Who needs an invitation letter for a visa to Switzerland?

Author: Anna Lorrain
Date: 25/03/2025

Are you from a third country and have a family member or Swiss friend who wants to invite you to Switzerland? Or are you being asked to travel to Switzerland for business purposes? This article explains what you need to consider when applying for a Swiss visa for a visit and what the invitation letter for a Swiss visa entails.

What travel document do I need to enter Switzerland?

Citizens of the EU and EFTA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) can enter Switzerland with a recognized identity document (e.g., an identity card). All other nationals need a passport to travel! If you require a visa, you will also need a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland, which is valid for up to 90 days. If you wish to visit family, relatives, or friends in Switzerland, you must apply for a Swiss visitor visa, which additionally requires an invitation letter. The same applies to a business visa for Switzerland.

What must an invitation letter for a Swiss visa include?

First, it is important that the letter is written in one of Switzerland’s official languages, namely German, French, or Italian. If the invitation letter for the Swiss visa is in another language, the relevant visa authority may request a translation. Even though there is no mandatory format for an invitation letter for a Swiss visa and the letter does not need to be certified by an authority, the content is crucial! Only if specific content elements are included can your application for a Swiss visitor visa be approved by the authorities.

How do I write a visa invitation for a foreign guest?

Your invitation letter for a Swiss visa should include the following information:

• A statement from the host confirming they are expecting the applicant
• Complete details (nationality, name, address, date of birth, phone number, and email address) of both the inviter and the visitor
• The duration of the stay
• The date the invitation letter was issued
• The host's signature

Good to know: These are the essential elements of an invitation letter for a Swiss visa. However, it is advisable to provide additional information in the letter. If there is a family relationship between the inviter and the applicant, specify it. Who is visiting? A cousin, uncle, aunt, or grandfather?

The same applies to a friendship! How do you know each other, and for how long? It is also recommended to explain the purpose of the visit: Is your friend coming for a birthday party, a wedding, or a cultural event you plan to attend together?

What is the purpose of an invitation letter for a Swiss visa?

Beyond the necessary details, you should also provide additional information about the visit to increase the chances of visa approval! The invitation letter serves to justify the purpose of the trip.

Where can I get an invitation letter for a foreigner?

The invitation letter for a Swiss visa can be written by the host. There is no specific template or official invitation form. However, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration has issued a guideline on the invitation letter (8.1).

Invitation letter for Swiss visa: Original or copy?

The invitation letter can be submitted by the applicant as a scan or copy, but the Swiss consular office may also require the host to send it directly to them. Do not send invitation letters for Swiss visas to embassies or consulates unless specifically requested.

Swiss visitor visa: Do I need an invitation letter or a declaration of commitment?

If your foreign guest cannot cover the costs of their stay in Switzerland and the Schengen area on their own, you can sign a declaration of commitment. By signing this document, you guarantee a financial sum of 30,000 euros for your guest’s expenses.

As a host, you must personally visit your local town hall to sign the declaration. The civil registry office will conduct a solvency check. This process, including forwarding your information to the Swiss consular office, may take up to 20 working days. You can find additional details in the Swiss declaration of commitment guideline issued by the State Secretariat for Migration.

Good to know: Check in advance what documents are required for the solvency check. Besides the declaration form, you will need the last three months' pay slips showing a minimum monthly income of 4,000 Swiss francs or bank statements with a balance of over 30,000 Swiss francs. The cost for signing a declaration of commitment is 60 Swiss francs.

Do I need health insurance for a Swiss visitor visa?

Visitors requiring a visa who come from outside the EU and EFTA countries must have adequate insurance coverage. Travel insurance protects you in case of emergencies during your trip.
To apply for a Swiss visitor visa, you should obtain sufficient travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses in Switzerland and the rest of the Schengen area: Obtain a private health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for your Swiss visitor visa.

The AXA Schengen travel insurance offers three different policies that meet the requirements of Schengen embassies and consulates.
Choose between the Low-Cost Insurance, the Europe Travel, and the annual AXA Schengen Multi Trip insurance. Find the policy that best suits your needs and travel plans.

The best part about AXA Schengen insurance: None of the three AXA Schengen insurance plans require a deductible, and all AXA policies are accepted by Schengen embassies and consulates!

These articles might also interest you:

• How to apply for a Swiss visitor visa?
• How to apply for a Swiss work visa?
• How to apply for a Swiss marriage visa?
• How to apply for a Swiss visa in Turkey?
• How to apply for a Swiss visa in Russia?

FAQ Invitation Letter for a Swiss Visa

How do I write an invitation for a foreign guest?

If you are inviting a visa-required visitor to Switzerland, you need to write an invitation letter for your guest. The format is not as important as the content. Ensure you include complete details about yourself and the visit, the duration of stay, and the reason for the invitation.

Where can I find a template for a Swiss invitation letter?

The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has issued a guideline explaining the requirements for an invitation letter for a Swiss visitor visa.

Why is a declaration of commitment needed?

A declaration of commitment is necessary when inviting a guest from a visa-required third country who cannot finance their stay independently.