Switzerland Visa for Indians

About Switzerland Visa

The stunning landscapes of Switzerland attract millions of Indian tourists each year. Many also move there to study or for employment. To visit the country, you will need to apply for a Switzerland visa. Before we dive into the Switzerland visa requirements, here are some interesting facts about Switzerland that you will find interesting.

Features of Switzerland Visa

Here are some key features of the Switzerland visa.

• Schengen Visa: A Schengen visa allows you to visit Switzerland and all the other 25 other European countries that are a part of the Schengen area.
• Travel Insurance: For a Schengen visa, you need to have a travel insurance policy that covers at least EUR 30,000. The policy should cover your emergency medical treatment, repatriation, and hospitalisation.
• Multiple Entries: A Schengen visa that allows you to enter Switzerland multiple times.

Documents Required to Apply for a Switzerland Visa

Before applying for a Switzerland visa, Indian travellers must ensure they have all the necessary documents according to Switzerland visa requirements. While specific requirements may vary based on the visa type and individual circumstances, the following documents are commonly required:

Here's a table outlining the typical documents required for applying for a Switzerland visa from India:

Documents Required for Switzerland Work Visa

If you want to work in Switzerland, you need to obtain a work visa. Here are some additional documents you will need to submit in that case.

1. Letter of introduction- A letter from your employer in Switzerland with details of your job position, duration of stay, and expenses being covered by the employer.
2. Invitation - An invitation letter from your company's business partner in Switzerland along with their business and contact details.
3. Proof of financial means- Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Switzerland.
4. Authorisation- Submit the original authorisation or a copy of the authorisation given by the cantonal authority.

Documents Required for Switzerland Student Visa

Are you going to Switzerland as a student? Here are some additional documents you need to keep ready for your student visa application.

1. Letter of acceptance- An official acceptance letter from a recognised educational institution in Switzerland. Also, provide proof of the payment of your university fees.
2. Proof of financial means- Bank statements or sponsorship letters showing sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses in Switzerland.
3. Academic degrees proof- Copies of academic transcripts and certificates from previous educational institutions.
4. Proof of language proficiency- Evidence of proficiency in the language of instruction (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or language course certificates).
5. Cover letter and CV- Statement of purpose outlining your academic goals, study program details, and reasons for studying in Switzerland. Also, provide your CV with the letter.

Switzerland Visa Types

Switzerland offers various visa categories to cater to different travel purposes and durations. Some of the common Switzerland visa types available to Indian travellers include:

Who Can Apply for a Switzerland Visa?

Before you learn how to apply for a Switzerland visa, make sure that you are eligible for it. Here are some general Switzerland visa requirements you need to fulfil.

• You have a valid reason for travelling to Switzerland, such as tourism, business, education, work, or family visit.
• You possess a valid passport with a validity that exceeds your intended stay in Switzerland. The passport must have at least two blank pages for visa endorsements.
• You must have sufficient financial means to cover the cost of your stay in Switzerland, including stay, transport, meals, and other expenses.
• You must have travel health insurance coverage valid in Switzerland for the duration of your stay. It should cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation.

How to Apply for a Switzerland Visa?

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Switzerland visa from India:

1. Determine the Type of Visa: Identify the type of visa you need based on the purpose of your travel to Switzerland.
2. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen visa type, including passport validity, financial means, health insurance, and other requirements.
3. Complete the Switzerland Visa Application Form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. You can apply online through VFS Global for a Schengen visa.
4. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents required for your visa application, such as passport, passport-sized photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, etc. Make sure that your photos comply with Switzerland visa photo requirements.
5. Schedule an Appointment: Use the VFS website to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application and attend any required interviews.
6. Attend Appointment: On the scheduled date, visit the Swiss embassy or consulate in India with all required documents and attend your appointment.
7. Pay Switzerland Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa fee at the embassy or consulate.
8. Biometric Data Collection: Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) at the visa application centre, if required.
9. Wait for Processing: Wait for your visa application to be processed. Switzerland visa processing time may vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications.

Switzerland Visa Fees

The Switzerland visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. Applicants are required to pay the visa fee in Swiss Francs (CHF) or the equivalent amount in Indian Rupees (INR) at the prevailing exchange rate.

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Check Switzerland Visa Status?

Switzerland visa processing time usually takes around 10-15 days. Once a decision is made about your visa application, you will receive an email from your visa application centre. If you want more detailed information, you can choose to get updates through SMS on your phone. However, make sure that your visa application centre provides this service.

If you want to track your Switzerland visa status online, you can follow these steps:

If you have applied for a student visa or work visa directly through the embassy, the embassy does not provide information during the processing time.