The asylum procedure in Switzerland is led by the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) and usually begins in a federal asylum centre. At the start of the procedure, asylum seekers receive free legal advice, and each stage follows a set timetable. A consultation can help you understand which stage you are in and what follows from it.
Typical situations
- Preparing for a hearing and understanding what is asked of you
- A decision has been issued on your application and you want to understand it and your options
- Questions about your legal status during the procedure and after the decision
What a consultation may cover
- Stages of the asylum procedure and what to expect at each
- Preparing for hearings and supporting documents
- Forms of protection and the legal status attached to them
- Decisions received and the options that follow
Good to have at hand
- Identity documents and your residence permit, if you have one
- Official letters and decisions, with their dates
- Documents related to your question (employment contract, certificates, earlier correspondence)
- A short list of your questions in order of importance
Official sources
Official information changes. Always check the page concerned or your cantonal migration office. Links last reviewed: October 2026.