Swiss visas include 1 to 5 year residency permits, skilled worker work permits, and self-employment visas. Anyone planning to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days needs to apply for a residence permit; read on to learn how.

When you apply for a Swiss visa, you’re applying for a Schengen visa, which allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area. Switzerland is a signatory of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP), making it more straightforward for EU/EFTA (European Union/ European Free Trade Association) residents to live and work in the country. Visas are not required for EU/EFTA residents to enter or remain in Switzerland for 90 days.

You require travel health insurance as part of the visa application process. However, if you are visiting Switzerland without a permit, travel insurance is optional.

Airport Transit Visa Requirements in Switzerland

Suppose you need to land at a Swiss airport to wait in the international terminal to connect to your non-Schengen destination country. In this scenario, you must apply for a Switzerland Airport Transit Visa.

When applying for a Switzerland Airport Transit visa, you must also provide the following documents: A valid passport, visa application form, two recent photos, the plane ticket for the last destination country, and visa of your travel destination country. 

Tourist Schengen Visa to Switzerland

A tourist Schengen visa allows nationals from other countries to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days within a 6-month timeframe. This visa is for the declared purpose of traveling or holiday.

When applying for a Swiss Tourist visa, you must provide the following documents:

Statement from the bank Preferably within the last six months. Itinerary for Travel (A day-by-day account of your trip). Evidence of your plans to fund your trip to Switzerland.

Visa Requirements for Visitors to Switzerland

To pay a visit to a family member or a friend in Switzerland on their invitation, you must apply for a Swiss Visitor Visa for a short-stay visit to Switzerland.

When applying for a visa to visit friends or relatives in Switzerland, you must also provide the Duly signed host’s invitation letter. The invitation must include the following information for each invited person: First name; DOB (same as that on the passport); The purpose and duration of the visit; Passport, identity card, or residence permit of the host. Evidence of a relationship with the host, who resides in Switzerland.

Requirements for a Swiss Business Visa

If you are going to Switzerland for business and staying for no more than ninety days, you need to apply for a Business Schengen Visa.

When applying for a Swiss Business visa, you must provide documents like an Invitation letter from the inviting company/organization in Switzerland, including their complete address and your visit dates. Evidence of business ties with that particular company. 

Switzerland Visa Requirements for Students

If you are willing to travel to Switzerland for a study course, training, or internship that will last less than three months, you may apply for a Schengen Study Visa to Switzerland.  For a Non-EU/EFTA member, documents for a student visa include a  certificate from the educational institution to be attended, payment details of institution fees, and proof of means of support system during education is in progress.  Additional details like a written commitment to leave Switzerland upon completing the program and your CV are also required.  

Medical Visa Requirements in Switzerland

If you travel to Switzerland for medical treatment, such as medical therapies or surgery, you must apply for a Switzerland Medical visa before your trip.

If you plan to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days, you must obtain private health insurance from Switzerland health insurance companies. Usually, Switzerland health insurance costs vary from cantons to cantons.

When applying for a visa to receive medical care in Switzerland, additional documents are required: An original letter from a local doctor stating the diagnosis accompanied by a medical report. Confirmation from the Swiss hospital/doctor stating the Agreement to treat the patient for the expected duration of treatment and a cost estimate. Proof of 50% advance payment – receipt from Swiss hospital/doctor.

Switzerland Visa Requirements for Cultural / Sports / Religious Events

Some additional documents are required for a Schengen Visa to Switzerland for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew, or Religious Purposes. When applying for a Swiss visa to attend a Cultural/Sports/Religious Event in Switzerland, you must also provide journeys tickets to attend events: Original letter from an organization or federation. Other supporting documents may include evidence of athletic ability, your CV, world rankings, trophies, an invitation to the national team, national caps, proof of personal records, etc. For more details, please visit this link. 

Conclusion 

The documents mentioned above are required while applying and traveling to Switzerland. In any case, if any of the supporting document is unavailable, your visa might get rejected. So, consider cross-checking the list to ensure that you have all the necessary documents.