Posted on October 15 2026
*Want to work in Switzerland? Let Y-Axis assist you with the steps.
India and Switzerland have signed two agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral mobility and expanding opportunities for eligible Indian citizens. Signed on October 5, 2026, during Swiss President Guy Parmelin’s state visit to India, the agreements cover migration and mobility cooperation as well as temporary professional exchanges.
The Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) establishes a broader framework covering legal migration, travel and student mobility, alongside measures to address irregular migration and migrant exploitation. The separate Young Professionals Scheme is designed to help eligible young people gain temporary international work experience and develop professional and language skills after studying in Switzerland.

Also, read...
Switzerland Visit Visa for Indians – Requirements, Fees & Application Guide
The Switzerland-India MMP includes provisions for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, with stays of up to six months per visit, subject to applicable conditions. It also provides for renewable student permits valid for one year. These provisions could benefit eligible Indians who travel to Switzerland repeatedly or pursue higher education there.
However, Switzerland visa validity does not automatically grant permission to stay continuously for the full validity period. Travellers and students must continue to meet the relevant immigration requirements, including those relating to their purpose of travel, admission, finances and permitted duration of stay.
Also, read...
Switzerland Job Market in 2026–30
The separate Agreement on the Exchange of Young Professionals aims to help eligible Indian and Swiss citizens gain temporary work experience in the other country. Participants could develop professional expertise, improve language skills and gain international exposure in their respective fields.
The scheme has an initial annual exchange capacity of 300 participants from each country, with the possibility of increasing it to 500. The agreement also provides for verification timelines of 30 to 90 days for nationality or residency status in specified circumstances.
Also, read...
Jobs in Switzerland for Indians: How to Land a Job & Apply for a Work Visa
The two agreements offer different pathways depending on whether an applicantfrom India intends to travel, study or gain temporary professional experience.
|
Factors |
Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) |
Young Professionals Scheme |
|
Primary purpose |
Broader migration and mobility cooperation |
Temporary employment and professional development |
|
Visa provisions |
Multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, subject to conditions |
Specific arrangements for eligible professional exchanges |
|
Permitted stay |
Up to six months per visit under the announced multiple-entry visa provisions |
Temporary professional placement under applicable rules |
|
Student mobility |
Includes provisions for renewable one-year student permits |
Not primarily designed for degree-level study |
|
Annual exchange capacity |
No equivalent professional exchange quota specified |
300 participants from each country initially |
|
Potential expansion |
Depends on the relevant provisions and implementation |
Capacity may increase to 500 participants from each country |
|
Best suited for |
Eligible travellers and students covered by the applicable provisions |
Eligible young professionals seeking temporary work experience |
Also, read...
Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Switzerland – In-Demand Jobs, Top Employers & How to Apply
The agreements between the two countries expand the framework for mobility for Indian applicants meeting existing immigration requirements.
Before applying, eligible travellers, students and professionals from India should check the following parametres:
*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!
For recent immigration updates, check out the Y-Axis Schengen News Page!
The India-Switzerland Mobility Pact refers to agreements signed by India and Switzerland on October 5, 2026, to strengthen cooperation on migration, travel, education and temporary professional exchanges. The Migration and Mobility Partnership establishes a broader framework for legal mobility, while the Young Professionals Scheme provides opportunities for eligible citizens to gain international work experience. Applicants must meet the relevant immigration requirements and follow the official application procedures.
The agreements introduce provisions intended to make travel, education and professional exchanges more accessible for eligible Indians. These include multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, subject to applicable conditions, renewable one-year student permits and a separate pathway for young professionals seeking temporary work experience. The agreements also strengthen cooperation on legal migration and measures against irregular migration and migrant exploitation. Applicants must verify the implementation details before applying.
The India-Switzerland Migration and Mobility Partnership includes provisions for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, subject to applicable conditions. Eligible travellers may be permitted to stay for up to six months per visit under the announced provisions. However, visa validity does not automatically guarantee permission to remain in Switzerland continuously for five years. Applicants must confirm the applicable visa category, permitted duration of stay and documentation requirements with the relevant Swiss authorities.
Yes, the Migration and Mobility Partnership includes provisions for renewable student permits valid for one year for eligible Indian students pursuing higher education in Switzerland. Students must still satisfy the relevant admission, financial and immigration requirements. The agreement does not automatically guarantee university admission or a residence permit. Before applying, students should check the latest official guidelines, confirm their chosen institution's requirements and understand the procedures for obtaining or renewing their student permits.
The Young Professionals Scheme is a separate agreement designed to help eligible Indian and Swiss citizens gain temporary work experience in each other's countries. Participants can develop professional expertise, improve language skills and gain international exposure in their respective fields. The scheme initially provides an annual exchange capacity of 300 participants from each country, with the possibility of increasing it to 500. Applicants should verify the eligibility criteria, employment conditions and application procedures before planning their move.
The Young Professionals Scheme initially provides an annual exchange capacity of 300 participants from India and 300 from Switzerland. The agreement allows the possibility of increasing the capacity to 500 participants from each country. These figures represent the scheme's planned exchange capacity rather than a guarantee that every eligible applicant will be selected. Interested Indian professionals should check the official selection process, application requirements and availability of places before submitting their applications.
Eligibility depends on the specific pathway an applicant intends to pursue. Travellers must satisfy the relevant visa conditions, while students need to meet university admission and student residence requirements. Young professionals must fulfil the scheme's applicable nationality, age, qualification and employment criteria. Applicants may also need to provide financial evidence, insurance and supporting documents. Since detailed requirements can differ by category, Indians should consult official Swiss immigration guidance before preparing an application.
The agreements do not establish a blanket right for all Indian citizens to work in Switzerland without a job offer. The Young Professionals Scheme is intended for eligible participants seeking temporary professional experience, subject to its specific requirements and applicable work authorisation rules. Other work-related applications may require an employment offer, employer involvement or additional approvals. Indians interested in working in Switzerland should identify the correct immigration pathway and confirm its conditions before making employment or relocation plans.
The Migration and Mobility Partnership provides a broader framework covering legal migration, travel, student mobility and cooperation against irregular migration. The Young Professionals Scheme, by contrast, specifically focuses on temporary employment and professional development through exchanges between India and Switzerland. The MMP includes provisions relating to multiple-entry visas and renewable student permits, while the professional scheme has an initial annual capacity of 300 participants from each country. Applicants should select the pathway that matches their purpose of travel.
Indians interested in travelling, studying or gaining temporary professional experience in Switzerland should first identify the agreement and immigration category relevant to their plans. They should then check the latest official guidelines, confirm eligibility, prepare the required documents and follow the prescribed application process. Applicants must also verify when the relevant provisions become operational and whether detailed instructions have been published. The agreements do not automatically grant visas, student permits, employment authorisation or residence rights to every applicant.
Tags:
Work in Switzerland
travel to Switzerland
Switzerland work visa
study in Switzerland
Switzerland student visa
Indians in Switzerland
migrate to Switzerland
India-Switzerland Migration and Mobility Partnership
Switzerland immigration update
Young
Share
Get it on your mobile
Get News alerts
Contact Y-Axis