While applying for the visa, paperwork is a crucial part that varies according to the purpose of the visit and visa type. However, Schengen countries have created a list of Switzerland visa requirements that need to be understood by travelers. Documents are required to be submitted during the appointment at the VFS Visa Centre.
Missing even a single document can lead to major issues and hamper your travel plan. This way, you have to struggle to continue your visa processing smoothly. This is why it’s more important to be well-prepared and make sure you have the correct travel documents.
Here you will find a checklist of Documents you need for a Switzerland visa!
Here is an official list of paperwork required as per the latest Switzerland Schengen visa policies and requirements:
Depending on your status:
If you are employed and travelling to Switzerland for tourism, these are the key documents to prepare:
Switzerland Schengen Visa Application Form: Fill it online or download from the official Switzerland visa portal, print, and sign.
Visa Appointment Confirmation: Schedule your appointment with VFS Global and carry the confirmation slip.
Cover Letter: Explains your reason for visiting Switzerland, your itinerary, funding source, and strong ties to your home country.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): A leave approval letter from your employer on company letterhead, confirming your job role and approved leave dates.
Payslips: Last three months’ salary slips showing a stable income.
Personal Bank Statements: Last three months, stamped and signed by your bank, reflecting sufficient funds for your stay.
Tax Returns: Last three years of personal tax returns. If not available, submit Form 16 or explain your tax status in your cover letter.
Travel Insurance: Must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies in the Schengen zone.
Flight and Hotel Bookings: Round-trip flight bookings and accommodation reservations. Temporary bookings are accepted.
Passport Copy: Bio-data page and previous visas (especially Schengen, US, UK).
Original Passport: Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended return date, with two blank visa pages.
Marriage Certificate: If relevant, particularly when your spouse is travelling with you or sponsoring your trip.
Sponsorship Letter: If someone else is funding your trip, include their sponsorship letter, financial proof, and ID copy.
Self-employed applicants must demonstrate their business activity and personal financial capacity:
Switzerland Visa Application Form: Fill and sign as per the employed applicant process.
Visa Appointment Confirmation: Proof of booking at the Switzerland visa application centre.
Cover Letter: Explain your business background, reason for travel, and home country ties.
Business Registration Proof: GST certificate, MSME registration, trade license, or similar documentation.
Company Bank Statement: Last three months of active transactions from your business account.
Company Tax Returns: Last three years of business tax filings.
Personal Bank Statement: Personal savings or salary account showing sufficient funds.
Personal Tax Returns: Last three years of personal tax returns.
Travel Insurance: At least €30,000 coverage for the Schengen region.
Flight and Hotel Bookings: Confirmed or provisional bookings.
Passport Copy and Photograph: Same specifications as employed applicants.
Marriage Certificate: If applicable.
Previous Visa Copies: Recommended to show prior international travel.
A Swiss Schengen visa application requires proof of financial capacity to cover your entire trip. Whether funding your trip independently or via a sponsor, you must clearly show how your expenses will be paid.
Minimum Bank Balance: Recommended: €100–120 per day of stay in Switzerland, given its high cost of living. Example: For a 10-day trip, you should show at least €1,000–1,200 in available funds, excluding flights and accommodation.
Personal Bank Statement:
The last three months must show regular income and stable savings.
Must be stamped and signed by the bank. Avoid sudden large deposits.
Tax Returns: The last three years. If new to employment or business, explain your situation and submit whatever tax records you have.
Payslips: The last three months. If unavailable, submit your appointment letter and salary credits visible in your bank statement.
Additional Financial Documents (Optional): Fixed deposits, mutual funds, property documents, stock holdings, or vehicle ownership papers.
Sponsor’s Bank Statement: Last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds. Ideally, two to three times the estimated trip cost.
Sponsor’s Income Proof: Latest three months’ salary slips or, if self-employed, business registration and tax returns.
Sponsorship Letter: A signed letter confirming they will cover all your expenses, mentioning your relationship and duration of stay.
Relationship Proof:
Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other legal proof of family ties.
For friends, explain your relationship clearly in the cover letter. Photos together or old messages can help, but are not mandatory.
Sponsor’s ID Proof: Copy of their passport or government-issued photo ID.