Switzerland lifts visa requirement for entry from Kosovo

From January 1, 2024, the Federal Government will be releasing Kosovans from the requirement to obtain a visa for stays in Switzerland of up to a maximum of 90 days. A visa is still required to take up employment in Switzerland according to a press release from the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).

With this action, Switzerland is following a decision for the Schengen Area. On April 19, the European Parliament and the European Council adopted a regulation freeing Kosovans from the requirement to obtain a visa for short stays of a maximum of 90 days. According to the press release, Kosovo meets the requirements for visa relief with regard to safety, border checks, and migration management.

As a country in the Schengen Area, Switzerland is obligated to assume such regulations, which is why the Federal Government adopted the necessary amendment to the Regulation on Entries and Visa Issuance on May 17. A biometric passport is a prerequisite for crossing the border.

A visa is still needed to take up work in Switzerland. Employment is only allowed under certain conditions. For instance, applicants must have good professional qualifications. Work is only permitted to be taken up if no equivalent workers can be found on the Swiss job market or in the states of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). ce/gba