If you are coming to study, the University’s HR will be able to provide all the information that’s applicable and required.

Best wishes, R.

Thank you for your response, Ritchie.

I am coming to study, but apparently they told me to investigate these issues on my own - they actually wanted me to apply for a VISA, even if it is not even necessary..

Very sorry (and puzzled) to read such an off-hand response.

However, why not contact the Romanian Consulate in Geneva?  At least you’d be talking the same language.

Best, R.

Andreea,

I think you have to fill this form below, which, unfortunately, is in French ... :

http://ge.ch/population/media/siteofficielpopulation/files/imce/Formulaires/formulaire_p_autorisation_sans_activite.pdf

It includes people coming for studies. However, even if romania is in the EU, I know Switzerland has special cases for some eastern countries (don't ask me why). So I'd suggest contacting your consulate for more details indeed.

Good luck !

Benoit

Just recently, a friend of mine who came to study in Geneva had to give up her studies after one year, even though the school director had said everything would be fine for the permit, based on his past experience.

But it appears that nowadays, in order to obtain a permit for studying, unless one is Swiss or already has another permit, a student is supposed to be under 30 years old, and starting very first studies beyond secondary school.

Of course, each case is individually examined, maybe there are exceptions, but that is the written answer my friend got anyway.

Good luck for your studies though.

Thank you, Ritchie, good suggestion.

Best,

Andreea

Thank you, Benoit, fortunately I speak French so the language is not an issue.

Best,

Andreea

Maybe you might need a visa since it is not a tourist but a study trip. It is very strange that the school is asking you to do this because most of the papers should be submitted by them so they should have a list form the OCP telling them what they need to provide for their students.

I found all the info I needed here - http://ge.ch/population/prestations/formation.

Maybe it will help other people as well.

Thanks everyone for your input!

Andreea

I agree with Marcy’s comments.  I have never heard of a school or university being so unhelpful.

R.

Yes well, checking the link http://ge.ch/population/prestations/formation

I've just learned there's a big difference if you come from Europe, what I wrote above actually concerned someone who came from outside Europe, but didn't want to give too many details as it's not about myself.

Hi Andreea, you have pointed to the right place (ge.ch) to find info re your stay in Geneva. If you need more help, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Welcome to Switzerland!

Fabienne

Merci beaucoup, Fabienne, tu es très gentille!

Andreea

Hi,

You don't need a visa to travel to enter Switzerland as a Romanian citizen nor a passport since 2009. Just a valid ID. ( see https://www.mae.ro/travel-conditions/3692)

If you're a student, make sure you visit the Office Cantonal within 14 days from your arrival with all the required papers (see http://ge.ch/population/prestations/formation)

That's pretty much it.

Thank you, Cristina for confirming my understading also.

Best,

Andreea

As a Romanian citizen, you would not need a formal visa, but a resident permit (temporary permit for students).

We have a free movement of citizens with the EU in prinicple. Switzerland has some special rules for citizens from Romania and Bulgaria (subject to quotas), but these rules do not apply to students according to a colleague who is an immigration specialist.

There are many people who try to come to Switzerland thinking that once here, they can find a job.    This is why they are now taking this more seriously. Also schools, even language schools have to monitor if they people with student visa attending the courses properly. I have heard about cases where the student permit was withdrawn due to non-attendace. They were working instead...

How is that related to the OP? She confirmed she's a student and was asking for info about student permits.

Thanks a lot Per for this confirmation!

Best,

Andreea