• Visa application (completed and signed by the holder of the passport submitted)
• National passport valid at least 3 months beyond the date of return, with available pages for visa
• Copy of the valid visas (if any)
• Your previous passport if available.
• Clear photocopy of the first and last page of the passport.
• 2 new passport sized photographs (size 35-40mm in width, no copy or scanned photograph; close-up 80% of the photograph).
• A covering letter on a business letterhead from your employer/company stating your position and the length of your service and no objection certificate for the planned trip to Switzerland/Schengen countries, mentioning the dates and the purpose of the trip.
• If an applicant is submitting the applications of his/her family, then all applications must have a copy of the covering letter.
• Evidence of sufficient financial means and proof of accommodation in Switzerland/Schengen Countries (e.g. hotel confirmation, bookings of the entire stay, receipt of paid package tour). A copy of the confirmed return ticket to India or confirmation of reservation.
• A copy of the confirmed return ticket to India or confirmation of reservation.
• Visas for UK and U.S.A to be obtained first in case the applicant visits any of these countries before Switzerland/Schengen Countries.
• Personal & company’s Income Tax Returns for last 2 years
• Latest 3 months personal & company’s bank statements
• Business registration certificate/Partnership Deed/Proof of proprietorship.
• For employees: Latest 3 months salary slips and salary bank account statements.
• For children (under 18 years of age) travelling alone, an authorisation letter signed by both parents with their passports or a notarised affidavit signed by both parents is required.
• A copy of the identity card and no objection certificate from the school, institute or college for the planned trip to Switzerland mentioning the dates of the trip.
• A copy and original marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages of the concerned State, duly legalised by the competent State Home Ministry or names of spouses endorsed on the passports.
• If you have been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission in the last 2 years: Refusal notice or a written explanation about reason for trip and refusal is to be submitted.
• Overseas Medical Insurance policy.
• Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro per person
• Coverage of all expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and / or emergency hospital treatment
• The insurance has to cover the entire stay in Schengen territory.
• Applicants who wish to apply for a six months or one year multiple entry visa are not obliged to provide a 365 (180) day coverage. It will be sufficient to submit an insurance policy covering the first journey. In addition to that a declaration for covering further journeys accordingly needs to be filled and signed by the applicant.
• Processing time is minimum 7 to 10 working days.
• The visa is processed through VFS in New Delhi.

For visitors: Apart from the above mentioned documents, an Invitation Letter by the Host in Switzerland mentioning the name of the Applicant/s , the duration of their stay and taking guarantee of expenses, should be provided. A copy of the Host's Swiss passport or (if he/ she is not a Swiss) Residence Permit and Indian passport (first & last page) should also directly be sent to the Embassy by fax. (Fax No.91-11-26870652).

Family Visit: A Guarantee form, issued by the Embassy should be sent to the Sponsor in Switzerland. He/ she needs to approach the Cantonal Police for Foreigners for the visa. If approved, the Authorities will send the approval directly to the Embassy. A copy will be sent to the Sponsor. Visa is issued according to the confirmation of entry and exit on the air ticket and according to valid neighbouring visas. Processing time is 3 working days.

Honeymoon couples: The original Marriage Certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages of the concerned State and duly legalized by the competent State Home Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs is needed. Alternatively, the names of spouses should be endorsed in the passports. The Wedding Invitation Card as well as 5 marriage photographs with couple and family (will be returned) are also to be submitted along with the visa application.

For Events: An Invitation by the Event Host in Switzerland mentioning the Name of the Applicant, the duration of his/ her stay and guaranteeing to bear the expenses (if it be the case) is required. One such copy is to be attached with application and another should be directly sent to the Embassy by fax by the Invitee in Switzerland.

• Visa application (completed and signed by the holder of the passport submitted)
• National passport valid at least 3 months beyond the date of return, with available pages for visa sticker and of ”standard” quality (not damaged, torn, faded, etc.)
• Your previous passport if available.
• Clear photocopy of the first and last page of the passport.
• Copy of the valid visas (if any).
• 2 new passport sized photographs (size 35-40mm in width, no copy or scanned photograph; close-up 80% of the photograph). One photograph should be pasted on the form and the other photo to be given along with the application. Stapled or pinned photographs would not be accepted.
• A letter from your employer stating your position, your length of service, the reason for your visit and, if your expenses are being covered by your employer.
• A copy of the invitation letter from the host organisation on its business letterhead has to be sent directly to the embassy on +91 11 26870652 or by e-mail at visa@ndh.rep.admin.ch.
• Visas for UK and U.S.A to be obtained first in case the applicant visits any of these countries before Switzerland/Schengen Countries.
• If you have been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission in the last 2 years: Written explanation about reason for trip and refusal.
• Overseas Medical Insurance policy
• Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro per person
• Coverage of all expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and / or emergency hospital treatment
• The insurance has to cover the entire stay in Schengen territory.
• Applicants who wish to apply for a six months or one year multiple entry visa are not obliged to provide a 365 (180) day coverage. It will be sufficient to submit an insurance policy covering the first journey. In addition to that a declaration for covering further journeys accordingly needs to be filled and signed by the applicant.
• A copy of the confirmed return ticket to India or confirmation of reservation.
• Personal and company’s Income Tax Returns (for the last 2 years) and bank statements for the latest 3 months.
• For employees: salary slips, salary bank account statements (latest 3 months) and personal income Tax Returns for the last 2 years.
• Business correspondence.
• Qualification certificates, company’s registration, partnership deed, proof of proprietorship etc.
• Processing time is minimum 7 to 10 working days.
• The visa is processed through VFS in New Delhi.

NOTE: Nationals holding a valid authorisation to live in Schengen Countries or EFTA States, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino do not require a Schengen visa.

Indian nationals do not need an airport transit visa if:

• They have a valid Indian passport and a valid Visa or residence permit for Andorra, Canada, United States of America, Monaco, San Marino or a member state of the European Union or an EFTA country.
• If they are holders of Diplomatic or Official Indian passports.
• They do not leave the transit area.
• They continue their journey within 48 hours.
• They are in possession of a valid airline ticket to the final destination.
• They are in possession of the required documents to enter their country of destination.
• They have made the relevant reservations before arrival.

• Visa application (completed and signed by the holder of the passport submitted).
• National passport valid at least 3 months beyond the date of return, with available pages for visa sticker and of ”standard” quality (not damaged, torn, faded, etc.).
• Copy of the valid visas (if any).
• Your previous passport if available.
• Clear photocopy of the first and last page of the passport.
• 2 new passport sized photographs (size 35-40mm in width, no copy or scanned photograph; close-up 80% of the photograph). One photograph should be pasted on the form and the other photo to be given along with the application. Stapled or pinned photographs would not be accepted.
• A covering letter on a business letterhead from your employer/company stating your position and the length of your service and no objection certificate for the planned trip to Switzerland/Schengen countries, mentioning the dates and the purpose of the trip.
• If an applicant is submitting the applications of his/her family, then all applications must have a copy of the covering letter.
• Evidence of sufficient financial means.
• A copy of the confirmed return ticket to India or confirmation of reservation.
• Visas for UK and U.S.A to be obtained first in case the applicant visits any of these countries before Switzerland/Schengen Countries.
• Personal & company’s Income Tax Returns for last 2 years.
• Latest 3 months personal & company’s bank statements.
• Business registration certificate/Partnership Deed.
• For employees: Latest 3 months salary slips and salary bank account statements.
• For children (under 18 years of age) travelling alone, an authorisation letter signed by both parents with their passports or a notarised affidavit signed by both parents is required.
• A copy of the identity card and no objection certificate from the school, institute or college for the planned trip to Switzerland mentioning the dates of the trip.
• A copy and original marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages of the concerned State, duly legalised by the competent State Home Ministry or names of spouses endorsed on the passports.
• If you have been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission in the last 2 years: Refusal notice or a written explanation about reason for trip and refusal is to be submitted.
• Overseas Medical Insurance policy.
• Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro per person
• Coverage of all expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and / or emergency hospital treatment
• The insurance has to cover the entire stay in Schengen territory.
• Applicants who wish to apply for a six months or one year multiple entry visa are not obliged to provide a 365 (180) day coverage. It will be sufficient to submit an insurance policy covering the first journey. In addition to that a declaration for covering further journeys accordingly needs to be filled and signed by the applicant.
• They are in possession of a valid airline ticket to the final destination.
• The visa is processed through VFS in New Delhi.

Country is land-locked.

Procedure for Formal Employment:

Securing Employment in Switzerland prior to entry is the necessary first step. The prospective Employer in Switzerland must then apply to the Cantonal Aliens Police for a Work Permit. If such a permit is granted, then an "Assurance of a Residence Permit"

in German: "Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung"

in French: "Assurance d'autorisation de séjour"

in Italian: "Assicurazione di rilascio di un permesso di dimora") is sent to the Employee's address outside Switzerland.

Nationals who require an entry-visa in Switzerland must make an application at the Embassy in New Delhi (if he is a resident of the northern/eastern regions) or at the Consulate in Mumbai (if he is a resident of the western/southern states) at the same time as the Employer applies for the Residence Permit in Switzerland.

• 3 Only Typed written applications forms will be accepted (completed and signed by the holder).
• National passport valid at least 3 months beyond the date of return, with available pages for visa.
• Your previous passport if available.
• 2 copies of the valid visas (if any).
• 4 new passport sized photographs (size 35-40mm in width, no copy or scanned photograph; close-up 80% of the photograph). 3 photograph should be pasted on the three forms and the other photo to be given along with the application. Stapled or pinned photographs would not be accepted.
• 2 sets of the following documents are to be submitted:
• Covering letter on a business/employment letterhead stating that the applicant wishes to take up employment in Switzerland.
• An invitation letter from the company in Switzerland confirming the employment for the applicant.
• Copies of the first and last page of the passport.
• The above documents would be forwarded to the competent Swiss authorities for their decision which could take approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
• The required visa fee of Euro 60 (to be paid in the national currency of the country in which Application is made) and the postal fees INR 300/- INR should be paid in advance by the Applicant while submitting the documents. This amount will not be refunded in case the visa is refused by the competent Swiss authorities.
• After granting a Work Permit an Authorization to issue the entry-visa is sent to the appropriate Swiss Embassy/ Consulate. The Applicant needs to collect said his/ her visa from there.

On entry into Switzerland the following must be produced:

• A valid passport.
• An "Assurance of a Residence permit" or a "Visa for the purpose of Employment" (This procedure also applies to trainees).
• A medical examination might be required upon arrival. Details of timings and addresses are given with the "Assurance of a Residence Permit" or the entry-visa.
• Registration with the Aliens Police must take place within 8 days of arrival, and at all events before starting work.

Please Note: Residence Permits/ Work Permits Switzerland does not use the term "Work Permit" in its traditional sense. The Residence Permit is a combination of both a Residence and a Work permit, entitling the holder to live in a particular Canton and work for a specified Employer

Note: Applications will be accepted directly at the Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi. A language test has to be taken at the Embassy. Therefore student visa Applicants are advised to arrange for an appointment by mailing at visa@ndh.rep.admin.ch

The documents required are:

• Schengen Visa application form, fully completed and signed by the applicant (Type C form for a stay up to 90 days, Type D form if the stay is exceeding 90 days).
• Passport valid at least three months beyond the stay in the Schengen area, with available pages for visa sticker and of "standard" quality (not damaged, torn, faded etc).
• Your previous passports, if available.
• One clear photocopy of good quality of your passport (first & last page).
• One copy of the exit visa, if the applicant intends to go to a country afterwards where an entry visa is needed.
• If there is any observation in the passport (name, gender, date of birth, expiry date, passport no. or spouse name) one clear photocopy of the same.
• Two new passport sized photographs (size 35-40mm in width, no copy or scanned photograph). One photo should be pasted on the form and the other photo to be given along with the application. Stapled or pinned photographs would not be accepted.
• A copy of the confirmed return ticket to India or confirmation of reservation.(if the stay is up to 90 days)
• If you have been refused a visa by an Embassy or High Commission in the last 3 years: Written explanation about the reason for trip and refusal and the copy of refusal from the concerned Embassy or High Commission.
• Travel/ Medical Insurance : (For applicants applying for less than 90 days visa)
• Minimum coverage of 30.000.- Euro per person.
• Coverage of all expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and / or emergency hospital treatment.
• The insurance has to cover the entire stay in the Schengen territory.
• Applicants who wish to apply for a six months or one year multiple entry visa are not obliged to provide a 365 (180)-day-coverage. It will be sufficient to submit an insurance policy covering the first journey In addition to that a declaration for covering further journeys accordingly needs to be filled in and signed by the applicant.
• Two sets of the following are needed: (These documents have to be clipped together (not stapled) in order as mentioned below):
• Complete Curriculum Vitae (Personal Information).
• Acceptance Letter of Enrolment in the School/ College with confirmation of down payment.
• Daily and Weekly Studies Timetable (Total number of hours)
• If available IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Certificate from British Council.
• Type-written declaration by the applicant stating that he/she will return to India on the completion of his/her studies
• Affidavit/covering letter on business letterhead from the sponsor stating that he/she would bear the study expenses.
• Evidence of financial resources (Bank statement/Certificate, Income-Tax papers) of the applicant or the person who sponsors his/her education. Fixed Deposits will not be considered.
• Letter from the bank confirming that the loan (if any) has been sanctioned
• Proof of academic qualification (Certificates, diplomas).
• An invitation letter from the respective host institute EPFL/ETH or university in Switzerland. A copy of the same is to be sent by fax to the Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi on 0091-11-26870652 or by e-mail at visa@ndh.rep.admin.ch directly from Switzerland.
• Copy of the valid visas (if any)
• Copy of the passport (front & last page)
• Evidence of financial means for the total duration of studies. Bank statements should be provided. Fixed Deposits will not be considered.
• A Letter indicating intentions at the end of the studies, the usefulness of the studies in the future and a written commitment to leave Switzerland after the studies.
• Medical Insurance valid for all Schengen countries, covering risks like accident, illness, medical emergency, evacuation and repatriation. The minimum coverage should be € 30,000 (thirty thousand Euros) or its equivalent. Applicants who wish to apply for a 6 month or 1 year multiple entry visa are not obliged obtain coverage for the total period. It will be sufficient to submit an Insurance Policy covering the first journey. A declaration for covering further journeys accordingly needs to be filled in and signed by the applic

Note: Entry visas for students need prior approval from the relevant immigration authorities in Switzerland. The Embassy is not authorised to issue such visas. Therefore, after having made an appointment, the Applicant is requested to come for a personal interview along with the complete application form. Your file will then be transmitted to Switzerland. Since this procedure may take up to 4-6 weeks it is advisable to submit all documents well before the starting of the course .