Visa Types
Switzerland Work Visa Process
Find out what documents you need to work 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 Work 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 Work visa?
On a work visa, you can stay for up to 2 years and Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment
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 work visa to Switzerland from India, covering different categories such as academic and research positions, intra-company transfer, self-employment, and highly skilled professionals:
- 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 educational or research institution.
- Work Permit: Proof of a valid work permit or approval from the Swiss authorities.
- Proof of Qualifications: Copies of educational certificates, degrees, and research experience relevant to the position.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV outlining your educational background, research experience, and skills.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in Switzerland.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements to demonstrate your financial stability.
- 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 work in Switzerland.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, provide:
- Proof of Employment: A letter from your current employer outlining the purpose, duration, and conditions of the intra-company transfer.
- Proof of Relationship: Documentation demonstrating the relationship between the sending and receiving entities (e.g., parent company and subsidiary).
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.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, provide:
- Proof of Specialized Skills: Documentation demonstrating your specialized skills, qualifications, and experience.
- Proof of Employment: A letter from your prospective employer in Switzerland confirming the job offer and outlining the terms of employment.
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 work visa application process for each category
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To apply for a work permit visa in Switzerland from India, you will typically need the following application forms and documents:
Visa Application Form: You may also need to fill out a standard visa application form, such as the Schengen visa application form, depending on the type of work permit you are applying for. This form can be obtained from the official website of the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in India.
Please note that the specific requirements and application forms may vary depending on the type of work permit you are applying for and the Swiss authorities responsible for issuing the permit. It is advisable to consult the official website of the respective Swiss 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 a job approval in Switzerland! Here are the steps to follow to obtain a work permit visa from India:
- Job Approval: Obtain a job approval from the relevant Swiss authorities or your prospective employer in Switzerland.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents for your work permit visa application.
- Contact Swiss Authorities: Get in touch with the Swiss authorities responsible for work permits, such as the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), to obtain detailed information on the specific requirements and procedures.
- Visa Application: Complete the necessary visa application forms, including the work permit application form and any additional visa application forms required by the Swiss Embassy/Consulate.
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in India to schedule an appointment for visa submission. Confirm the date, time, and location of the appointment.
- Attend the Appointment: Arrive at the embassy/consulate on the scheduled date and time. Submit your completed visa application forms and all the required documents.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa processing fee at the embassy/consulate, if required.
- Biometric Data: Provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken, if requested by the embassy/consulate.
- Application Processing: Wait for the processing of your work permit visa application. The duration may vary, so be patient.
- Additional Documentation or Interview: If requested by the embassy/consulate or the Swiss authorities, provide any additional documents or attend an interview.
- Visa Decision: Once a decision has been made on your work permit visa application, you will be notified by the embassy/consulate.
- Collect Your Visa: If your work permit visa is approved, collect your passport with the visa from the embassy/consulate.
- Verify the Information: Double-check that all the information on your work permit visa is accurate.
- Travel to Switzerland: Make necessary travel arrangements, including booking your flights and arranging for accommodation. Carry your passport with the work permit visa and all other relevant documents during your journey.
Please note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary based on the type of work permit and the Swiss authorities involved. It is advisable to consult the official website of the relevant Swiss authorities or the Swiss Embassy/Consulate in India for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Local Employment: The most common route is to secure employment with a Swiss employer who is willing to sponsor your work permit. The employer will need to demonstrate that they were unable to find a suitable candidate within the local Swiss or European job market and that hiring you will not negatively impact the local labor market. The employer will initiate the work permit application process on your behalf.
Job Placement Agencies: Some job placement agencies specialize in helping foreign workers find employment in Switzerland. They may have connections with Swiss employers and can assist in matching your skills and qualifications with job opportunities. If successful, the job placement agency will facilitate the work permit application process.
Academic and Research Positions: If you are a highly skilled academic or researcher, you may be eligible for specific programs and schemes offered by Swiss universities, research institutions, or funding organizations. These programs provide an opportunity to work in Switzerland for a specific period. Consult with the relevant institutions or organizations to explore these opportunities.
Intra-Company Transfer: If you are already employed by an international company with a presence in Switzerland, you may be eligible for an intra-company transfer. This route allows you to be transferred to a Swiss branch or subsidiary of your current employer. The Swiss branch will then sponsor your work permit.
Self-Employment: If you plan to start your own business in Switzerland, you may be eligible for a work permit as a self-employed individual. This route typically requires a solid business plan, proof of necessary funds, and a demonstration that your business will benefit the Swiss economy.
Highly Skilled Professionals: Switzerland has a "fast-track" route for highly skilled professionals in certain fields, such as information technology, engineering, and finance. This route allows for streamlined processing of work permits for individuals with exceptional qualifications and experience in these sectors.
It's important to note that each route may have specific requirements and criteria, and the availability of work permits may vary depending on factors such as the Swiss labor market and economic conditions. Additionally, the specific application process and requirements may differ depending on the canton (state) in Switzerland where you plan to work.
It is advisable to consult with the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in India, as well as relevant Swiss authorities, for detailed and up-to-date information specific to your circumstances and chosen route.