Switzerland visa checklist for Indian applicants

Documents to prepare

Where to apply: Submit at a VFS Global Switzerland visa application centre in India, which receives applications and returns passports. The Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi takes the decision; direct submission at the embassy is possible only with a prior appointment requested by email.

1. 1

   Passport

   Issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months after the planned return, with at least two blank pages. Handwritten passports or those with observations on the bio page are not accepted.

2. 2

   Photograph

   One passport-size photo, white background, not older than 6 months, 35-40 mm wide, pasted on the form (not stapled or pinned).

3. 3

   Application form

   Completed and signed by the applicant; for minors, signed by the legal guardian.

4. 4

   Introduction letter

   Original letter on the employer's letterhead, signed and stamped by HR or a director, stating position, length of service, travel dates, purpose and no objection to the trip.

5. 5

   Travel insurance

   Minimum EUR 30,000 per person, covering the full stay in the Schengen territory.

6. 6

   Flight reservation

   With the names of all travellers, plus intra-Schengen flight, train or car rental proof if applicable.

7. 7

   Proof of accommodation

   Hotel reservation confirmations, package tour or advance payments for Switzerland and other Schengen states.

8. 8

   Financial proof if employed

   Last 3 months of salary slips, 3 months of statements for the salary account and ITR-V for the last 2 assessment years, as originals on A4 with bank stamp and signature.

9. 9

   Financial proof if self-employed

   Business registration, GST registration, partnership deed or proof of proprietorship, 3 months of personal bank statements and ITR-V for 2 years.

10. 10

    Financial proof if retired

    Pension bank statement for the last 3 months and proof of regular income from property or business.

11. 11

    Families

    Apply together; only the head of family attaches bank statements, ITR, insurance, flight booking and hotel confirmations if all names are on the same bookings.

12. 12

    Minors and students

    Notarised consent of the non-travelling parent or both parents, copies of parents' ID, and for students over 16 a college ID copy and institution letter.

Travel medical insurance: Travel insurance from the approved insurer list with minimum cover of EUR 30,000 per person for medical repatriation, urgent care and emergency hospital treatment, valid for the entire Schengen stay; multiple-entry applicants need cover only for the first journey.