Apply for a return visa or visa extension
2. Return visa
For whom
A return visa may be granted in the following cases:
- someone holding a residence or establishment permit who is not physically in possession of their permit (e.g. production or renewal of the current permit, loss or theft)
- someone with a right to a residence permit (e.g. family reunification with a Swiss national or a C permit holder)
- someone whose application for regularisation of residence conditions has already been approved by the State Secretariat for Migration.
When
The visa application must be submitted no earlier than 30 days before departure but no later than 14 days before departure.
What
The period of validity of the return visa shall be determined in accordance with the circumstances and at the discretion of the authority but shall in any case not exceed 90 days.
Attachments
- colour copy of a valid passport
- 1 passport-sized photo
The Cantonal Office for Population and Migration reserves the right to require any other documents or information when examining your application.
The following must be specified at the time of application:
- the desired length of time for the visa
- the country of destination
- the reasons for your request
Follow-up to your request
If a return visa can be issued, you will receive an appointment by email (please check in your spam as well).
If the appointment isn't to your liking, you can change or cancel it yourself.
You must then come in person at the agreed date and time to the counters of the Cantonal Office of Population and Migration with the following documents:
- valid passport
- other supporting documents mentioned in the appointment confirmation
- in the case of a request for free of charge for a dependent: last tax notice indicating the contact details of the person concerned
The State Secretariat for Migration may in some cases block the issuance of a return visa. In such a situation, it is necessary to contact the latter directly to request the lifting of the measure.
Price
A tax may be levied. The return visa is free of charge for the spouse of a Swiss or European Union national and their descendants under 21 years of age or dependent, as well as for the relatives in the ascending line for a Swiss or European Union national and those of their spouse who are dependent.
The application for a return visa must be submitted using an online form. Only one form must be completed for members of the same family. A personal e-démarches account is required.
If your are applying for a third party, please make sure to fill in the application form with the contact details of the person concerned.
In the application, mention only the first given name of the person concerned.