S status in Switzerland: how to issue it, social support and rights of Ukrainians
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the "Status S" temporary protection program for Ukrainians has been operating in Switzerland. In November, the country's Federal Council extended the program until March 4, 2024.
Ukrainians have the right to temporary housing, social assistance and medical care. There are currently 67,000 Ukrainians in Switzerland, but the number of refugees may increase as the war in Ukraine continues.
We advise those who plan to move to this country to familiarize themselves with the basic rules for applying for asylum in Switzerland.
Rules of entry
Ukrainians can enter Switzerland without a biometric passport or visa.
You can stay on the territory of the state without obtaining protection for up to 90 days. According to these conditions, you are not entitled to social assistance and health insurance, and you cannot work without a visa.
Switzerland accepts citizens of Ukraine without vaccination against Covid-19, there are also no quarantine restrictions.
Pets are allowed only in exceptional cases. More detailed information on the website of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Administration.
In Switzerland, you can exchange cash hryvnias for francs, see the link for instructions.
Where to apply for protection?
In order to legally stay in the country, Ukrainians need to issue temporary protection status "Status S". Registration is carried out at the Federal Asylum Centers Bundesasylzentrum (BAZ). The RegisterMe application allows you to pre-select a date for an interview. The application can also be sent by e-mail or regular mail.
The protection registration procedure consists of: filling out an application, providing personal data and fingerprints. Each application is checked individually. The decision is made within a few days. The answer will be sent by mail to your region of residence.
After registration and registration of S status, you will be assigned to one of the country's cantons, of which there are only 26 in the country. The region will be responsible for your accommodation and support.
Dwelling
After arriving in the canton, you will be accommodated in the refugee reception center. Conditions vary, but most often up to 20 people live in a room. Gradually, on a first-come, first-served basis, you can be resettled with a family that is ready to accept refugees, but this process often takes up to several weeks. When you find a job and can support yourself, you can rent an apartment.
If you plan to look for housing on your own, you should consider that the search procedure can take more than one month, as the competition in the country is very high. You can find an apartment on the following websites: Homegate, Immoscout24 and Immoclick. The average cost of renting a house in Switzerland is about 1000€ per month.
Medical services
Financial assistance
Free travel
Where to look for work?
Education
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The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.