Switzerland Visa - Definitive Guide

Officially known as the Swiss confederation, Switzerland is one of the most popular countries in Europe, and in fact the entire world. The Alpine country is famous for its chocolates, cheese, watches, banks, and of course, the Swiss Alps. The Switzerland visa lets you visit the country to engage in various activities.

What is Switzerland Visa?

The Swiss visa is an endorsement required to enter the country for whatever purpose it may be. Issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, this permit is only required if you are not a national of other Schengen countries or the visa-exempt nations. Since India does not come under this, to enter Switzerland, you would need a Switzerland visa from India.

How to Apply for Switzerland Visa?

The applications for the short term visa for Switzerland from India is done through VACs (Visa Application Center). However, the long term categories must be applied directly to the embassy. The application, however, is done offline as there is no online visa application for Switzerland from India. Before starting the application, ensure that you check if you are eligible for the particular category you are applying for. After that, you may proceed with the application as follows -

Obtain all the documents as per the document checklist for the exact visa type.
Visit the website of the VAC, or the Embassy of Switzerland and download the application form.
Fill in the Switzerland visa application form with all the relevant details and then print it.
Proceed to book your appointment at the VAC. You can do this by visiting the online portal of the VAC.
Visit the respective VAC with the documents, completed application form, and the fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here.

Keep in mind that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen visa in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, you may send your application through a third party, provided that they carry a letter of authorization signed by you.

Also, note that you must submit only original and genuine documents. Providing fake documents or incorrect information can lead to a Schengen visa rejection.

Switzerland Visa Types

Based on the purpose of the visit and the permitted duration of stay, the Swiss permit can be classified into the following -

Switzerland Schengen visa - Also known as the short term Schengen C category, it is issued for a stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose of visit, these can further be divided into -
Tourist - These are issued to people who are visiting Switzerland for the purpose of taking part in tourism-related activities
Business - This type of permit is issued for businessmen who are travelling to Switzerland for engaging in business activities such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, etc.
Visitor - This category is for people entering the Swiss confederation for the purpose of visiting their family members or friends residing in the country.
Incentive tour - This special category is issued for people who have to travel to Switzerland as an incentive for special achievements.
Study - These are issued for individuals entering Switzerland for taking part in short term studies that last fewer than 90 days.
Switzerland national visa - Also known as the long term D category, these permits are required when your stay duration is for more than 90 days and up to 1 year. Based on the purpose of the visit, these can be divided into the following types.
Study - This type is issued for individuals taking part in studies in Switzerland that last longer than 90 days.
Work - This is issued for people taking part in work and other employment activities in Switzerland.
Family reunification - This is issued for people who are visiting Switzerland to reunite with their family members in the country and live with them.

Documents Required for Switzerland Visa

The following are the list of general documents you must have along with your visa application. However, note that based on the exact type of your visa, there are specific documents required.

A valid passport-

1. It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
2. It should not be older than 10 years.
3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
A covering letter -
1. This must include the applicant's details.
2. It should clearly mention the source of funds.
3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland.
Flight reservation for round trip
Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings/invitation to stay/residence bookings, etc
Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
Proof of occupation -

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc

Financial documents -

Financial documents such as bank statements of past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

Switzerland Visa Photo Requirements

Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
Colour: Coloured
Head must occupy the central position
Must be captured within the last 3 months
Background: Solid, plain white or grey
80% face coverage
Neutral expression
Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
Headgears - only for religious reasons
Facial hair - permitted

Switzerland Visa Processing Time

The processing time for the Swiss permit is dependent on the exact type of the permit, the validity of the visa, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. In normal conditions, it takes around 7-10 working days from the date of the application to process the application. However, this can even take longer in certain extreme cases. As a result, it is strongly recommended that you must apply for it well in advance.

Switzerland Visa Fees

The Switzerland Schengen visa fees for Indian citizens depends on factors such as the exact type of the permit, the embassy decision, as well as the currency exchange rates. Apart from the application fees, you will also have to pay the biometric charges, service charges by the VAC, as well as any delivery charges. As a result, you must confirm the exact amount before starting the application.

Entry	Purpose	Stay Duration	Validity	Fees
Multiple entry Normal	Religious	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Religious	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Business	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Tourist	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Study	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Study	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Work	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Scientist	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Work	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Scientist	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Dependant	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Dependant	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Semen	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Seamen	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Transit	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Semen	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Seamen	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Sports	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Sports	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Business	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Transit	90 days	3 months	6690.0
Multiple entry Normal	Tourist	90 days	3 months	6690.0

Switzerland Visa Status

You can do the Switzerland visa status check online by clicking here an entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also check your Switzerland visa application status by contacting your travel agency and have the track it for you.

Where to Apply for Switzerland Visa?

The application for the short term permits has to be made at a VAC. Which will then be sent to the Embassy of Switzerland for processing. However, applications for the long term permit can only be accepted by the embassy directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I extend my Switzerland Visa?

To extend your Swiss visa, you must apply for an extension at the respective authority in Switzerland before the date of expiry of your current permit. However, note that the short term categories cannot be extended under normal circumstances. They may be granted only in cases of extreme conditions such as a Force Majeure or other humanitarian reasons. If you are unable to extend, you must leave Switzerland immediately.

What is the medical test for a Switzerland Visa?

There are no mandatory medical test requirements for the Swiss short term permits. However, the Switzerland National visa and residence permits may require certain tests depending on the individual type. Either way, it is advised that you get a medical checkup done before travelling to a foreign country.

How Much Bank Balance is required to get a Switzerland Visa?

As per the regulations, there is no exact amount of funds you must possess in order to get a Swiss permit. As per the requirements, you must show that you have a steady and stable bank account and that you have enough money to cover your expenses in Switzerland. Depending on the applied stay duration, you must have enough funds for the entire duration. These include expenses such as food, accommodation, travel, etc.

How many days before the trip should I apply for a Switzerland Visa?

The normal processing time for the Swiss visa is around 7-10 working days excluding the transit time taken for the applications to reach the Embassy. As a result, it is suggested that you apply well in advance. You must apply before a sufficient number of days in advance. However, the Swiss embassy strictly will not accept applications that are more than 3 months before the expected day of travel.