Best Business Visa Lawyers in Dornach

About Business Visa Law in Dornach, Switzerland

Dornach is a municipality in the canton of Solothurn. For immigration and visas, Dornach follows Swiss federal law. In practice, this means that the same business visa rules apply in Dornach as everywhere else in Switzerland, with the canton of Solothurn handling local permit decisions where required.

Most short business visits are covered by the Schengen short-stay visa category C. This is for non visa-exempt nationals who come to Switzerland for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for business purposes such as meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs, site visits, training provided by a parent company, and similar activities that are not gainful employment in Switzerland.

Some nationals are visa-exempt for short stays and can enter Switzerland without a visa for business meetings. Visa exemption does not change the rule that business visitors cannot perform gainful employment in Switzerland unless they also have an appropriate work authorization.

Longer assignments, employment in Switzerland, or activities that go beyond typical business-visitor tasks usually require a national D visa together with a work and residence permit. Employers in Dornach must apply to the canton of Solothurn for permission before the visa is issued.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can be helpful if your situation is not straightforward. Common reasons include a prior visa refusal or overstay, a complex travel history, criminal record concerns, or uncertainty about whether your planned activities count as business visiting or gainful employment. Swiss law draws a clear line between attending meetings and doing hands-on work. Crossing that line without authorization can lead to refusal at the border or penalties.

Companies hosting visitors in Dornach often seek legal support when drafting invitation letters, preparing itineraries, and proving the business purpose to the Swiss authorities. Legal counsel is also valuable when coordinating multi-country Schengen travel, ensuring the 90-180 day rule is respected, and planning multiple entries for regional meetings.

If your goal involves hiring staff, relocating to Dornach, or setting up a Swiss entity, you will need guidance on work permits, salary thresholds, labor market tests, quotas for third-country nationals, and canton-level procedures. If a visa is refused, a lawyer can assess the refusal reasons, manage requests for reconsideration, and lodge appeals within the strict deadlines.

Local Laws Overview

Swiss immigration rules are federal. Key legal sources include the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act, the Ordinance on Admission, Period of Stay and Employment, the Ordinance on Entry and the Granting of Visas, and the Schengen Visa Code. The State Secretariat for Migration oversees policy. The Office for Migration and Civil Status of the canton of Solothurn manages local permits and implements federal decisions for Dornach.

Short-stay business visits follow the Schengen 90-180 day rule. You may spend up to 90 days in total within any rolling 180-day window in the entire Schengen Area. Some nationalities must obtain a C visa before travel. Others are visa-exempt but must still meet entry conditions, including a clear business purpose, proof of funds, travel medical insurance, and no intention to work without authorization.

Permitted business visitor activities include attending meetings, negotiations, short trainings that do not involve productive work for a Swiss client, conference participation, and market research. Activities that are normally paid and compete with the Swiss labor market are considered gainful employment and require a permit. Examples that often require authorization include hands-on installation, maintenance, or repair work, providing services directly to Swiss clients, or filling an operational role in a Swiss office.

For long-term assignments, employment, or business establishment in Dornach, a national D visa and a work and residence permit are usually required before entering Switzerland. For third-country nationals, admission is generally limited to highly qualified professionals and is subject to labor market checks, salary and working condition requirements, and annual quotas. EU and EFTA citizens benefit from freedom of movement, simplified notification procedures for short work in many cases, and permit options for longer stays, but may still need to complete local notifications or obtain permits depending on the activity and duration.

Documentation for a business C visa typically includes a valid passport, recent photo, completed application form, a detailed invitation letter from the host in Dornach or elsewhere in Switzerland, proof of business purpose and itinerary, accommodation confirmation, proof of sufficient funds, travel medical insurance with at least 30,000 euros coverage, and evidence of ties to the home country. Biometric fingerprints are usually collected. Processing commonly takes up to 15 calendar days, but can take longer during peak seasons or for complex cases.

No local registration is required in Dornach for short business stays in hotels. For longer stays or if you obtain a residence permit, registration with the local authorities is required after arrival within the statutory timeframe stated on your permit approval letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to attend a meeting in Dornach?

It depends on your nationality and travel history. Many nationals need a Schengen C visa for short business visits. Some nationals are visa-exempt for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visa exemption does not allow you to work. Always check the latest entry rules for your nationality before booking travel.

What is the difference between a business C visa and a D visa?

A C visa is a short-stay Schengen visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for business visitor activities. A D visa is a national long-stay visa that is usually tied to a Swiss work and residence permit or another long-term purpose. You cannot convert a C visa into a work permit while in Switzerland.

Can I perform installation or after-sales service on a business visa?

Often no. Hands-on installation, maintenance, repair, or other productive work usually counts as gainful employment and requires prior authorization. There are narrow exceptions and specific categories, but these are technical and fact-dependent. If your visit involves tools-on work, obtain legal advice before you apply.

How long does it take to get a Swiss business visa?

Standard processing for a C visa is commonly up to 15 calendar days from the time the application is considered complete and biometrics are collected. Processing can take longer during peak periods or if additional checks are needed. Apply early and allow extra time for appointments at the visa center or consulate.

What should an invitation letter include?

The host in Dornach should describe the business relationship, purpose of the visit, planned activities and locations, travel dates, who will cover costs, and contact details for a responsible person. If applicable, include information about meetings, conferences, or site visits and how these relate to the visitor’s role abroad.

Can I visit clients in other Schengen countries on the same trip?

Yes, a valid Schengen C visa allows travel in the entire Schengen Area, subject to your planned itinerary and the 90-180 day rule. Apply to the country that is your main destination or first entry under the Schengen rules. Keep supporting documents for each leg of the trip.

Can my family accompany me on a business visit?

Family members may accompany you as tourists if they meet entry requirements or obtain their own visas. A business C visa does not grant family reunification rights. For long-term stays based on employment, dependent permits may be possible under Swiss residence rules.

Will I need travel medical insurance?

Yes. For C visa applicants, insurance is typically required with coverage of at least 30,000 euros for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid for all Schengen states and the entire stay. Visa-exempt travelers should also carry suitable insurance to meet entry conditions and for personal protection.

What happens if my visa is refused?

You will receive a refusal notice stating reasons and explaining appeal options and deadlines. Deadlines are short, often 30 days. You may request reconsideration or file an appeal with the competent authority indicated on the notice. A lawyer can help assess the grounds and prepare a targeted response.

Do I need to register locally in Dornach for a short business trip?

No local registration is required for short-stay visitors lodging in hotels. If you later receive a residence permit, you must register with the local residents office in line with the instructions in your approval letter.

Additional Resources

State Secretariat for Migration SEM - Federal authority responsible for visas, permits, and immigration guidance. Provides official information on business visitors, C visas, D visas, and work authorization.

Office for Migration and Civil Status of the Canton of Solothurn - Cantonal authority that processes work and residence permits for employers and residents in Dornach.

Swiss Embassies and Consulates - Your point of application for C visas and D visas in your country of residence. Some locations use external service providers for appointments and biometrics.

Federal Administrative Court - Handles appeals in immigration matters where provided by law. Appeal instructions are specified in refusal notices.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Canton of Solothurn - Business network that can help companies in Dornach with practical market information and event participation.

Economic Development Office of the Canton of Solothurn - Guidance for companies considering investment or establishment in the region, which may relate to work permit planning.

Next Steps

Clarify your purpose and activities. Write down exactly what you will do in Dornach and for how long. Identify whether your tasks are business-visitor activities or gainful employment. When in doubt, seek legal advice before you apply.

Check your nationality’s entry rules and timing. Confirm whether you need a Schengen C visa or are visa-exempt. If employment or a long assignment is involved, plan for a D visa and a permit process that starts with the canton of Solothurn.

Assemble strong documentation. Prepare an invitation letter from the Swiss host, a clear itinerary, proof of accommodation and funds, and travel insurance with adequate coverage. Keep evidence of your business relationship and ties to your home country.

Apply early. Book your visa appointment well in advance, particularly before industry events or peak travel seasons. Factor in the time to collect biometrics and respond to any follow-up questions from the authorities.

If complications arise, consult a lawyer. A local or Swiss immigration lawyer can assess your activities, draft compliant invitations and itineraries, coordinate with the canton for any needed authorizations, and handle appeals if necessary.

On arrival, carry your supporting documents. Border officers may ask about your business purpose, itinerary, funds, and insurance. Be ready to explain your activities and show proof of onward travel and accommodation.

After your trip, monitor your Schengen day count. If you expect multiple entries for regional meetings, keep a careful record to stay within the 90-180 day limit and plan future travel accordingly.