Switzerland Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines

Situated in western, central and southern Europe, Switzerland is one of the most developed countries in the world. It is officially known as the Swiss Confederation and ranks at the top globally, in several metrics of national performance.

The country has an area of 41,285 km2 and a population of 8,508,898. It does not have an official capital, but the city of Bern is its de jure capital. Its two largest cities Zürich and Geneva are global cities and economic centres.

Switzerland is a founding member of the European Free Trade Association; however, it is not part of the European Union. It joined the Schengen Area in 2008 since when on, world travellers can enter its territory with a Schengen visa.

Fun fact: Switzerland has not been involved in any wars since 1815!

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Switzerland?

You will need a short-stay visa to enter Switzerland and any other member country of the Schengen zone, if you belong to one of the following categories:

• You are a citizen of a developing nation with which the Schengen member states have not yet concluded a visa liberalization agreement.
• You are the national of a third-world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were previously rejected from entering Switzerland or any other Schengen country.

Please note that these visas permit you to stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you need a visa to stay in Switzerland for a longer period, apply for a Swiss National Visa instead.

What Documents Are Required for a Switzerland Visa Application?

As a traveller in need of a visa, you will have to meet several Switzerland visa requirements in order to complete your application. The statutory Switzerland visa requirements are as follows:

• Swiss visa application form. Complete the form with correct information in compliance with the information in the rest of the documents. Here you can easily learn how to fulfil the form without any mistakes!
• Two passport photos. The photos should be identical and comply with the photograph requirements for the Swiss Schengen visa application.
• Your national passport. Valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date, no older than 10 years, and containing at least two blank pages.
• Copies of your previous visas. If you have ever held a visa to Switzerland, the Schengen territory or another country in the world, provide the embassy/consulate with copies of those visas.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A document that shows you have a booked flight, to enter and leave Switzerland. This document should specify flight numbers, dates, and your details.
• Proof of accommodation. I.e. hotel reservation in Switzerland
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Switzerland. You must be able to attest owning at least 100 CHF or 92.34€/day on your disposition during your stay in Switzerland, while, in case you are a student this amount reduces to 30 CHF or 27.70€/day.
• A cover letter. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to visit Switzerland, how long you plan to stay, when will you leave and other details.
• Schengen travel visa insurance. Purchase travel medical insurance valid for Switzerland and the whole territory of the Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.

Travel health insurance policies for foreigners travelling to Switzerland that fulfil Swiss Schengen Visa requirements can be purchased online from Europ Assistance or Mondial Care. Both companies are accepted by Swiss authorities worldwide. 

UK residents, please read: How to Apply for a Switzerland Visa in the UK?
US residents, please read: How to Apply for a Switzerland Visa in the US?

Additional Swiss Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status

The additional Switzerland visa requirements depending on your occupational status are as follows:

If employed:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement for the latest 6 months
• Leave permission from the employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form

If self-employed:

• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement for the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

If a student:

• Proof of enrollment
• No-objection certificate from school or university
• Advertisements

If retired:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If applicable:

• Proof of regular income generated by a property, for the last 6 months

Note: A NOC (No-objection certificate) can be issued either by your employer or education institution.

Additional Swiss Visa Requirements for Minors

Minors applying to get a short-stay visa to Switzerland, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Swiss Visa Requirements in their application file:

• Birth certificate of the minor travelling to Switzerland.
• Switzerland application form signed by both parents.
• Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody of the child.
• Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents
• If the minor will be travelling alone with another person:
  • An original and copy of the accompanying person’s passport pagecontaining the holder’s data, expiry date, a recent photograph and a valid visa copy.
  • A notarized parental authorization to travel to Switzerland, signed by both parents/guardians

*Note: When applying at the Swiss embassy/consulate in the home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their underage children.

Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Switzerland

According to your purpose of entry to Switzerland, you will need to provide some additional documents. Following find the additional Switzerland visa requirements based on your purpose of travelling to Switzerland.

Switzerland Airport Transit Visa Requirements

If you need to land at a Swiss airport in order to wait in the international area of the airport for a connecting flight that will take you to your non-Schengen destination country, you will need to apply for a Switzerland Airport Transit Visa.

When applying to obtain a Switzerland Airport Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A valid visa (if needed) for the final country one is travelling to.
• The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to.

Required Documents for a Switzerland Visitor Visa

When applying for a visa to visit family members and/or friends in Switzerland, you should submit:

• Proof of invitation by the relative/friend residing in Switzerland, inviting you to visit.
  • Invitation letter from your host in Switzerland with a copy of their passport and/or residence permit for Switzerland.

Switzerland Business Visa Requirements

You wish to go to Switzerland for business purposes and will stay no longer than 90 days you should apply for a Business Schengen Visa to Switzerland.

When applying to obtain a Swiss Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Invitation letter from the inviting company/organization in Switzerland with their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit.
• Proof of business ties with inviting company
• A letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be travelling to Switzerland.
• Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Switzerland, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

Switzerland Study Visa Requirements

If you are planning to travel to Switzerland in order to attend a study course, training or internship that will last less than three months, then you are eligible to apply for a Schengen Study Visa to Switzerland.

When applying to get a Swiss Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable).
• Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Switzerland, the establishment of origin and the trainee.

Switzerland Medical Visa Requirements

If you are planning to travel to Switzerland to receive health treatment, as medical therapies, to undergo surgery, etc., then you will have to apply for a Switzerland Medical visa prior to your trip.

When applying to get a visa to receive medical care in Switzerland, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Original letter from a local doctor stating diagnosis with a medical report.
• Confirmation from the Swiss hospital/doctor stating agreement to treat patient and expected duration of treatment with an estimate of costs.
• Proof of advance payment of 50 % – receipt from Swiss hospital/doctor.

Switzerland Cultural/Sports/Religious Events Visa Requirements

If you plan to travel to Switzerland for the sole purpose of attending an event related to culture, sports or religion or as a part of a film crew, then you will need to apply for a Switzerland Cultural/Sports/Religious Events Visa.

When applying to get a Swiss visa under the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Switzerland you must provide the following additional documents:

Journeys undertaken to attend sports events:

• Original letter from sports association/federation.
• Proof of sporting ability. I.e. CV, world rankings, trophies, an invitation to the national team, national caps, evidence of personal records, etc.

Journeys undertaken to attend cultural events:

• Evidence of participation in cultural events:
  • For recording: studio contract & transfer slip for the first instalment of studio fees.
  • For festivals or concerts: detailed concert schedule, a contract stating duration and payment.
  • For lessons: contract stating duration and payment.
• Introductory letter, musician card and proof of musical activities/performances.

Journeys undertaken for Film Crew:

• Letter from Film Company – specifying title, synopsis and shooting locations of the film.
• Complete list of names of travelling crew members along with their roles.
• Letter from an agency in Switzerland confirming arrangements for film permits.
• Certificate of registration with Association of Motion Pictures.

Switzerland Visa for Spouse of Swiss National Requirements

If you are the spouse (husband/wife) of a Swiss national, and you wish to come to Switzerland for a short-term visit, then you will need to apply for a special visa established solely for this category of visa applicants.

When applying to get a Swiss visa as the spouse of a Swiss national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Proof of Swiss citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Swiss nationality or naturalization order).
• Swiss marriage certificate.
• Swiss family record book.

Switzerland Visa for Official Visit Requirements

If you are planning to travel to Switzerland as part of an official delegation representing the government of your country, an organization or another institution you will need to apply for a Swiss Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations.

When applying to get a Swiss visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:

• The official invitation copy.
• Evidence about the purpose of the journey (negotiations, meetings, events by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).

How to Apply for a Swiss Short-Stay Visa?

In order to complete the application process to obtain a short-stay visa to Switzerland, you must follow these steps:

1. Figure out which visa type you to enter Switzerland.
2. Check out where you need to submit your visa application.
3. Complete the application form for a Swiss short-stay visa.
4. Collect the documents required for a Switzerland visa.
5. Make a visa appointment.
6. Attend the interview at the appropriate Swiss Embassy/Consulate/VAC.

After completing the steps listed above, wait for the processing of your visa application.

Where to Apply for a Swiss Short-Stay Visa?

Where you need to apply depends a lot on how the Swiss authorities in your country of residence, have regulated visa admission.  Based on that, you may have to apply at one of the following Switzerland representative diplomatic bodies in your country of residence:

• The Swiss Embassy
• A Swiss consulate
• A Visa Application Center to which Switzerland has outsourced visa submission
• The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Switzerland has outsourced visa submission

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Swiss Embassy/Consulate/VAC?

If Switzerland is the only country you plan on visiting within the Schengen Area, you should apply to the Switzerland representative body responsible for visa admission, located in your country of residence.

On the other hand, if you will visit more Schengen states, submit your application at the Swiss Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if

• You will be spending more days in Switzerland, than in the other countries.
• You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Switzerland.

In addition, you will be permitted to file a Switzerland short-stay visa application at a Swiss Embassy / Consulate / VAC only if you are a:

• A citizen of the country from where you are applying.
• A foreign citizen on a permanent/temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying.

You cannot apply for a short-stay Swiss visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Swiss Visa?

The processing time for a Switzerland short-stay visa may take up to 15 days. Still, according to your specific situation, this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptional cases may take up to 60 days, since the Swiss embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.

To avoid any delay in the issuance of your Swiss short-stay visa, you should submit your application as soon as possible, though not earlier than three months before you travel to Switzerland.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Swiss Visa?

The Ordinance on fees under the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals (SR 142.209) and the Visa Code stipulate the fees to be collected. The amounts are payable in the currency determined by the Swiss representation.

Swiss Short Term Visa Fees at a Glance:

* The applicable visa fee in USD (US Dollar) is as per the current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.

The fee for the visa is due at the time the application is submitted and is not refundable. If you withdraw the application or it is rejected the fee will not be reimbursed.

The Swiss representation reserves the right to adapt the amounts of the fees at any time in relation to exchange rate fluctuations.

How Long Can We Stay in Switzerland Without a Visa?

If you are the national of a country that has not yet signed a visa-free agreement with the Schengen countries, you will be unable to enter Switzerland, or any other country (aside from transiting).

Whereas, if you are the national of a visa-exempt country, then you will be able to enter and remain in Switzerland and the other Schengen states for a maximum of 90 days, within a 6-month period.

IMPORTANT:Make sure you are familiar with the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule. Do not break this rule, not even for a day, or you might pay a price. The consequences of overstaying are shown here.

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Switzerland?

Yes, you can extend your Swiss Schengen visa, but only in exceptional caseswhere new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Switzerland, i.e. humanitarian reasons or force majeure. Here is the list of the Migration Office of each canton, where you can apply for an extension of your stay in Switzerland:

• Argovie (AG) – Migrationsamt Kanton Aargau
• Appenzell Rhodes-Intérieures (AI)
• Appenzell Rhodes-Extérieures (AR)
• Bâle-Campagne (BL) – Amt für Migration
• Bâle-Ville (BS) – Sicherheitsdepartement BS Dienste
• Berne (BE) – Migrationsdienst des Kantons Bern
• Fribourg (FR) – Service de la population et des migrants
• Genève (GE) – Office cantonal de la population
• Glaris (GL) – Fachstelle für Migration
• Grisons (GR) Amt für Polizeiwesen – Fremdenpolizei GR
• Jura (JU) – Service de la population
• Lucerne (LU) – Amt für Migration des Kantons Luzern
• Neuchâtel (NE) – Service des migrations – Section séjour et établissement
• Nidwald (NW) – Amt für Justiz Migration
• Obwald (OW) – Amt für Arbeit Obwalden – Abteilung Migration
• Saint-Gall (SG) – Ausländeramt des Kantons St. Gallen
• Schaffhouse (SH) – Kantonales Ausländeramt
• Soleure (SO) – Amt für öffentliche Sicherheit des Kantons Solothurn
• Schwytz (SZ) – Amt für Migration
• Tessin (TI) – Sezione dei permessi e dell’ immigrazione
• Uri (UR) – Amt für Arbeit und Migration – Abteilung Migration
• Valais (VS) – Service cantonal de l’état civil et des étrangers
• Vaud (VD) – Service de population – Secteur Etrangers
• Zoug (ZG) – Amt für Migration
• Zurich (ZH) – Migrationsamt des Kantons Zürich

Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Switzerland to understand in what circumstances and under what conditions you can extend your Swiss Schengen Visa.

Can My Swiss Schengen Visa Be Revoked?

Yes, your Switzerland visa can be revoked, in case the competent Swiss authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.

If you are in Switzerland when the decision on the revocation of your visa happens, you will be given a deadline to leave Switzerland. If you do not leave Switzerland or the territory of Schengen within this period, you will then be considered an illegal resident in Switzerland.

Please note that the failure of the visa holder to provide the border officer, with the entry requirements, may also lead to a decision to annul or revoke the visa, though not automatically.