Switzerland Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union (EU), but it is part of the Schengen Area. This means Indian citizens applying for a visa to Switzerland must follow Schengen visa regulations. Whether traveling for tourism, business, study, or work, obtaining the right visa is essential for a smooth entry into the country.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type Based on Your Travel Purpose

Reflection Questions:

• What is the primary purpose of my trip to Switzerland? (Select one)

• Tourism/Sightseeing
• Business Meetings/Conferences
• Studying
• Employment
• Family Reunification
• Cultural/Sports Events
• Transit
• Other (Specify)

• Will my stay be short-term (up to 90 days) or long-term (over 90 days)?

Visa Type Selection Based on Purpose:

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Common Documents for All Visa Types:

• Valid Indian Passport (at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
• Completed and Signed Visa Application Form (see Step 3)
• Recent Photos (as per Schengen specifications: 35x45mm, white background)
• Travel Health Insurance (covering at least €30,000, valid for the Schengen Area)
• Proof of Financial Means (e.g., bank statement, income certificate)
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans

Additional Documents by Visa Type:

• For Tourism/Business:
• Proof of Accommodation
• Invitation Letter (for Business)

• For Study:
• Admission Letter
• Proof of Language Proficiency

• For Work:
• Work Permit
• Job Offer
• Proof of Qualifications

• For Family Reunification:
• Proof of Family Relationship
• Residence Permit of Family Member

Check the Swiss Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global website for specific requirements.

Step 3: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

Source:

• Download from the Swiss Embassy/Consulate website.
• Download from VFS Global (if applying through them).

Form Requirements:

• Fill the form electronically and then print it, or print and fill it out by hand using capital letters.
• Sign the form in the designated area.
• Ensure all information matches your passport.
• Attach a recent photo to the form (if not uploading electronically).

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Option 1: In Person at the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate General in Mumbai/Bengaluru

Address:

• New Delhi: Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Mumbai: Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021
• Bengaluru: Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru - 560001
• Phone/Email: Check the official website for contact information.

Option 2: Through a Registered Agent

• Ensure the Agent is Authorized by the Swiss Embassy/Consulate.
• Provide the Agent with All Required Documents.

Option 3: Via VFS Global (authorized service provider for visa applications)

• Website: www.vfsglobal.com/switzerland/india/
• Centers in India: Check the VFS Global website for locations.
• Appointment Scheduling: Recommended to book an appointment in advance.

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data at the Submission Center

Who Needs to Provide Biometric Data:

• All first-time applicants.
• Applicants whose biometric data are not valid (i.e., data provided more than 59 months ago).

Biometric Data Collected:

• Fingerprints (all fingers).
• A digital photo.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Fees (subject to change, check for current rates):

• Schengen Visa for Adults: €80 (approximately INR 7,200, depending on the exchange rate).
• Children between 6-12 years: €40 (approximately INR 3,600).
• Children under 6 years, Family Members of EU/EEA Nationals, and Others: Exemptions may apply.

Payment Methods:

• Cash (at the Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global, if accepted).
• Credit/Debit Cards (check with the submission center for accepted cards).
• Bank Drafts (in some cases, check for acceptance).

Step 7: Wait for the Visa Decision

Processing Time:

• Typical: 15 calendar days.
• Maximum: Up to 30 or 60 days in exceptional cases.

Check Status:

• Online: Through the VFS Global website (if applied through them).
• Phone/Email: Contact the Swiss Embassy/Consulate directly.

Step 8: Collect Your Passport with the Visa (if Approved)

Collection Options:

• In Person: At the Swiss Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global.
• Courier Service: If available, for an additional fee.

Ensure to Check:

• Visa Approval: Verify that your visa has been approved.
• Visa Details: Confirm the visa type, duration, and travel dates match your application.

• Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond intended stay
• Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed
• Photographs: As per Schengen specifications (35x45mm, white background)
• Travel Insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000
• Financial Proof: Bank statements, ITR, salary slips (if applicable)
• Travel Itinerary: Flight and accommodation bookings
• Employment Proof: Job contract, employer letter (for work visas)
• Academic Documents: University admission letter, fee receipt (for study visas)

• Fees vary based on visa type (refer to Step 6 above).
• Payment accepted via cash, credit/debit cards, or bank draft.

• Normal processing takes 15 days.
• Some applications may take up to 30 or 60 days.
• Track status via the VFS Global website or by contacting the embassy.

• Incomplete documentation: Ensure all required documents are submitted.
• Insufficient funds: Provide a strong financial record.
• Unclear travel purpose: Clearly explain your visit purpose.
• Past visa violations: Follow all visa conditions in previous visits.

• Schengen Visa holders: Can travel to other Schengen countries.
• Long-term visa applicants: Must register with Swiss authorities upon arrival.
• Medical Insurance: Mandatory for all travelers.

• Switzerland Embassy in India: Official website for visa guidelines
• VFS Global Switzerland: Application tracking and appointment booking
• Schengen Visa Official Site: Latest updates on Schengen rules

Need more clarity on Switzerland? Check out helpful resources below

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