Some of you may be wondering why we were in Munich last weekend and why I would be needed a visa to stay in Switzerland. Both Swedish and American citizens can visit Switzerland for 3 months without a visa, but since we will be staying for 5 we will need residence permits. In Andreas' case this is easy - just come to Switzerland, register with the police and say he wants to stay. No problem, they ask him his religion and parents' names and will mail him a permit.
However, I am an American and therefore not subject to special rules for EU citizens (remember Switzerland is not EU). I need to have a visa to enter Switzerland if I am going to be getting a residence permit. I applied in November but it wasn't ready yet when our moving date came in February. So I came anyways (as a tourist). When the visa was finally ready (after many questions and double checks regarding my income, employment, insurance, etc.) I needed to leave the country to pick up the visa. Can't do it in Switzerland because I wasn't supposed to be here without it. Munich is the closest Swiss consulate so we headed there.
Just when I was thinking that everything was worked out, I find out that this visa that took so much trouble to get is not good for my entire stay. It is simply a visa to enter Switzerland to be able to apply for a residence permit! So now I have an interview with the emigration office next week. Hope for the best.
The situation could get worse if conditions deteriorate between USA and Switzerland. Soon the USA might demand visas from the Swiss and I can only imagine how they might retaliate.
http://www.thelocal.ch/1975/20111208/
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