Visa Types
Switzerland Permanent Residency Guide
How you can immigrate to Switzerland, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Switzerland.
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What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.
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Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
Key Points for Switzerland PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Switzerland?
To visit Switzerland, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Switzerland visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application must be made offline through VFS Global.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a Switzerland visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Switzerland visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Switzerland?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page on your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
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CATEGORY |
VISA FEE IN EURO |
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Adult Visa |
90 |
To more information about visa fee, please click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Before applying for a visa to Switzerland as a Schengen State, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, education, or medical treatment, to choose the appropriate visa type.
- Refer to the official website of the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country for comprehensive information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures for Schengen visas to Switzerland.
- Ensure you fulfill the specific documentation, financial, and eligibility criteria for the selected visa category to enhance the likelihood of a successful visa application for Switzerland as a Schengen State.
Get started with your visa application
Once you have determined your visa type and are ready to apply, you can download the Swiss visa application form. Click here to download the VISA Application Form.
You can either complete the application form online and print it or download the form and fill it out by hand. After completing the form, you can submit it in person at the Visa Application Centre or through an authorized representative or travel agent.
It's important to note that the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi will assess your visa application. The Visa Application Centre does not accept applications sent via post.
Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment
After submitting your visa application, you will need to schedule an appointment to have your biometric information (fingerprints and photo) taken at a Visa Application Centre.
Once you have booked your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email along with the appointment letter. Please note that if you are part of a family or group, each member will need to book an individual appointment.
To schedule a group appointment, travel agents can call us at 022-67866042 to procure a preferred slot for submitting applications at the Joint Schengen Visa Application Centres across India.
If you face any issues while scheduling your appointment, please email us at infoswiss@vfshelpline.com with your name, passport number, and contact number. You can also call us at 022-67866035 for assistance.
Before scheduling your appointment, please read through the following instructions:
- You can reschedule your appointment up to two times.
- If you need to reschedule, please do so at least two days prior to your scheduled appointment date.
- If you reschedule your appointment more than two times, it will be considered a new appointment.
- If you wish to cancel your appointment, please note that service charges will not be refunded. Appointments can only be cancelled two working days prior to the scheduled date.
Find out the amount you need to pay
After submitting your visa application, you will need to pay the Visa Application Fee. If you are applying online, the payment will be made as part of the application process. However, if you download the form and bring it to the Visa Application Centre, payment can be made during your appointment.
Please note that if you pay the Visa Fees online using your Credit/Debit Card/Net Banking, it may take up to 15 working days to process your request.
VISA Type: Fees in INR
Adult Visa: 6900
Child Between 6 - 12 Years: 3450
Child Below 6 Years: 0
Fee Type: Fee in INR
Service Fees: 1983
Convenience Fee: 150
Courier: 690
SMS: 345
Courier Assurance: 1035
Form Filling: 2600
Premium Lounge: 3020
Prime Time Appointment: 3450
If you encounter an error while making an online payment, do not make the payment again online. Kindly contact our helpdesk at infoswiss@vfshelpline.com or the nearest Swiss Visa Application Centre.
In case you need to request a refund, please email us at refunds@vfshelpline.com with the following details:
- Web Reference Number/Transaction ID
- Name and Passport Number
- Contact Details of the Applicant
- Date of Transaction
Attend your scheduled appointment
You’ll have to submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person.
Stay informed about the progress of your application
Track the status of your application and stay updated with its progress by using the online tracking service. To access this service, use the reference number on the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name.
Once a decision has been made on your application, you will receive an email notification from the Visa Application Centre. However, if you prefer more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to receive updates via SMS directly to your phone. Check if this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you applied to.
Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre
Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you can collect your documents from the Visa Application Centre. You may also have the option to have your documents returned to you by courier for an additional fee, depending on the centre.
If you choose to collect your documents in person, bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a valid form of government identification. In some cases, you may be allowed to send a representative to collect your documents. They will need to present a letter of authorization signed by you, the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre, and their own government identification.
Make sure to check with the Visa Application Centre at the time of your appointment to learn about the available options for collecting your documents.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a document checklist for applying for a residence visa to Switzerland from India, covering different categories such as employment-based residence permits, study-based residence permits, family reunification, self-employed permit, retirement permit, and humanitarian permit:
- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport: Original passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay.
- Passport-size Photographs: Recent color photographs.
- Employment Contract: A copy of your employment contract or letter of confirmation from the Swiss employer.
- Work Permit: Proof of a valid work permit or approval from the Swiss authorities.
- Proof of Qualifications: Copies of educational certificates, degrees, and professional qualifications relevant to the position.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV outlining your educational background, work experience, and skills.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in Switzerland.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements to demonstrate your financial stability during your stay in Switzerland.
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations.
- Travel Health Insurance: Proof of travel health insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
- Visa Fee: Payment receipt or proof of payment for the visa application fee.
- Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If currently employed, a letter from your employer granting permission to reside in Switzerland.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, provide:
- Acceptance Letter: Official acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Switzerland confirming your admission to a course of study.
- Proof of Financial Resources: Documents demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in Switzerland.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, provide:
- Proof of Family Relationship: Documents proving the family relationship with the family member residing in Switzerland, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or proof of registered partnership.
- Proof of Accommodation: Documentation demonstrating suitable accommodation arrangements for the family member in Switzerland.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, provide:
- Business Plan: A detailed business plan outlining the nature of your self-employment activities and their viability in Switzerland.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds to establish and sustain your self-employment in Switzerland.
- Business Registration: Documentation demonstrating the registration of your business in Switzerland.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, provide:
- Proof of Retirement: Documentation demonstrating your retirement status, such as pension statements or proof of financial resources to support your retirement in Switzerland.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, provide:
- Supporting Documents: Any relevant supporting documents that demonstrate the humanitarian grounds for your residence in Switzerland, such as medical reports or evidence of humanitarian need.
Note that specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the discretion of the Swiss embassy or consulate. It's advisable to consult the official website of the Swiss embassy or consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the residence visa application process for each category.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To apply for permanent residency (PR) in Switzerland from India, you will typically need the following visa application forms and documents:
Application Form for Permanent Residency: This form is specific to the PR application process in Switzerland. The form may vary depending on the canton (state) where you plan to reside. You can obtain the form from the relevant cantonal immigration authorities or the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) in Switzerland.
Any Additional Documents: Depending on your specific circumstances and the requirements of the cantonal immigration authorities, you may need to provide additional documents such as proof of community integration, recommendation letters, or proof of social contributions.
Please note that the specific requirements and procedures for PR applications may vary depending on the canton where you plan to reside in Switzerland. It is advisable to consult the official website of the respective cantonal immigration authorities or the Swiss Embassy/Consulate in India for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
On receiving the approval! To apply for a residence permit visa from India to Switzerland, you can follow these general steps:
- Obtain the Approval Letter: Ensure that you have received the approval letter for your residence permit from the Swiss authorities. This letter confirms that your application has been accepted.
- Gather the Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your residence permit application.
- Translate and Authenticate Documents: If your documents are not in English, French, German, or Italian, you may need to have them translated into one of these languages. Additionally, certain documents may need to be legalized or authenticated, so check the requirements with the Swiss Embassy/Consulate.
- Make an Appointment: Contact the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in India to schedule an appointment for submitting your residence permit application. Make sure to inquire about any specific requirements or additional documents needed for the appointment.
- Attend the Appointment: On the scheduled date and time, attend the appointment at the Swiss Embassy/Consulate. Submit your completed application form and all the required documents. Pay the applicable visa fee, if required.
- Biometric Data: Depending on the procedure in your country, you may need to provide biometric data (fingerprinting and/or digital photograph) at the embassy/consulate.
- Application Processing: The embassy/consulate will process your residence permit application. The processing time can vary, so be prepared for some waiting.
- Visa Decision: Once a decision has been made on your residence permit application, you will be notified by the embassy/consulate. If approved, you will receive the residence permit visa.
- Collect Your Visa: Collect your passport with the residence permit visa from the embassy/consulate. Verify that all the information on the visa is correct.
- Travel to Switzerland: Make necessary travel arrangements, including booking your flights. Carry your passport with the residence permit visa and all other relevant documents during your journey.
Upon arrival in Switzerland, you will need to complete any necessary registration or formalities with the local authorities to finalize your residence permit.
Please note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary based on the Swiss authorities and the canton where you received the approval. It is advisable to consult with the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in India for detailed and up-to-date information specific to your circumstances
- Employment-Based Residence Permits:
- Work Permit (Employment Contract): If you have a confirmed job offer from a Swiss employer, you can apply for a work permit. The specific category will depend on your employment status, such as L permit (short-term), B permit (long-term), or C permit (settled).
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit: If you are being transferred from an Indian branch to a Swiss branch of the same company, you may be eligible for an ICT permit.
- Highly Qualified Workers: If you have specialized skills, qualifications, or work experience that is in demand in Switzerland, you can apply for a residence permit under this category.
- Study-Based Residence Permits:
- Student Permit: If you have been accepted into a recognized educational institution in Switzerland, you can apply for a student permit. This allows you to reside and study in the country.
- Research Permit: If you are conducting research at a Swiss research institution or university, you may be eligible for a research permit.
- Family Reunification:
- Family Reunification Permit: If you have a close family member (spouse, parent, child) who is a Swiss citizen or holds a valid residence permit in Switzerland, you may be eligible for a family reunification permit.
- Self-Employed:
- Self-Employed Permit: If you plan to establish your own business or work as a freelancer in Switzerland, you can apply for a self-employed permit. This requires proof of your business plan, financial resources, and contribution to the Swiss economy.
- Retirement:
- Retirement Permit: If you are a retiree with sufficient financial means and health insurance coverage, you may be eligible for a retirement permit in Switzerland.
- Humanitarian Reasons:
- Humanitarian Permit: In exceptional cases, individuals who need protection due to humanitarian reasons may be eligible for a residence permit on humanitarian grounds.
It's important to note that each permit category has specific requirements and procedures that need to be followed. It is advisable to consult the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in India or the relevant Swiss immigration authorities for detailed and up-to-date information based on your specific circumstances.