Are you a writer looking for a peaceful place to work on your next book, novel, poetry collection, translation, or other literary project?
The Jan Michalski Foundation Residency 2027 in Switzerland is now accepting applications from writers and other literary creators from around the world.
Located in Montricher at the foot of the Swiss Jura Mountains, the residency provides selected participants with dedicated time and space to develop their writing projects. Residents stay in individual cabins at the Foundation, with stunning surroundings overlooking Lake Geneva, the Alps, or the Jura Mountains.
The program is open to applicants of all nationalities and ages, and beginners are also allowed to apply. The Foundation gives priority to writers and translators but also considers applicants from other disciplines when writing is central to the proposed project.
The application deadline for the 2027 residency is 31 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Swiss time.
Quick Facts About the Switzerland Residency Program 2027
Category | Details |
Host Country | Switzerland 🇨🇭 |
Host Organization | Jan Michalski Foundation |
Program | Jan Michalski Foundation Writing Residency |
Location | Montricher, Switzerland |
Nationality | All nationalities |
Age Limit | No age restriction |
Funding | Fully funded residency support |
Accommodation | Private residential cabin |
Weekly Allowance | CHF 400 |
Travel | Return travel costs covered |
Duration | 2 weeks, 1, 2 or 3 months |
Application Language | English or French |
Deadline | 31 August 2026, 5 p.m. Swiss time |
First 2027 Arrivals | Mid-January 2027 |
The official Foundation confirms that applications for the 2027 residencies opened on 2 June 2026 and remain open until 31 August 2026.
What Is the Jan Michalski Foundation Residency?
The Jan Michalski Foundation is dedicated to supporting writing and literature.
Its residency program gives writers the opportunity to step away from their normal environment and concentrate on a literary project in a peaceful setting.
The Foundation has seven residential cabins designed for writers and translators. Six cabins overlook Lake Geneva and the Alps, while another faces the forested slopes of the Jura Mountains.
Each year, approximately 40 authors from around the world receive time at the Foundation to develop their literary projects. The program has welcomed both emerging writers and established authors.
What Does the Fully Funded Residency Cover?
Selected residents receive significant financial and logistical support.
✈️ Return Travel
The Foundation covers the residents’ travel costs to and from their home address.
🏡 Private Accommodation
Residents are provided with an individual cabin for the duration of their residency.
The cabins allow residents to live independently while focusing on their projects.
💰 CHF 400 Weekly Allowance
Each resident receives a CHF 400 weekly allowance during the residency.
🍽️ Breakfast and Lunch
The Foundation provides breakfast and lunch for residents.
There is also a grocery shop in the village for additional food needs.
📚 Library Access
Residents receive free daytime access to the Foundation’s library, providing an excellent environment for research and literary work.
🚲 Electric Bikes
Electric bikes are available to residents during their stay.
🎭 Cultural Activities
Residents can also participate in cultural activities organized by the Foundation.
How Long Is the Residency?
Applicants can request one of several residency periods:
The Foundation evaluates whether the requested duration matches the scope of the proposed project. The period requested is not guaranteed, as the Foundation may offer a different period depending on availability.
Who Can Apply?
One of the most attractive features of this program is its broad eligibility.
The Foundation states that there are no nationality or age restrictions, and beginners are accepted.
Applicants can include:
The Foundation prioritizes writers and translators, but applicants from other disciplines may also be considered when literature is at the heart of their project.
What Is Nature Writing?
Part of the residency program is dedicated to nature writing.
This can include fiction or creative nonfiction that explores topics such as:
If your literary project focuses on environmental or nature-related themes, this residency may be particularly relevant.
Can Beginners Apply?
Yes.
The Foundation explicitly states that beginners can apply.
For applicants without an established professional writing career, the selection committee focuses particularly on the quality of the proposed project and the motivation demonstrated in the application.
This means you do not necessarily need to be a bestselling author or have a long list of publications to submit an application.
Can You Apply in Any Language?
Yes.
The residency is open to writing in all languages.
However, the application itself must be submitted in English or French. Writing samples or excerpts from current or published work can be submitted in any language.
Can You Apply With Another Person?
Yes.
The Foundation accepts both:
Collaborative projects can involve combinations such as:
For collaborative projects, the Foundation provides a separate cabin to each selected participant.
Important: Can You Bring Your Family?
No.
This is an important point that applicants should understand before applying.
The Foundation states that its residences are not designed to accommodate families, children, or pets.
Therefore, this should not be presented as a family relocation opportunity.
What Documents Do You Need?
The online application asks applicants to provide information about their background and literary project.
You may need to provide:
The application form allows applicants to upload up to two PDF files, with excerpts from current and previous work of up to 10 pages each where available.
How Are Applications Evaluated?
Applications are assessed based on several factors.
The Foundation considers:
For beginners, the quality of the project and the motivation expressed in the application are particularly important.
A panel of experts makes the final selection decisions.
Switzerland Residency 2027 Application Deadline
The application timeline is:
Applications open: 2 June 2026
Application deadline: 31 August 2026
Deadline time: 5:00 p.m. Swiss time
Selection announcement: December 2026
First 2027 residents arrive: Mid-January 2027
The Foundation states that applications must be submitted online and incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply for the Jan Michalski Foundation Residency 2027
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the Jan Michalski Foundation’s residency page.
Step 2: Review the Requirements
Read the eligibility criteria and general terms carefully before starting your application.
Step 3: Prepare Your Writing Project
Develop a clear project proposal explaining:
Step 4: Prepare Your Writing Samples
Select your strongest relevant writing excerpts.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Provide your personal information, biography, education, publications, awards, and project details.
Step 6: Upload Required Documents
Make sure all required documents are attached before submitting.
The Foundation warns that applications cannot be modified or supplemented after submission, so check everything carefully before clicking submit.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your application before 31 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Swiss time.
Official Application Links
🇨🇭 Jan Michalski Foundation – Official Residency Page
Visit the official residency page
📝 2027 Online Application Form
🏠 Jan Michalski Foundation – Official Website
Visit the Jan Michalski Foundation
Why You Should Consider This Opportunity
The Jan Michalski Foundation Residency is particularly attractive because it combines:
For someone working on a serious literary project, the opportunity to spend several weeks or months in a dedicated writing environment can be extremely valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Switzerland Residency Program 2027 fully funded?
The Jan Michalski Foundation provides substantial support, including return travel costs, private accommodation, a CHF 400 weekly allowance, breakfast and lunch, library access, and other facilities.
Who can apply?
The residency is open to writers and literary creators of all nationalities and ages. Beginners are also accepted.
Do I need to be a published author?
Not necessarily. Beginners are eligible to apply, and their projects are assessed based on literary quality and motivation.
What is the deadline?
The deadline for the 2027 residency is 31 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Swiss time.
How long can I stay?
Applicants can request a residency of two weeks, one month, two months, or three months.
Can I bring my children or family?
No. The Foundation states that the residences cannot accommodate families, children, or pets.
Can I apply if I am from Africa?
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions. The Foundation’s current residents include writers from countries around the world, including African countries. For example, Nigerian writer and visual artist Tarfa Benson has been a Jan Michalski resident, and Angolan writer Israel Campos is among the Foundation’s 2026 residents.
What language should the application be written in?
The application must be completed in English or French, while submitted writing excerpts may be in any language.
Final Thoughts
The Jan Michalski Foundation Residency 2027 is a remarkable opportunity for writers who need dedicated time, financial support, and an inspiring environment to develop a literary project.
With no nationality or age restrictions, beginners are welcome, and selected residents receive accommodation, travel support, meals, a CHF 400 weekly allowance, library access, and other facilities.
However, this is a competitive literary residency, not a general work or immigration program. Applicants should focus on submitting a strong literary project and clearly explaining why the residency would help them complete or advance their work.
If you’re eligible and have a serious writing project, make sure you complete your application before 31 August 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Swiss time.
Good luck with your application!
