Switzerland Work Visa for Indians

About Switzerland Work Visa

Switzerland's reputation for stability, advanced infrastructure, and rich cultural traditions make it a standout destination in Europe. Before we learn about it, let's look at some basic facts about Switzerland.

Documents Required for a Switzerland Work Visa for Indians

Gathering all the necessary documents is important when applying for a Switzerland Schengen Business visa (C) to ensure a smooth application process. Below is a summary of the key documents you'll need.

• Passport: It must have been issued within the past 10 years and have a minimum validity of three months beyond the return date. It must also have two blank pages. Handwritten passports and those with observations on the biodata pages are not accepted.

• Passport Size Photo: A recent photo (within 6 months) with-
  • White backdrop
  • The photo is 35-40 mm wide.
  • Paste this photo on the application. You cannot staple it or pin it.
• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed. If a third person is applying, their authorisation must be included.
• Previous Passports: If applicable, previous passports should be bound together with a rubber band, not stapled.
• Introduction Letter from Employer: An original letter printed on the company's letterhead, signed and stamped by HR or a director. It should detail your position, service duration, trip dates, purpose, and if the employer covers expenses.
• Invitation Letter From the Business Partner: An invitation from the Swiss business partner with full details (name, address, email, phone). This letter should include invitee details, trip dates, purpose, and a detailed schedule of meetings or training.
• Travel Insurance:
  • Proof of travel insurance with a coverage of EUR 30,000 or CHF 50,000 at least.
  • The insurance should cover medical expenses and repatriation for the stay in the Schengen Area.
  • For longer visas, coverage for the first trip is sufficient.
• Flight Reservation: A reservation showing the names of all travellers.
• Proof of Financial Status: Originals in A4 format with bank stamp and signature.
• Requirements vary based on employment status:
  • Employed: Employment contract, last 3 months' salary documents or slips, bank statements, and personal ITR from the last 2 years.
  • Self-employed/Company Owner: Business registration documents, bank statements from the last 3 months, and personal and company ITR from the last 2 years.
  • Retired: Pension bank statements from the last 3 months and proof of regular income from property or business.
• Funds: You must have funds equal to CHF 100 or EUR 100 per day of your stay in Switzerland if you are covering your own travel costs.
• Visas for Third Countries: If travelling to another country after Schengen, provide photocopies of visas for the UK, USA, or Canada. Also, include a photocopy of the passport's first and last pages.
• Visa Refusal Notice: If applicable, submit the refusal notice or notes explaining any visa refusals by the embassy or high commission in the last 2 years.

Documents Required for Switzerland Long-stay Visa (D)

The documents required for a Switzerland Long-stay Visa (D) for employment depend on the duration of your proposed stay. For a Switzerland work visa for up to 120 days, you need the same documentation mentioned in the above summary.

• Valid National Passport: Must be issued within the past 10 years with a validity of a minimum of three months beyond the return date, with 2 blank pages. Handwritten passports and those with observations on the biodata pages are not accepted.
• Passport Size Photos as per Switzerland Work Visa Photo Requirements: Four recent photos (within 6 months) with a white backdrop, measuring 35 to 40 mm in width. Three photos should be pasted on the application form, and the fourth should be clipped to the last page of the passport. You cannot staple or pin photos. For guidelines, visit ICAO Photograph Guidelines.
• Visa Application: Three completed and signed Switzerland visa application forms. If someone else is applying on your behalf, include their authorisation.
• Previous Passports: If applicable, previous passports should be bound together with a rubber band, not stapled.
• Introduction Letter from Employer: Two copies (one original and one copy) of a letter on company letterhead. The letter should detail your position, duration of employment, trip dates, purpose, and whether the employer will cover expenses.
• Invitation Letter from Swiss Business Partner: Two copies (one original and one copy) with the inviter's full details (name, address, email, phone number). The letter should include the invitee's details, trip dates, and purpose.
• Evidence of Financial Status: Two copies of documents in A4 format, with a bank stamp and signature. Requirements vary based on employment status:
• Employed: Employment contract, last 3 month salary slips, and bank statements. Personal ITR (ITR-V or Acknowledgement) for the past 2 years.
• Self-employed/Company Owner: Business registration documents, last 3 months' bank statements, and personal and company ITR for the past 2 years.
• Retired: Pension bank statements for the last 3 months and proof of regular income from property or business.
• Visas for Third Countries: Two photocopies of the visa to Schengen countries, UK, USA, or Canada (if any), and photocopies of the passport's first and last pages.
• Visa Refusal Notice: If applicable, provide the refusal notice or a note explaining if the embassy or high commission refused a visa in the last 2 years.
• Visa Fee: Payment of the applicable visa fee.

When applying for a Switzerland work permit with authorization, ensure you have all the required documents prepared and submitted. Here is a comprehensive list:

• Passport: Must be issued within the past 10 years with a validity of a minimum of three months beyond the return date, with 2 blank pages. Handwritten passports and those with observations on the biodata pages are not accepted.
• Passport Size Photos as per Switzerland Work Visa Photo Requirements: Two recent photos (within 6 months) with a white backdrop, measuring 35 to 40 mm in width. One photo should be pasted on the top right corner of the authorization letter, and the other should be clipped to the last page of the passport. You cannot staple or pin the photos.
• Authorization Letter: A copy of the authorization letter granting permission to enter Switzerland.
• Photocopies of Passport Pages: Two photocopies: one of the first page (bio-data) and one of the last page of the passport.
• Visa Fees: Payment of the applicable visa fees.

Types of Switzerland Work Visa

Here's a table summarising the Switzerland work visa types, their descriptions, and validity:

How to Apply for a Switzerland Work Visa

The Swiss embassy in New Delhi, India has authorised VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd to process the Switzerland work visa applications. Here are the steps explaining how to apply for a Switzerland work visa:

1. Obtain Employer Authorisation: Your employer must secure the necessary permissions to employ foreign workers in Switzerland. The employer will coordinate with the relevant cantonal authorities in Switzerland to acquire these authorisations.
2. Choose the Correct Visa Type and Gather Documents: Determine the appropriate visa category for your situation and collect all required documents according to the Switzerland work visa requirements.
3. Complete the Application Form and Schedule an Appointment: Fill out the visa application form and book an appointment through the VFS Global website, which is the authorised partner of the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi.
4. Attend the Appointment: Go to the scheduled appointment to submit your documents and provide biometric data.
5. Wait for Processing: After submission, wait for your application to be processed by the authorities.

Switzerland Work Visa Fee

Here is a table outlining the Switzerland work visa fees that you have to pay with your application.

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Track the Status of a Switzerland Work Visa?

You can track your Switzerland work visa status through VFS Global. To check the status of your Switzerland work visa, follow these steps:

1. Go to the VFS Global Website: Access the official VFS Global website.
2. Track Your Application: Click on the 'Track Your Application' option.
3. Enter Your Details: Input the required information, including your visa application number, last name, and the captcha code.

Submit and View Status: Click 'Submit' to view the current Switzerland work visa status.