Visa For Switzerland

>Overview

Tourism in Switzerland is a delight of skiing, snow-walking, gorging on chocolates and cheeses and of course, swaying in the Alps. The best time to visit Switzerland is from June to August. Switzerland tourism is thriving now more than ever thanks to its temperate climate, stunning locales, good food and progressive economy. Switzerland Tourism includes must-see spots like the Alps and Rhone, delicious cheeses and chocolates and so much more.

Type Of Visa:

Tourist Visa:

Tourist visa is applicable in case you are travelling for tourism purposes.
This visa is given for travel period up to 90 days.

Business Visa:

Business visa is applicable in case you are travelling for business purposes.
This visa is given for travel period of less than 90 days .This visa will be issued for business purpose only; for gainful professional activities (even if the work is not financially rewarded) you have to apply for a work permit.

Visit Visa:

Visitor visa application is applicable in case you are travelling for visiting family or friends.
This visa is given for travel period of less than 90 days.

People who can Apply for a Visa to Switzerland

Tourists:

People who wish to travel Switzerland for Holiday and Recreation purpose or other non-business related activities.

Businessmen:

Any person travelling to Switzerland for the purpose of doing business, attend conference, Seminar needs to apply for a business visa and get an approval for the same from the Swiss immigration department.

Family members:

If a person is visiting Switzerland on the invitation of a family member or friend, then he or she has to apply for a family/friend visit visa.

WHEN CAN APPLY:

 Tourist Stream:

People who wish to travel Switzerland for Holiday, Recreation or Private purpose can apply 6 months in advance of departure.

Business Stream:

For visa applicants attending business meeting, or conference in Switzerland, the local contact must be from a Swiss registered business entity and also received Business Invitation from sponsor or an approval for the same from the Swiss immigration department.

 Visit Visa Stream:

Once you have received an Invitation from any immediate family members in Switzerland or friends, you will be eligible for Visitor visa.
You can apply six months before from your departure.

DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURIST:

1. Visa application form

2. Valid Passport
Issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return, with at least two blank pages
Handwritten passports as well as passports with observations regarding the front page (bio data) cannot be accepted.

3. Photographs
White background, not older than 6 months (size 35 – 40 mm in width, not copied or scanned picture)
1st picture pasted on the application – 2nd picture has to be clipped on the last page of the passport, stapled or pinned pictures cannot be accepted

4. Old Passport, if any

5. Self-Cover Letter
Original letter with travel plan is needed
If the applicant is submitting the applications of his/her family, then all applications must include a copy of the covering letter

6. Introduction letter:
Original letter has to be on a business letterhead from the employer/company
The letter has to be signed and stamped by HR or directorate mentioning your position and the duration of your service
“No objection statement” regarding the planned trip to Switzerland/Schengen States. o The dates and purpose of the trip

7. Travel Insurance:
Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro / 50,000 USD / 50,000 CHF per person

8. Flight reservation:
With names of all travelers
If applicable proof of intra-Schengen flight, train itinerary or car rental

9. Proof of accommodation in Switzerland / Schengen states:
Confirmation of hotel reservation, package tour, advance payments

10. Proof of financial status:
All documents have to be originals, in format A4, with stamp and signature of Bank.

If employed:

1. Last 3 months salary slips and last 3 months salary bank account statements
2. Last 3 months personal bank account statements
3. Personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years

For self-employed and/or company owner:

1.  Business registration certificate / GST Registration with annex A & B / Partnership Deed / Proof of proprietorship or other proof of ownership
2.  Last 3 months personal and business bank account statements
3.  Company’s and personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years

For retired:

1. Personal pension bank statement for the last 3 months
2. Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business
3. For Students or Unemployed:
4. Parents or legal guardians must provide their personal bank statements for the last 3 months
5. 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 copy of their passports

Families:

1. The visa applications have to be submitted together, only the head of family needs to attach bank statements, personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted), travel insurance (mentioning all the names of the insured), flight booking (mentioning all the names of the travelling family members), all the hotel confirmations (if all the rooms are under the same booking and under the name of the head of the family) .
2. 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.

Students above 16-year old:

1. Copy of the student college ID card and introduction letter of the School/College/University
2. Children under 18 years old, not travelling with both parents:
   a. Written consent letter of the other, non-travelling parent or legal guardian, certified by public notary
3. Children under 18 years old, travelling alone:
   a. Written consent letter of both parents or legal guardian, certified by public notary
   b. In all cases: copies of the passports of both parents (legal guardian) or PAN cards or driving license
   c. If you have been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission in the last 2 years:
   d. Refusal notice or a written explanation about the reasons of refusal

DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR BUSINESS:

1. Visa application form

2. Valid Passport
Issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return, with at least two blank pages
Handwritten passports and passports with observations regarding the front page (bio data) cannot be accepted

3. Photographs
White background, not older than 6 months (size 35 – 40 mm in width, not copied or scanned picture)
1st picture pasted on the application – 2nd picture has to be clipped on the last page of the passport, stapled or pinned pictures cannot be accepted

4. Old Passport if any

5. Introduction letter from the employer:
On a business letterhead
Original, signed & stamped by HR or directorate mentioning your position, duration of your service, the dates and purpose of the trip and if your expenses are being covered by the employer/company

6. Invitation letter from the business partner in Switzerland:
With full details of the inviter: full name, address, Email-ID and telephone number.
Original or copy, signed & stamped, mentioning the invitee details, the dates and purpose of the trip with detailed schedule of the business meetings or trainings (day to day schedule).

7. Travel Insurance
Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro / 50,000 USD / 50,000 CHF per person

8. Flight reservation
With names of all travelers

9. Accommodation proof

10. Proof of financial status:

All documents have to be originals, in format A4, with stamp and signature of Bank.

If employed

1. Proof of employment: employment contract & last 3 months salary slips & last 3 months salary bank account statements
2. Personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years
3. If self-employed and/or company owner:
4. Business registration certificate / GST Registration with annex A & B / Partnership Deed / Proof of proprietorship, or other
5. proof of ownership.
6. Last 3 months personal & business bank account statements.
7. Company’s & personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years.

If retired:

1. Personal pension bank statement for the last 3 months.
2. Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.
3. 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.
4. If you have been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission in the last 2 years:
5. Refusal notice or a written explanation about the reasons of refusal

DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITOR/FAMILY VISIT

1. Visa application form
2. Valid Passport
Issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return, with at least two blank pages
Handwritten passports and passports with observations regarding the front page (bio data) cannot be accepted.
3. Photographs
White background, not older than 6 months (size 35 – 40 mm in width, not copied or scanned picture)
1st picture pasted on the application – 2nd picture has to be clipped on the last page of the passport, stapled or pinned pictures cannot be accepted.
4. Old Passport, if any
5. Personal covering letter:
a). Original letter with travel plan
b). If the applicant is submitting the applications of his/her family, then all applications must include a copy of the covering letter

6. Introduction letter:
a. Original letter has to be on a business letterhead from the employer/company.
b. The letter has to be signed and stamped by HR or directorate mentioning your position and the duration of your service.
c.“No objection statement” regarding the planned trip to Switzerland/Schengen States. o The dates and purpose of the trip
7. Invitation letter from the host in Switzerland:
With full details of the inviter; full name, address, Email-ID and telephone number
The invitation letter has to be in original or a clear copy, dated and signed, mentioning names of all the invitees, the duration of stay, the relationship and the purpose of the invitation, along with a copy of the passport or identity card, OCI and residential permit.
8. Travel Insurance:
Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro / 50,000 USD / 50,000 CHF per person
9. Flight reservation:
a. With names of all travelers
b. If applicable proof of intra-Schengen flight, train itinerary or car rental
c. Proof of financial status:
d. All documents have to be originals, in format A4, with stamp and signature of Bank

For employed:

1. Last 3 months salary slips and last 3 months salary bank account statements.
2. Last 3 months personal bank account statements.
3. Personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years.

If self-employed and/or company owner:

1. Business registration certificate / GST Registration with annex A & B / Partnership Deed / Proof of proprietorship or other proof of ownership.
2. Last 3 months personal and business bank account statements.
3. Company’s and personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years.

If retired:

1. Personal pension bank statement for the last 3 months
2. Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.
3. If Student or Unemployed:
4. Parents or legal guardians must provide their personal bank statements for the past 3 months.
5. 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 copy of their passports. No financial proof from the host is required.

For Families:

1. The visa applications have to be submitted together.
2. Only, the head of the family needs to attach bank statements, personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted), travel insurance (mentioning all the names of the insured), flight booking (mentioning all the names of the travelling family members) and an invitation letter from Switzerland
   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.

Students above 16-year old:

1. Copy of the student college ID card and an introduction letter of the School/College/University.
2. Children under 18 years old, not travelling with both parents:
3. Written consent letter of the other, non-travelling parent or legal guardian, certified by public notary. Children under 18 years old, travelling alone
4. Written consent letter of both parents, or legal guardian, certified by public notary
5. In all cases: Copies of the passports of both parents (legal guardian) or PAN cards or driving license.
6. In case you have been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission in the last 2 years, a Refusal notice or a written explanation about the reasons of refusal should be submitted.