Useful documents
The following two documents contain information to help you prepare a successful stay at the University of Fribourg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immigration
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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
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Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Anyone living in Switzerland needs to be covered by valid health insurance.
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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.
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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
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Can the Welcome Center for Academics offer rooms or apartments for rent?
No, the Welcome Center for Academics does not manage any apartments or rooms. However, locals sometimes contact us with private housing opportunities.
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How can I know about private housing opportunities?
If you wish to know more about available apartments, do not hesitate to write to welcome-academics@unifr.ch. You will then be added to a mailing list and will be informed every time the Welcome Center receives a new housing offer.
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Where can I find a place to stay while I am in Fribourg?
You will find a list of housing options on this page: WCA | Housing. If you are a PhD candidate, you may also find other options on this page: Incoming | Housing and Living in Fribourg.
Registration with the City
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How do I register with my municipality?
Each municipality may have slightly different rules. Contact the “Contrôle des habitants / Einwohnerkontrolle » of your place of residence and refer to their process. You will find information on Fribourg’s process and a list of the main neighboring towns on this page: WCA | Registration with Canton and City.
Family
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My family members are coming with me. Do they also need immigration documents?
- Yes. Every person crossing the Swiss border needs the appropriate documents to enter and/or stay in Switzerland. If you need a visa, please include information about each family member who will be joining you in your application.
- You will find information on family reunification here: ch.ch | Family Reunification.
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I found a 1-bedroom apartment in Fribourg. Can my family join me?
Probably not. You need to prove to SPOMI that your apartment is large enough for your entire family to live “according to typical living conditions of Swiss citizens.”
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I earn CHF 2000/month. Is it enough for my children to join me?
Probably not. SPOMI will need proof that you have sufficient funding to pay for rent, every family member’s health insurance, and everyone’s basic needs.
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Do all family members need health insurance?
Yes. Every member of your family needs to be covered while they are in Switzerland.
Finances
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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.
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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
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How do I apply for a research stay at Unifr?
Every research stay begins with an invitation from a Unifr professor. Please reach out to the professor with whom you would like to work.
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Where can I find a list of Unifr professors and their respective fields of research?
You can find information on professors and their research on the websites of the Faculties.
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I was invited by a Unifr professor; how do I register with the University of Fribourg?
The registration process depends on your status; the Welcome Center will guide you through the process accordingly. Please write to welcome-academics@unifr.ch with the following information:
- Your home university/research institution
- Your academic level
- The name of the Unifr professor who extended the invitation
- The dates of your stay
- Your source of funding (personal means, scholarship from your home university, grant from your government, etc.)
Who Should I Turn to in Case of Questions?
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I have a work contract with Unifr.
- You are invited to address your administrative questions to the Welcome Center for Academics (immigration, accommodation, healthcare, etc.): welcome-academics@unifr.ch.
- Your questions about your work contract should be addressed to HR (work permit, taxes, pension plans, etc.): hr-info@unifr.ch.
- For all academic matters, please refer to your supervisor.
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My stay at Unifr is self-funded (own salary / non-governmental grant / grant from non-partner university or foundation)
- The Welcome Center for Academics is your point of contact. You will find more information here: WCA | Visiting Researchers.
- If you have questions, please write to welcome-academics@unifr.ch.
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My stay at Unifr is funded through a scholarship (funding from a foreign government or partner university / scholarship from the Swiss Confederation or Unifr).
- The International Relations Office is your point of contact. You will find information on scholarships on this page: Unifr | Grants.
- If you have questions, please write to international-scholarship@unifr.ch.
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I am an exchange student (BA or MA level).
- The International Relations Office is your point of contact. You will find information on this page: Unifr | Mobility.
- If you have questions, please write to international-incoming@unifr.ch.
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I am a degree-seeking student; I would like to complete a BA or an MA at Unifr.
- Students wishing to receive a diploma from Unifr must register through the Admissions and Registrations Office: Unifr | Admissions.
- If you have questions, please use their contact form: Admissions | Contact.
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I want to sign up for a PhD or postdoc at Unifr.
- For questions about admission and registration, please contact the Admissions Office: Unifr | Admissions.
- For questions about immigration, accommodation, healthcare, etc., feel free to contact the Welcome Center for Academics: welcome-academics@unifr.ch.