services Department will work together to appeal the decision. If the appeal is unsuccessful, students are entitled to a refund of their paid program fees minus 1.500 Euros and the non-refundable application fee. 

Upon Arrival in Switzerland

Initial Visa:

Valid for 30-90 days. Sometimes single entry, sometimes multiple entries.
Students must register with the Office Cantonal de la Population et des Migrations (OCPM) within 14 days to apply for a student permit.

Residence Permit:

Please make an appointment with the Student Services Department as soon as you arrive in Switzerland. Students are legally obligated to submit their residence permit application within 14 days of arrival. Please do not delay. Student residence permits are typically granted for one-year periods and are renewable with proof of enrollment and financial stability.

Health Insurance:

Mandatory. Options will be provided upon arrival.

Employment Rules:

- ​EU students: May work part-time (up to 15 hours/week).
- ​Non-EU students: This may not work. May engage in internships (paid or unpaid) related to their studies.

Important Considerations

Timing:

Start your visa application immediately upon receiving your acceptance package. Processing may take up to 4 months.

Restrictions:

- Applicants over 30 years old may face additional scrutiny.
- Applicants who already hold a master’s level degree will face additional scrutiny if applying for another master’s level program.
- Applicants who have a significant work history in their home country may face additional scrutiny when applying.

Financial Stability:

Proof of funds (30,000 CHF) is mandated by Swiss law.

Emergencies:

Special re-entry visas can be requested for urgent departures during your stay before the receipt of a residence permit if necessary. 

Post-Studies

Students should meet with the Student Services Department to discuss their plans and the process of notifying authorities of their plans (e.g., returning home or relocating) which is legally required. SSM will assist with the necessary documentation required.

Schengen Tourist Visa

For Flex MBA Program, Immersion Programs, and family and friends attending graduation ceremonies (for citizens of countries without normal visa-free access to Switzerland for tourism).

1. Consult your local Swiss embassy’s website.

  • ●
    Determine the application procedure, usually it is necessary to make an appointment. Please plan ahead, as wait times can be quite long.
  • ●
    In some countries, Swiss visa applications are handled by the embassy of another Schengen state, such as Germany or France.

2. Gather your documents.

  • ●
    Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and at least two blank pages (and three copies).
  • ●
    Two recent passport-sized photos.
  • ●
    Completed visa application form downloaded from your local embassy’s website (a document checklist is also available and very helpful).
  • ●
    Medical insurance that is valid for the duration of your planned travel dates.
  • ●
    Round trip flight tickets.
  • ●
    Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, contract from a student residence, etc.).
  • ●
    Proof of sufficient funds (Generally a minimum of 100 CHF per day, per person). Some embassies in countries such as China and India may require additional financial documents.
  • ●
    Swiss Embassies in several Asian countries may also require the family register document, which differs in name from country to country.
  • ●
    General itinerary for your trip, for Flex and Immersion students, please indicate your personal study plan and include the official study plan from SSBM.
  • ●
    An invitation letter (provided by SSBM by contacting the Student Services Department).
  • ●
    Copies of any previous or current US, Canadian, UK, or Schengen visas.
  • ●
    Any other documents that are listed on your local Swiss embassy’s website.

3. Request an Invitation Letter from the Student Services Department.

  • ●
    Please email either info@ssm.swiss and your request will be forwarded. Please include a copy of your passport and intended travel dates.

4. Submit your application and wait for a response.

  • ●
    After you submit your complete application, all there is left to do is wait. Patience is key. If you need help expediting your application due to extenuating circumstances, please contact the Student Services Department.