If you intend to visit the country as a tourist or if you plan to work in Switzerland (or accompany someone who does e.g. as a partner or family member), makes a huge difference. Different rules for different sets of countries are the case.
Depending on your country of origin, visa regulations might be in act.
-> check the latest regulations which entry regulations apply according your citizenship.
Citizens of an EU or EFTA state enjoy from the Free Movement of Persons Agreement. That means that entry is possible without visa and that gainful employment is open up to 90 days. Starting from May 1, 2011, all EU and EFTA citizens (except Bulgarians and Romanians) can take use of this freedom. Till April 30, 2011 unrestricted access is only granted for EU-17 and EFTA-countries. Longer working periods require a residence permit.
In any case, you need to obtain a visa in advance in order to work in Switzerland regardless of whether you would require a visa while entering as a tourist (see paragraph above). For those whose entry requires a visa anyway, should not come with a tourist visa when having in mind to work or go to school.
Contact your future employer who will set up a working contract. You will receive your visa from your local Swiss embassy or consulate only after your work permit is finalized. Be sure to plan ahead. Processing a work visa takes at least 8 weeks.
For further reference, ask your employer in Switzerland or you may contact the relevant Swiss embassy or consulate. More general information is available at the Federal Office for Migration (FOM).
