Switzerland Visa for Indians: Types, Eligibility Criteria & Application Process

There are four different Switzerland visa types for Indians. So, Indians can apply for any one of tourist visas, business visas, family/friend visas, or employment visas. However, details concerning those are provided below –

• Tourist Visa: Citizens of India who wish to travel to Switzerland need to apply for a tourist visa.
• Business Visa: Anyone who comes to Switzerland on business must apply for a business visa and receive clearance from the Swiss immigration office to obtain one.
• Family/friend Visit Visa: A person must apply for a family/friend visit visa if they are travelling to Switzerland at the request of a family member or friend.
• Employment Visa: A person needs to apply for an employment visa if they want to live and work in Switzerland.

When you arrive at the Swiss port of entry, you must comply with some Switzerland visa requirements if you are a visitor from outside the EU/EEA:

• A travel permit or passport issued during the last ten years is valid for at least three months beyond your anticipated date of exit from Schengen.
• A visa, if you are required to have one by Swiss law.

The Swiss border guard may interrogate you about your journey to Switzerland in addition to your documents, such as -

• Why are you travelling to Switzerland?
• How much time do you plan to spend in Switzerland?
• Where will you be residing in Switzerland? And others

Apart from these, prospective travellers must learn about Switzerland visa information from the official website, as the requirements are subject to change.

The Switzerland visa documents required for application are –

• An original Indian passport, valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Switzerland.
• Two 35x45 mm pictures with a white background and a matt finish.
• Application for a visa, adequately completed.
• A cover letter that includes the itinerary.
• Tickets for flights showing entry and exit from Switzerland.
• A copy of your travel insurance policy for Switzerland.
• Booking confirmations for hotels or Airbnb in Switzerland.
• Your trip schedule while in Switzerland.
• Three years of income tax returns.
• The last three months’ salary slip.
• A bank statement for the last six months. 

Also, if you frequently travel to Switzerland, some additional document requirements are –

• An invitation letter from your Swiss relatives or friends.
• Passport photocopy.
• The previous six-month bank statement.

• You can apply for a Swiss visa in person or via a booking agent at the Switzerland Visa Application Centre in New Delhi.
• Note that any request sent by mail or courier is not accepted. So, it is mandatory for you to bring the necessary documentation.
• Thirdly, set up an appointment at the visa application centre.
• In your application, be sure to select the appropriate visa category.
• Lastly, during the day of your interview, visit the embassy. Wait for the stamp after paying the fees.

Apart from the mandatory requirement, the high cost of living also demands international travel insurance. This is because the generally high cost of living in Switzerland is one of the most frequent grievances made by visitors. These costs include necessities like bottled water, meals, lodging, etc. So, travel insurance for Switzerland guarantees you will compromise none of your plans because it will protect you from all unanticipated events.

Leading travel insurance policy providers cover numerous needs such as loss of passport, medical assistance, emergencies, luggage delay, trip cancellation, etc.

So, to apply for a visa for Switzerland, it is essential to keep all the documents ready so that the official can process your request fast. Additionally, providing proper documents also abates the chances of your visa rejection. Besides, it is advisable to opt for travel insurance, as it will give you peace of mind and halt the unnecessary monetary flow during misfortunes.