Switzerland visa documents
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 10/04/2024
Switzerland is known for its picturesque landscapes. Its breathtaking snowclad mountains attract millions of visitors every year. If you are an Indian national looking to visit Switzerland anytime soon, you will need a Switzerland visa for Indian nationals.
Visa processes can be tedious; hence, staying updated about particulars like Switzerland tourist visa documents for Indian nationals and the visa process for Switzerland is crucial. Here are all the details you will need to apply for a visa process for Switzerland.
Switzerland Visa from India – Is it Necessary?
As a member of the Schengen Area, Switzerland allows for the free movement of individuals within its member states without internal border control. However, this also entails that a standardised visa policy is set for all travellers entering the Schengen Zone.
Similarly, all foreign nationals, including Indian citizens, are required to obtain a visa before entering Switzerland. For Indian nationals, the jurisdiction for visa applications falls under the Switzerland representation in New Delhi. Unlike some countries where visa applications can be submitted online, this option is unfortunately not available for Indian nationals.
All applications for a Switzerland visa for Indians need to be submitted in person. Specifically, for stays over 90 days (National Visa D), the application must be submitted directly to the Embassy or consulate of jurisdiction.
On the other hand, applications for Schengen Visas that are up to 90 days can be made to official external services like VFS Global.
Switzerland Visa Requirements – The Different Visa Types and Documents Needed
| Visa Type | Duration | Sub Category |
|---|---|---|
| National Visa | More than 90 Days | Employment |
| National Visa | More than 90 Days | Family Reunion |
| National Visa | More than 90 Days | Education |
| Schengen Visa | Up to 90 Days | Business |
| Schengen Visa | Up to 90 Days | Tourist |
| Schengen Visa | Up to 90 Days | Incentive Tours |
| Schengen Visa | Up to 90 Days | Personal Visit |
| Schengen Visa | Up to 90 Days | Students |
| Schengen Visa | Up to 90 Days | Official Passports |
| Schengen Visa | Up to 90 Days | Family of Diplomatic Passport Holder |
| Airport Transit Visa | - | - |
| Labour / Work Permits | Up to or more than 120 days | - |
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist For National D Visa: Student With A Stay In Switzerland Of More Than 90 Days | |
|---|---|
| A | Valid National Passport |
| 1 | Issuance within the last 10 years. |
| 2 | Needs to have minimum of 3 months of validity after the scheduled return. |
| 3 | Needs to have at least two blank pages. |
| B | 4 Passport Size Pictures |
| 1 | Pictures need to have a white background. |
| 3 | Pictures must not be copied or scanned. |
| 2 | Pictures must be at least 6 months recent. |
| 4 | Pictures presented must be of size 35 – 40 mm in width. |
| 5 | 3 pictures must be pasted on the three application forms. |
| 6 | The 4th picture has to be clipped on the last page of the passport. |
| 7 | Pinned or stapled pictures will not be accepted |
| C | 3 Visa Application Forms |
| 1 | All forms must be completed. |
| 2 | All forms need to be attested by the applicant. |
| 3 | If applicable, all forms require the authorisation of a third person. |
| 4 | If the applicant is a minor: visa application attested by legal guardian/s and if applicable, authorisation of a third person. (evidence of custody of a minor child: divorce papers, death certificate etc.). |
| D | 2 Clear Photocopies Of Valid Schengen, UK, USA Or CAN Visas (If Any). |
| E | 2 Clear Photocopies Of The 1st Page (Biodata) And The Last Page Of The Passport. |
| F | Personal Cover Letter |
| 1 | It needs to be attested and dated by the student, mentioning the following: |
| a. | The reason for pursuing studies in Switzerland. |
| b. | Future plans: professional development intended by the student after finishing their studies in Switzerland. |
| c. | Explanation of how the student is going to benefit from their studies in the future. |
| 2 | Confirmation that the student will leave Switzerland after the completion of the studies. |
| G | An original and a photocopy of the Curriculum Vitae |
| H | Acceptance / Confirmation / Registration Letter From The School, University, etc |
| 1 | Evidence of payment of the Switzerland school/university fee, with relevant bank statement, if applicable. |
| 1 | Evidence of payment of the Switzerland school/university fee, with relevant bank statement, if applicable. |
| I | Evidence Of Academic Degrees |
| 1 | An original and 2 additional sets of coloured photocopies of academic degrees. |
| 2 | Secondary School Examination, Senior Secondary School Examination and University Certificate without any stamps such as “TRUE photocopy”, “NOTARY”, etc. |
| 3 | If applicable, work certificates. |
| 4 | An English language certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS is mandatory. |
| 5 | German, French or Italian language certificates, if available. |
| J | Financial Status |
| 1 | 1 original and 2 additional photocopies of financial status. |
| 2 | Written confirmation letter of the sponsor mentioning the sponsorship with a detailed explanation of the origin of the funds, relationship with the student and a photocopy of their passport (first and last page). |
| 3 | Last 2 assessment years' solvency evidence of the sponsor (Personal ITR: only ITR-V; Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) & bank account statement for the last three months, in A4 format, stamped and attested by the Bank. |
| K | Visa Fee As Applicable | Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Family Reunification With and Without Authorisation |
| A | Valid National Passport |
| B | 4 Passport Size Pictures |
| C | 3 Visa Application Forms |
| D | Previous Passport/s |
| 1 | If any, they need to be bound together with a rubber band and not stapled. |
| E | Personal Cover Letter |
| 1 | 2 original and 2 photocopies of the cover letter from the applicant. |
| F | Invitation Letter |
| 1 | 2 original ad 2 photocopies from the host in Switzerland with full details of the inviter’s name, address, Email-ID and Tel. No. |
| G | Passport & Residence/Work Permit Of Spouse / Fiancé(E) / Parent: |
| 1 | 2 photocopies of the host’s residence/work permit in Switzerland, if applicable. |
| 2 | 2 photocopies of the host’s passport (bio data) and last page. |
| H | Original Marriage Certificate |
| 1 | Has to be issued by the Registrar of Marriages of the concerned State, duly legalised by the competent State Home Ministry and further legalised by the Ministry of External Affairs New Delhi. |
| 2 | 2 photocopies of the marriage certificate have to be provided to the Embassy, the Original will be returned. |
| 3 | Please note, that no Marriage Deed will be accepted by the Embassy |
| 4 | Stamp of entry + exit into India (spouse), if the marriage took place in India, while the spouse was already a resident in Switzerland. |
| I | Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) |
| 1 | 2 original and 2 photocopies issued by the local police station nearest to the place of residence of the applicant or the concerned passport office. |
| J | Original Birth Certificate – Child/Children |
| 1 | If children accompany the applicant; the Original Birth Certificate, is duly legalised by the competent State Home Ministry and further legalised by the Ministry of External Affairs New Delhi. |
| 2 | 2 photocopies of the birth certificate have to be provided to the Embassy, the Original will be returned. |
| K | Visa Fee As Applicable |
Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for a Schengen Visa |
|
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Schengen Visa: Business | |
| A | Valid National Passport |
| B | 2 Passport Size Pictures |
| C | Visa Application Form |
| C | Visa Application Form |
| D | Previous Passport/s |
| E | Introduction Letter From The Employer |
| F | Invitation Letter From The Business Partner In Switzerland |
| G | Travel Insurance |
| H | Flight Reservation |
| I | Evidence of Financial Status |
| J | If the applicant continues to travel to a third country (i.e. UK, USA, Canada etc.) after leaving the Schengen Area, the visa of the next country has to be obtained first. |
| K | Clear Photocopies Of Valid Schengen, UK, USA Or CAN Visas (If Any). |
| L | Clear Photocopies Of The 1st Page (Biodata) And the Last Page Of The Passport. |
| M | Visa Fee As Applicable |
| Switzerland Tourist Visa Requirements for Schengen Visa | |
| A | Valid National Passport |
| B | 2 Passport Size Pictures |
| C | Switzerland Tourist Visa Application Form |
| D | Previous Passport/s |
| E | Personal Cover Letter |
| F | Introduction letter |
| G | Travel Insurance |
| H | Flight Reservation |
| I | Evidence Of Accommodation In Switzerland / Schengen States |
| J | Evidence of Financial Status depending on employment status. |
| K | Clear Photocopies Of Valid Schengen, UK, USA Or CAN Visas (If Any). |
| L | Clear Photocopies Of The 1st Page (Biodata) And the Last Page Of The Passport. |
| M | Visa Fee As Applicable |
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Schengen Visa: Incentive Groups | |
| A | Travel Date |
| B | Itinerary |
| C | Expected Number of Applicants |
| D | Responsible Travel Agency |
| E | Information on Sponsoring Company |
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Schengen Visa: Personal Visit | |
| A | Valid National Passport |
| B | 2 Passport Size Pictures |
| C | Visa Application Form |
| D | Previous Passport/s |
| E | Personal Cover Letter |
| E | Personal Cover Letter |
| F | Introduction letter |
| G | Invitation letter from the host in Switzerland |
| H | Travel Insurance |
| I | Flight Reservation |
| J | Evidence Of Financial Status |
| K | Clear Photocopies Of Valid Schengen, UK, USA Or CAN Visas (If Any). |
| L | Clear Photocopies Of The 1st Page (Biodata) And the Last Page Of The Passport. |
| M | Visa Fee As Applicable |
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Schengen Visa: Student | |
| A | Valid National Passport |
| B | 2 Passport Size Pictures |
| C | Visa Application Form |
| D | Previous Passport/s |
| E | Personal Cover Letter |
| F | Introduction letter |
| G | Acceptance/confirmation/registration letter from the school, university, etc |
| H | Evidence Of Academic Degrees |
| I | Travel Insurance |
| J | Flight Reservation |
| K | Evidence Of Financial Status |
| L | Clear Photocopies Of Valid Schengen, UK, USA Or CAN Visas (If Any). |
| M | Clear Photocopies Of The 1st Page (Biodata) And the Last Page Of The Passport. |
| N | Visa Fee As Applicable |
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Schengen Visa for Official Passport holders | |
| A | Valid National Passport |
| B | 2 Passport Size Pictures |
| C | Visa Application Form |
| D | Original Note |
| 1 | From the MEA, the Government of India, the respective Embassy or International Organization mentioning the purpose of the travel, the name of the responsible organisation and the duration of the stay. |
| E | Clear photocopies of the 1st page (bio data) and last page of the passport. |
| F | Visa Fee As Applicable |
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Schengen Visa for Family of Diplomatic Passport Holder | |
| A | Valid National Passport |
| B | 2 Passport Size Pictures |
| B | 2 Passport Size Pictures |
| C | Visa Application Form |
| D | Original attested Note |
| 1 | On the letterhead of the diplomatic passport holder, stating details of accompanying family members, their purpose of visiting Switzerland and their planned duration of the trip. |
| E | Travel Insurance |
| F | Clear photocopies of the 1st page (bio data) and last page of the passport. |
| G | Visa Fee As Applicable |
Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for a Work Permit |
|
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Work Permit Up to or More Than 120 Days | |
| A | Valid National Passport |
| 1 | Issuance within the last 10 years. |
| 2 | Needs to have minimum of 3 months of validity after the scheduled return. |
| 3 | Needs to have at least two blank pages. |
| B | 4 Passport Size Pictures |
| 1 | Pictures need to have a white background. |
| 2 | Pictures must be at least 6 months recent. |
| 3 | Pictures must not be copied or scanned. |
| 4 | Pictures presented must be of size 35 – 40 mm in width. |
| 5 | 3 pictures must be pasted on the three application forms. |
| 6 | The 4th picture has to be clipped on the last page of the passport. |
| 7 | Pinned or stapled pictures will not be accepted |
| C | 3 Visa Application Forms |
| 1 | All forms must be completed. |
| 2 | All forms need to be attested by the applicant. |
| 3 | If applicable, all forms require the authorisation of a third person. |
| D | Previous Passport/s |
| 1 | If any, they need to be bound together with a rubber band and not stapled. |
| E | Introduction Letter From The Employer |
| 1 | 2 original ad 2 photocopies of the covering letter from the employer/company on a business letterhead. |
| 2 | The letter must mention the applicant’s position, the duration of service, the dates and purpose of the trip and if the employer is covering expenses. |
| F | Invitation Letter From The Business Partner In Switzerland |
| 1 | 2 original and 2 photocopies. |
| 2 | The letter must contain full details of the inviter: full name, address, Email ID and telephone number. |
| 3 | The letter must mention the invitee details, the dates and the purpose of the trip. |
| G | Travel Insurance |
| 1 | Any insurance from the list of approved Indian travel insurances mentioned here. |
| 1 | Any insurance from the list of approved Indian travel insurances mentioned here. |
| 2 | Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro / 50,000 USD / 50,000 CHF per person. |
| 3 | Coverage of all expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment. |
| 4 | The insurance has to cover the entire stay in the Schengen territory. |
| 5 | Applicants who wish to apply for a six-month or one-year multiple-entry visa are not obliged to provide 180 (365) days of coverage. It is sufficient to submit an insurance policy covering the first journey. |
| H | Flight Reservation |
| 1 | The reservation must be under the applicant's name. |
| H | Flight Reservation |
| 1 | The reservation must be under the applicant's name. |
| I | 2 photocopies of The evidence of Financial Status |
| 1 | All documents have to be originals, in format A4, with the stamp and signature of the Bank. |
| a | If employed |
| 1 | Evidence of employment: employment contract & last 3 months' salary slips & last 3 months' salary bank account statements. |
| 2 | Last 2 assessment years' personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) |
| b | If self-employed and/or company owner |
| 1 | Business registration certificate / GST Registration with annexes A & B /partnership deed/evidence of proprietorship, or other evidence of ownership. |
| 2 | Last 3 months' personal & business bank account statements. |
| 3 | Last 2 assessment years' company & personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) |
| J | 2 Clear Photocopies Of Valid Schengen, UK, USA Or CAN Visas (If Any). |
| K | 2 Clear Photocopies Of The 1st Page (Biodata) And the Last Page Of The Passport. |
| L | If the applicant has been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission in the last 2 years, please provide the Refusal Notice or a written explanation about the reasons for refusal. |
| M | Visa Fee As Applicable |
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Work Permit Up to or More Than 120 Days With Authorisation | |
| A | Valid National Passport |
| 1 | Issuance within the last 10 years. |
| 2 | Needs to have minimum of 3 months of validity after the scheduled return. |
| 3 | Needs to have at least two blank pages. |
| B | 2 Passport Size Pictures |
| 5 | 1 picture needs to be pasted on the top right-hand corner of the authorisation letter. |
| 6 | The other picture has to be clipped on the last page of the passport. |
| 1 | Pictures need to have a white background. |
| 2 | Pictures must be at least 6 months recent. |
| 3 | Pictures must not be copied or scanned. |
| 4 | Pictures presented must be of size 35 – 40 mm in width. |
| 7 | Pinned or stapled pictures will not be accepted |
| C | photocopy Of The Authorisation Letter To Enter Switzerland. |
| C | photocopy Of The Authorisation Letter To Enter Switzerland. |
| D | 2 Photocopies Of The 1st Page (Biodata) And The Last Page Of The Passport. |
| E | Visa Fee As Applicable |
Switzerland Visa Documents Required for Minors
| Switzerland Visa Documents Checklist for Schengen Visa for Minors | |
|---|---|
| A | Valid Passport: |
| (Must be valid minimum of 3 months from the end of the approved duration stay; | |
| Must contain at least 2 blank visa pages.) | |
| Previous passport in original if a new passport has been issued within the last 3 years. | |
| B | Visa application form, which must be completed and properly filled out and attested by the applicant ( in block letters and use black or blue ink only). |
| C | One recent clear and coloured passport-size photo |
| D | photocopy of valid passport (page containing holder’s photo and personal information, important reminders, signature page and other passport information.) |
| E | photocopy of all visas (valid and expired) |
| F | Original + photocopy of Birth Certificate of the minor |
| G | A attested invitation letter as an email attachment (nai.visa@eda.admin.ch) sent directly to the Visa Section by the host/event organiser in Switzerland. |
| H | Evidence of financial resources of the parents: Recent pay slip + a recent certified bank statement for the last 3 months. |
| I | If studying: A attested letter from the school containing the student’s and school's details as well as the parent’s names. |
| J | If the minor travels with a group: a complete list of names of all group members travelling together with the name of the person in charge of the group. |
| K | If either one of the parents is absent or deceased: the application must be supported by the birth certificate or death certificate. |
| L | If travelling with one parent or without parents: A legalised written consent attested letter from both Parents if the minor travels alone or from the parent that is not accompanying the child when travelling, photocopy of passport + National ID Card. |
| M | If a minor has a legal guardian: If the legal guardian is someone else apart from the biological parent as stated in the birth certificate a custody order must be submitted proving legal guardianship + photocopy of passport + National ID Card. |
| N | Computer printout of confirmed trip air travel reservation. |
| O | International travel insurance. |
Switzerland Visa Documents Required Based on Employment Status
| A | If employed |
|---|---|
| 1 | Last 3 months' salary slips and last 3 months' salary bank account statements. |
| 2 | Last 3 months' personal bank account statements. |
| 2 | Last 2 assessment years' personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) |
| B | If self-employed and/or company owner |
| 1 | Business registration certificate / GST Registration with annexes A & B /partnership deed/evidence of proprietorship, or other evidence of ownership. |
| 2 | Last 3 months' personal & business bank account statements. |
| 3 | Last 2 assessment years' company & personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) |
| C | If retired |
| 1 | Personal pension bank statement for the last 3 months. |
| 2 | Evidence of regular income generated by ownership of property or business. |
| D | If a student or unemployed |
| 1 | Last 3 months' personal bank statements of parents and legal guardians. |
| 2 | Personal ITR (Only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years along with a confirmation letter of financial support and a photocopy of their passports. |
Switzerland Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee Category | Approximate Fees | Validity Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry for Work | Adults | ₹7,000 (Effective 01-11-2023) | Up to or more than 120 days |
| Airport transit visa | Adults | (Effective 01-11-2023) | |
| Airport transit visa | Adults | ₹7,000 | - |
| Airport transit visa | Children from 6 to 12 | ₹ 3,500 (Effective 01-11-2023) | |
| Airport transit visa | Children up to 6 years | Free (Effective 01-11-2023) | - |
| National Visa | Adults | ₹7,000 (Effective 01-11-2023) | More Than 90 Days |
| National Visa | Children from 6 to 12 | ₹3,500 (Effective 01-11-2023) | More Than 90 Days |
| National Visa | Children up to 6 years | Free (Effective 01-11-2023) | More Than 90 Days |
| Schengen Visa | Adults | ₹7,000 (Effective 01-11-2023) | Up To 90 Days |
| Schengen Visa | Children from 6 to 12 | ₹3,500 (Effective 01-11-2023) | Up To 90 Days |
| Schengen Visa | Children up to 6 years | Free (Effective 01-11-2023) | Up To 90 Days |
| Schengen Visa | Written objection | ₹18,200 (Effective 01-11-2023) | Up To 90 Days |
[Note: Visa fee amounts are subject to change. Please visit the official portal of the Switzerland Federal Administration for the most up-to-date visa fee amounts before making any payments]
Switzerland Visa Processing Time
Upon submission, visa applications are generally forwarded to Switzerland authorities for assessment. The Embassy issues visas only upon approval by these authorities. The processing time for this procedure can range anywhere between 8 - 12 weeks. However, exact durations vary based on the application type.
Conclusion
To conclude, since the visa process for Switzerland can be lengthy it is essential to pay attention to minor details of the required Switzerland tourist visa documents for Indian nationals.
Planning ahead is crucial when applying for a Switzerland visa due to the potential delays in processing time.
Additionally, investing in reliable overseas travel insurance is paramount when considering the Switzerland tourist visa requirements. We at Tata AIG provide standard coverage and trip cancellation insurance coverage for unexpected changes in travel plans.
Our travel insurance policy also offers tailored coverage to ensure your policy aligns with your financial priorities. Furthermore, with our user-friendly website, you can renew or buy travel insurance online after comparing various packages available on the market.
This ensures that you choose a travel insurance policy that is not only comprehensive but fits all our insurance needs.
Invest in a travel insurance policy with Tata AIG and safeguard all your future endeavours today!
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
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