Residence permit

The University is required by law to provide the Swiss immigration department with a list of all MBA students. In accordance with immigration rules and depending on your nationality, either a "Zusicherung für eine Aufenthaltsbewilligung" or a "Ermächtigung zur Visumerteilung für die Schweizer Vertretung" will be issued for the duration of your studies. The MBA office will arrange for this permit for all students who have fully enrolled on the programme. Students must register for and claim this permit within 8 days of arriving in Switzerland. This permit does not gain you entry to Switzerland and can only be claimed once you have arrived. See below for details on entry visas.

Visas

If you are a national from a country whose residents need a visa to enter Switzerland, the Swiss immigration department will issue an "Ermächtigung zur Visumerteilung für die Schweizer Vertretung" (a document which grants you a one-time entry visa), and will automatically send a copy of this document to the Swiss embassy/consulate in your home country. If you are a national from a country outside of Europe whose residents do not normally need a visa to enter Switzerland, you will also be issued this form as a precursor to your being issued a residence permit once you arrive in St. Gallen. EU citizens do not require a visa to enter Switzerland but will need a residence permit to live here for the full duration of their studies (as above).

Family visas

The student visas faciltated by the MBA office, with the support of local immigration authorities in Switzerland, do not include visas for spouses or other family members. We are able to offer support, advice and translation of the relevant forms, however spouses of MBA students need to go through a regular Swiss visa application process in their country of residence. Should you have any additional questions regarding visas for spouses or other family members, please call the MBA office or the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Post-MBA work permits

It is important to remember that your visa will be valid only for the duration of your studies. After graduation, the permit can be extended for up to 6 additional months to aid the employment search provided evidence of funds to cover the cost of living can be shown. No guarantee can be given that the full 6 months will be given.  For more information on the permit situation please see here. While a large proportion of our graduates do remain in Switzerland, this is not always possible for every candidate.