If you require a visa to enter Switzerland and are planning to stay for more than 90 days, then you must apply for a category D visa. As this is a visa for a long-term stay in Switzerland, it is also referred to as a «national visa». Applications for D visas must be filed directly with the responsible Swiss representation.
Please note that anyone who works during his/her stay in Switzerland or who remains in Switzerland for longer than 90 days requires a permit. Residence permits are issued by the Cantonal Migration Offices. For this purpose, the Swiss representation abroad will forward your visa application to the cantonal migration office for examination. The time the responsible authorities need to process such applications may vary according to canton and purpose of stay. As a rule, one to several months must be expected.
Please check for further information and start preparing your entry as soon as possible.