Who Needs to Apply for a Switzerland Business Visa?

If you need a visa depends on your nationality. Switzerland is one of the Schengen states. So, the 26 members of the Schengen Area do not need a visa to enter it for up to 90 days. The EU and EAA members are also exempt from a Switzerland visa. This is the case when they need to stay there for up to 90 days.

There are more countries and states whose nationals are visa-free to enter Switzerland. You can also find the list of the countries whose nationals need a Switzerland visa here. Please remember that your country may need a Switzerland business visa, but you can be visa-free under some conditions. So read the mentioned blog carefully.

What are the Requirements for a Switzerland Business Visa

As well as the general requirements for a Switzerland visa, there are some business-related requirements for this visa. They are as following:

• Application form.

You should download the application form and complete it. Please focus on the information you complete. The information you put in should be the same as your documents. Then sign and date it. Please keep it to submit at your interview. The application form is available on the Swiss embassy’s website in your home country.

• Photos.

Two photos that must be new (past three months), according to the Schengen photo visa requirements.

• Passport/travel document.

You should provide copies of the current and previous passports. Your passport mustn’t be older than ten years and have two blank pages.

• Medical health insurance.

It must be valid and cover your medical costs in Switzerland and the entire Schengen states for €30,000.

• Cover letter.

It will explain the purpose of your visit and its duration. You should also declare how you will cover your expenses.

• Proof of accommodation.

You must state where you will stay in Switzerland. It could be either a hotel reservation receipt or a rental contract. If your host provides a place for you, you should provide the documents. You could rent a place online and pay the fees by transferring the money for the owner.

• Evidence to have enough funds.

You need to have at least €92.34 for every single day of your stay in Switzerland.

• Previous relationship 

Evidence of the previous trade relations between the two companies. If you have had previous relations or worked together.

• Company financial documents 

Your companies bank statements for the past six months.

A description or profile of your workplace.

• Proof of Civil Status.

They are the personal documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates that authorities require.

• Invitation letter from the Swiss company you will visit. It must contain:
  
  • The trade/business relationship between the companies.
  • The company’s exact details, its address, the dates you will visit, and the training/ conferences/ meetings that you will participate in while you are there.

• Your employer letter.

It must prove that you are an employer of the company, explain the purpose of your visit, and your permission to make the trip. If the employer covers the expenses, he/she must state it in the letter officially.

Read our article about moving to Switzerland as a doctor.

The Required Documents According to Your Job Status

If you are Employed:

• Contract of employment.
• Bank statements for the past six months.
• Permission letter from your employer.
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

If you are Self-employed:

• A copy of your business certificate/ registration
• The bank statements of your company for the past six months.
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

If you are retired:

• Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Bank statements for the past six months

The Application Process for Switzerland Business Visa

The application process is as follows:

1. Download, complete, sign, and date the application form.
2. Gather the required documents we mentioned earlier.
3. Book an appointment with the Swiss embassy, consulate.
4. Attend the appointment in person and on time. Submit the application and required documents.
5. Take the visa interview
6. Pay the Swiss business visa fee.
7. Wait until your application gets processed.

For How Long is the Switzerland Business Visa Valid?

Switzerland Business Visa is a type of short-stay visa. So it is valid for 90 days in a six-month period. The times you can enter Switzerland in six months, depending on the type of visa:

• Single-entry.
• Double-entry
• Multiple-entry

Please remember that even if you have a Multiple-entry type of visa, you can not stay longer than 90 days in six months. When you have a single-entry visa, you can not enter again after leaving.

Can You Bring your Children With a Switzerland Business Visa?

Yes, but they have to apply for their own visa. The family members need to apply for a Switzerland visitor or tourist visa to accompany you on a business trip.

How Much Does a Switzerland Business Visa Costs?

Switzerland’s Business Visa costs €80. The visa for children between 6-12 costs €35 and under six children are free-cost.

Switzerland Business Visa Processing Time

It often takes two weeks for the Switzerland Business Visa to get processed. But, depending on your particular case or situation, it might take longer.

How Long Can You Stay in Switzerland with a Business visa?

You may only stay in Switzerland for up to 90 days in a six months period.

Let’s sum up…

In this blog, we explained all you need to know about Switzerland Business Visa.

The people who need a Switzerland Business Visa, the requirements, application process, etc. got explained.

To find out more about the visa that suits you, go through the menu of the site. You can find all the Switzerland types of visas at the left sidebar.

You can check the visa library to find more information about other countries’ visas.

In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences as comments is a great help for applicants.