Switzerland Business Visa For Indian Passport Holders

More commonly known as the Switzerland Schengen business visa, this category of the Schengen C visa is issued for individuals visiting the country for the purpose of engaging in business in Switzerland. It is issued for a stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and can be available as a single-entry type, double-entry type, and multiple-entries. Being a Schengen permit, you are allowed to travel through the Schengen area with this permit.

• Indian Citizenship: Applicable to all Indian citizens.
  
  
• Business Purpose: The primary reason for the visit must be for business.
  
  
• Sponsorship: Can be sponsored by a Swiss company or self-sponsored.
  
  
• Financial Means: Must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the stay.
  
  
• Return Intent: Must show intentions to return to India after the visit.

Mandatory Documents

• Valid Indian Passport:
  
  
• At least six months' validity from the planned departure date from Switzerland.
• Must have at least two blank pages.
  
  
• Completed Application Form:
  
  
• Download from the Swiss Government Website or pick up from VFS Global.
• Fill, print, sign, and date the form.
  
  
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos:
  
  
• Two recent, identical photos.
• Meet the Swiss Government's Photo Requirements.
  
  
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:
  
  
• Proof of onward or return ticket, or
• Travel agency's booking confirmation.
  
  
• Travel Health Insurance:
  
  
• Covering at least €30,000 for medical and hospital expenses, including repatriation.
• Valid for all Schengen countries.
  
  

Business-Related Documents

• Invitation Letter from the Swiss Company:
  
  
• Clearly stating the purpose, duration, and responsibility for your expenses.
• Including the company’s registration number.
  
  
• Proof of Business Activity in India:
  
  
• Registration certificate of the company.
• Income Tax Return (ITR) or a letter from a chartered accountant.
  
  
• Proof of Financial Means:
  
  
• Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approximately CHF 100 per day for the duration of stay).
• Sponsorship letter if the trip is sponsored.
  
  

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• For Employees:
  
  
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer.
• Salary slips for the last three months.
  
  
• For Company Owners/Directors:
  
• Proof of position in the company.
• Company’s financial statements (if requested).

4.1 Check Visa Requirements

• Objective: Confirm the necessity of a visa and comprehend the prerequisites.
  
  
• Steps:
  
  
• Visit the Official Swiss Government Website:
  
  
• URL: www.eda.admin.ch
• Navigate to the "Visa" or "Entry Requirements" section.
  
  
• Use the Visa Checker Tool (if available):
  
  
• Some official government websites offer tools to check visa requirements based on nationality, purpose, and duration of stay.
  
  
• Verify the Following:
  
  
• Visa Type: Ensure you're checking requirements for a "Short Stay Visa (Type C) for Business Purposes".
  
  
• Nationality: Confirm the requirements for Indian citizens.
  
  
• Stay Duration: Verify the rules for your intended stay period (up to 90 days within a 180-day period for Schengen visas).
  
  
• Latest Updates: Note any recent changes in visa policies or requirements.
  
  

4.2 Gather Documents

• Objective: Collect all necessary documents as outlined in the checklist.
  
  
• Steps:
  
  
• Refer to the Detailed Checklist (provided earlier in our conversation):
  
  
• Mandatory Documents
• Business-Related Documents
• Additional Documents (If Applicable)
  
  
• Ensure Each Document Meets the Specifications:
  
  
• Validity: Check expiration dates for passports, IDs, and health insurance.
• Format: Verify the required format for digital documents (e.g., PDF, JPEG).
• Language: Ensure documents are in English, German, French, or Italian, or attach official translations.
  
  
• Organize Your Documents:
  
  
• Use a folder or envelope to keep all documents tidy and in order.
• Consider making photocopies of all documents, in case requested.
  
  

4.3 Fill the Application Form

• Objective: Accurately complete and sign the visa application form.
  
  
• Steps:
  
  
• Obtain the Application Form:
  
  
• Download from the Swiss Government Website: www.eda.admin.ch
• Pick Up from VFS Global or the Swiss Embassy/Consulate: If preferred or required.
  
  
• Fill Out the Form:
  
  
• Use a Computer (Recommended): Type your answers for clarity.
• Handwritten (If Necessary): Ensure legibility with block letters.
• Answer All Questions: Unless marked as optional.
• Select the Correct Visa Type: Short Stay Visa (Type C) for Business Purposes.
  
  
• Sign the Form:
  
  
• Original Signature Required: No digital signatures.
• Date the Form: Same day as signing, or the day of submission if different.
  
  
• Review and Edit (If Necessary):
  
  
• Check for Completeness: Ensure all sections are filled.
• Verify Information Accuracy: Double-check names, dates, and numbers.
  
  

4.4 Submit Your Application

• Objective: Successfully submit your visa application.
  
  
• Submission Methods:
  
  

Through VFS Global:

• Find Your Nearest VFS Global Center:
  
  
• Visit www.vfsglobal.com/switzerland/india/ for locations.
  
  
• Submit In Person:
  
  
• Appointment (Recommended): Book in advance to minimize wait times.
• Walk-in (If Available): Check with the center for availability.
  
  
• Through a Trusted Acquaintance (If Permitted by VFS Global):
  
  
• Authorization Letter Required: From the applicant, authorizing the representative.
• Representative’s ID: Will be required for verification.
  
  

Directly at the Swiss Embassy/Consulate:

• Only If Specifically Required or in Certain Cases:
  
  
• Check the Swiss Government Website or contact the Embassy/Consulate to confirm.
  
  
• Make an Appointment:
  
  
• Compulsory: To manage the flow of applicants
  
• Submit Your Application:
  
• In Person: Appear at the scheduled time with all documents.
  
  

4.5 Pay the Visa Fee

• Objective: Successfully pay the required visa fee.
  
  
• Steps:
  
  
• Check the Current Fee:
  
  
• Approximately €80 for adults (subject to change).
• Free for children under 6, and reduced fee for children between 6-12 years.
  
• Payment Methods:
  
  
• Cash (At VFS Global, If Accepted)
• Credit/Debit Card
• Demand Draft (In Favor of the Swiss Embassy/Consulate, If Submitting Directly)
  
  
• Obtain a Payment Receipt:
  
  
• Proof of Payment: Required for your records and potentially for the application.
  
  

4.6 Provide Biometric Data

• Objective: Successfully provide biometric data, if required.
  
  
• Steps (For First-Time Schengen Visa Applicants):
  
  
• Check If Biometrics Are Required:
  
  
• Usually for first-time Schengen visa applicants.
  
  
• Procedure:
  
  
• Fingerprint Scanning: Of all ten fingers.
• Facial Image Capture: A digital photograph.
  
  
• Exemptions:
  
  
• Children Under 12
• Persons for Whom Fingerprinting Is Physically Impossible
• Heads of State or Government and Members of National Governments
  
  

4.7 Track Your Application

• Objective: Monitor the status of your visa application.
  
  
• Methods:
  
  
• Online Tracking:
  
  
• VFS Global Website: Use the reference number or passport number to track.
• Swiss Government Website (If Available): For applications submitted directly.
  
  
• Contact the Submission Center:
  
  
• Phone: Call the VFS Global center or Swiss Embassy/Consulate.
• Email: Send an inquiry to the respective contact email.
  
  
• Track via SMS (If Offered by VFS Global):
  
• Registration: During the submission process, opt for SMS updates.

• Current Fee (Subject to Change): Approximately €80 for adults.
  
  
• Payment Methods:
  
  
• Cash (at VFS Global, if accepted)
  
  
• Credit/Debit Card
  
  
• Demand Draft (in favor of the Swiss Embassy/Consulate, if submitting directly)

• Standard Processing Time: Typically 10-15 working days.
  
  
• Urgent Processing (Subject to Approval):
  
  
• Reduced processing time (usually 2-5 working days).
  
  
• Additional fee (check with VFS Global or the Swiss Embassy/Consulate for the current rate).

• Notification: You will be informed if an interview is necessary.
  
  
• Preparation:
  
  
• Review your application and supporting documents.
• Prepare to discuss your business plans and financial situation.
  
  
• Attendance: Appear at the scheduled time with all required documents.

• Collection Point: As specified during application submission.
  
  
• Required Documents:
  
  
• The receipt issued by VFS Global or the Swiss Embassy/Consulate.
  
  
• A valid government-issued ID.

• Apply Early: To account for any unforeseen delays.
  
  
• Double-Check Documents: Ensure all documents meet the specified requirements.
  
  
• Stay Updated: Check the official Swiss government or VFS Global websites for the latest information.

• Swiss Government Website: www.eda.admin.ch
  
  
  
• VFS Global for Switzerland in India:
  
  
• Website: www.vfsglobal.com/switzerland/india/
• Helpline: As listed on the VFS Global website
  
  
  
• Swiss Embassy in New Delhi:
  
  
• Address: Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
• Phone: +91 11 4995 9500
• Email: newdelhi@eda.admin.ch
  
  
  
• Consulate General of Switzerland in Bengaluru/Mumbai:
  
  
• Refer to the Swiss Government Website for contact details.
  
  

Need more clarity on the Switzerland business visa? Check out helpful resources below

Switzerland Visa Requirement
Switzerland Tourist Visa Requirement
Switzerland Work Visa Requirement
Switzerland Visit Visa Requirement
Switzerland Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection