Useful documents

The following two documents contain information to help you prepare a successful stay at the University of Fribourg.

Welcome Center for Academics | Brochure

Checklist for Researchers from Abroad

Contact

 welcome-academics@unifr.ch 

 +41 26 300 76 60

 MIS04 4054

Frequently Asked Questions

Immigration

  • What is the difference among a visa, a residence permit, and a work permit?
    • The visa allows you to come into Switzerland; it is your entry document.
    • The residence permit allows you to stay in Switzerland longer than 90 days.
    • The work permit authorizes you to work and/or conduct research in Switzerland.
  • Do I need a visa?
    • EU/EFTA nationals do not need a visa to enter Switzerland.
    • Most Non-EU/EFTA nationals need a visa to enter Switzerland. Search for the country that issued your passport on this webpage to determine the rules that apply to you: SEM | ID and visa. All questions related to entry documents should be addressed directly to the Swiss embassy or consulate at your place of residence. Please contact them early, as the process to receive a visa can take longer than 3 months.
  • Do I need a work permit?
    • EU/EFTA nationals do not need an authorization to work in Switzerland.
    • Non-EU/EFTA nationals conducting research in Switzerland sometimes need a work permit. Such decisions are made by the cantonal immigration authority (SPOMI).
    • You are not responsible for applying for your work permit; HR will do it.
  • Do I need a residence permit?
    • Regardless of nationality, any foreign national staying in Switzerland for more than 90 days in a 6-month period needs a residence permit.
    • Residence permits are issued by SPOMI. You have 14 days after your arrival in Switzerland to fill out and submit this form to SPOMI: in French or German.
  • How do I apply for these three documents?
    • For the visa, contact the Swiss embassy or consulate at your place of residence as early as possible: Swiss Representations Abroad.
    • For the residence permit, the cantonal immigration office (SPOMI) is your point of contact. Information in French or German.
    • Work permit: Unifr’s HR will apply for your work authorization and will inform you if and when it is granted. In some cases, you may be required to pay for the application fee (approx. CHF 30). Questions about work permits should be addressed to Unifr’s HR department: Contact.

Insurance

  • Do I need health insurance?

    Yes. Anyone living in Switzerland needs to be covered by valid health insurance.

  • Is my foreign health insurance valid in Switzerland or do I need to take out Swiss insurance?
    • If (1) do not have a paid job in Switzerland, and (2) you can prove that your foreign health insurance offers complete coverage in Switzerland, you may ask for an exemption. More information here: in French or German.
    • EU/EFTA nationals: the European Health Card is usually accepted as proof of sufficient coverage. Please inform your insurance provider back home prior to your stay and ensure that they will cover you while you are in Switzerland.
    • When in doubt, we strongly recommend you do not take any risks and double-check all information with the "contrôle des habitants / Einwohnerkontrolle" of your city of residence. 
  • Which Swiss insurance company should I choose?
    • You are free to choose your insurance company. Please use the official tool of the Swiss Confederation to compare insurance providers and determine which one best fits your needs: Priminfo
    • All the providers you will find on Priminfo are legitimate and will offer comparable basic coverage. However, their prices and their premium plans can differ widely.
    • Priminfo is only available in Swiss national languages. If you need to compare insurances in English, you may use Comparis, but please note that, though it is a legitimate website, it is sponsored and not as objective as Priminfo: Comparis

Housing

Registration with the City

Family

Finances

  • Do I need a Swiss bank account?

    If you have a paid job in Switzerland or if you receive a Swiss scholarship, it is generally required for you to have a Swiss bank account to receive your salary/stipend. You will find information on how to open a bank account on this page: WCA | Finances.

  • Do I need to pay taxes in Switzerland?
    • If Switzerland becomes your official place of residence and/or if you receive a Swiss salary, then, yes, you will need to pay taxes here. You may address your questions about withholding tax to HR: hr-info@unifr.ch.
    • Keep in mind that there are other taxes you may have to pay during your stay. Among others:
      • The “non-firefighter” tax (CHF 100/year)
      • The recycling tax (CHF 90/year)
      • Serafe: the radio-and-television tax (CHF 335/year)

Research Stays at the University of Fribourg

Who Should I Turn to in Case of Questions?