Switzerland Visas
Capital Bern ยท Currency CHF ยท State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
Switzerland is in the Schengen Area but not the EU. Short visits use a Schengen visa; work and study require a cantonal permit, and non-EU work permits are subject to annual quotas.
โ Schengen area (not EU); ETIAS launching for visa-exempt visitors.Switzerland visas at a glance
| Visa type | Fee | Processing | Stay / validity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Tourist / Visit Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) |
EUR 90 | 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases) | Max 90 days per 180-day period | View โ |
| ๐ Student Student Residence Permit |
CHF 88 (approx.) | 8โ12 weeks | One year, renewable | View โ |
| ๐ผ Work / Skilled Work Permit (L / B) |
CHF 95 (approx.) | Several weeks to months | L up to 1 year; B up to 5 years | View โ |
| ๐ PR / Immigration Settlement Permit (C) |
CHF 100 (approx.) | Several weeks | Permanent (periodic renewal of card) | View โ |
Visa types for Switzerland
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Tourism, family visits or business up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
- Processing: 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases)
- Stay: Max 90 days per 180-day period
- Validity: Up to 90 days / 180 days
Student Residence Permit
Study at a Swiss university with a national (D) visa and cantonal residence permit.
- Processing: 8โ12 weeks
- Validity: One year, renewable
Work Permit (L / B)
Employer-sponsored permit for skilled workers; non-EU nationals are subject to annual quotas.
- Processing: Several weeks to months
- Validity: L up to 1 year; B up to 5 years
Settlement Permit (C)
Permanent residence, usually after 10 years (5 for some nationalities and Blue Card-style cases).
- Processing: Several weeks
- Validity: Permanent (periodic renewal of card)
Embassies, consulates & visa centres
Embassy of Switzerland
๐ New Delhi, India
Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
Switzerland visa FAQs
What visa types does Switzerland offer?๏ผ
VisaViews covers 4 Switzerland visa types: Tourist / Visit, Student, Work / Skilled, PR / Immigration. Each has its own eligibility criteria, fees and processing times.
Does Switzerland have an eVisa or visa-free entry?๏ผ
Schengen area (not EU); ETIAS launching for visa-exempt visitors.
How much is a Switzerland tourist visa?๏ผ
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) costs EUR 90. Fees are indicative and can change โ always confirm on the official source.
How long does a Switzerland visa take to process?๏ผ
Processing time varies by visa type; the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) typically takes 15 calendar days (up to 45 in some cases).
Who handles Switzerland visas and immigration?๏ผ
Switzerland visas and immigration are administered by State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The official portal is https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html.