How to apply for a Switzerland visa from India ?

Do Indians nationals need a Schengen Visa to travel to Switzerland?

Yes. Although Switzerland is not in the European Union (EU), it is in the Schengen Area of countries that have abolished border controls between each others’ borders - meaning you will need a visa to Switzerland if you apply from India.

More information on how to apply for Schengen visa from India

How do I apply for a Switzerland Visa from India?

You will first need to work out which Switzerland Visa you need, depending on your purpose, the length of your trip, and how many times you plan to visit. The standard Schengen Visa, for trips lasting up to 90 days, is a short-stay visa, with longer stays requiring a work, study or family reunion visa. Multiple-entry visas are also available if you plan on traveling regularly to the Schengen Area. 

You must apply for your visa no more than six months, and no fewer than 15 days, before your trip. Then you need to fill out your application, pay a fee of €80 for adults and €40 for minors, obtain all the documents you need for your Switzerland Visa, and attend an interview at a consulate, embassy, or visa application center. Visa fees are waived for children under six years of age, those traveling to Europe for study purposes, researchers, those under 25 years old traveling with charitable organizations, and those participating in sporting or cultural events.

What is the cost of a Switzerland Visa from India?

From january 2020 the visa fees for adults for the visa to Switzerland is €80 or approx. Rs. 6400 excluding the VFS charges and service fee. For children aged 6-12 years the visa cost to Switzerland is €40 or approx. Rs. 3400.

What documents do I need to apply for a short-stay Switzerland Visa from India?

You will need:

• two recently taken passport-style photos,
• an Indian passport or other travel documents that are less than 10 years old and valid for at least three months after your departure date from Switzerland, or the Schengen Area if you plan to travel to countries after visiting Switzerland.
• You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you for costs up to €30,000, evidence of legal residence in India (such as an ID card),
• a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit,
• as well as a flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during your stay,
• proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate,
• and proof you have the means of subsistence during your stay.

According to Swiss law, to obtain a Switzerland Visa from India, you need to show you have at least 100 Swiss Francs per day (€92.34) for your stay in Switzerland, or, if you are a student possessing a valid student ID, 30 Swiss Francs or €27.70 per day.

What additional documents do I need to get a Switzerland Visa to work or study?

If you are planning to work or study in Switzerland for fewer than 90 days, then you will need additional documents to obtain your visa. These include an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your Indian employer, and an income tax return. The self-employed need an income tax return, and a company bank statement, as well as any licensing documentation. As a student, you will need proof of enrolment at an educational institution in Switzerland, and preferably a no objection letter from your current institution.

If you are looking to stay in Switzerland for longer than 90 days to study, you will need to submit your application via the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi. Since 2014, applications for long-term work permits should be applied for via your Swiss employer and be sent to authorities in the Swiss canton where you will be working.

Where do I apply for a Switzerland Visa in India?

The Swiss authorities outsource their visa applications process to the company VFS Global, which deals with initial applications on behalf of the Swiss embassy.

You can apply online via the VFS Global website visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/che/apply-visa, and you will need to attend an interview at a VFS Global center India, which are located in :

• Mumbai,
• Pune,
• Puducherry,
• Chennai,
• Jalandhar,
• Jaipur,
• Hyderabad,
• Goa,
• New Delhi,
• Kochi,
• Chandigarh,
• Ahmedabad,
• Kolkata,
• and Bengaluru.

Applications should take around 15 days but can take up to 30 days to process, especially during busy periods. However, in some cases, it may take up to 60 days.

Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?

AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs only 22€ (24$) per week of your trip and will meet your visa requirements, while the AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000. Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase our Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.

How to apply for other Schengen countries from India ?

Apply for Spain visa from India

Apply for Germany visa from India

Apply for Greece visa from India

Apply for France visa from India

Apply for Czech Republic visa from India

Apply for Belgium visa from India

Apply for Italy visa from India

Apply for Netherlands visa from India

Apply for Portugal visa from India

Apply for Denmark visa from India

Apply for Iceland visa from India

Related topics

How much time does it take to proceed a Schengen visa for India ?

How much does a Schengen visa cost from India ?

Where can I find the Schengen visa application form for India ?

Where to apply for a Schengen visa in India ?

Frequently asked questions about Switzerland visas from India

What should I do if my Switzerland Visa is refused?

If your visa is refused you have the right to appeal to the authorities in the Schengen member state where you applied.

What will happen if I overstay my Switzerland Visa?

You will likely face a fine or deportation and a ban on entering the Schengen Area - not just Switzerland- for a set period of time.

Will my visa allow me to travel to other European countries?

Yes. Providing they are one of the 25 other countries within the Schengen Area.