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2 ways to enter

Switzerland visas

Switzerland business visa

Short business visits follow the Schengen short-stay rules. Eligible visitors can travel without a visa; others need a Schengen visa.

Ways to get a Switzerland business visa

  1. Visa-free business visit

    No visa needed

    Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can visit for business without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  2. Schengen visa for a business visit

    Visa needed

    Business visitors who need a short-stay visa can apply through the embassy or consulate responsible for their main destination.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
    Valid for
    Up to five years, depending on the visa issued.
    Entries
    One, two or multiple entries.
    Fee
    EUR 90 standard. An external service may charge up to EUR 120 extra.
    Processing
    15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues.
    1. Apply to the embassy or consulate responsible for your main Schengen destination.
    2. Submit no earlier than six months before entry.
    3. Attend the first-time interview and provide supporting documents and any required biometrics.

Who needs it

Business visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a Schengen visa.

Who doesn't

Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can make short business visits without a visa.

How to apply

  1. Apply to Switzerland's embassy or consulate if Switzerland is your main destination.
  2. Submit no earlier than six months before entry.
  3. Attend in person for your first application and interview.
  4. Provide supporting documents and any required fingerprints and digital photo, and pay the applicable fee.

What to bring

  • Travel document.
  • Supporting documents for the application.
  • Fingerprints and a digital photo, if required.

Good to know

  • The short-stay limit is shared across the Schengen Area.
  • Visa-free visitors must explain their visit and have enough funds for their stay and return or onward journey.
  • Switzerland's funds requirement is CHF 100 per day.
  • Work during a visa-free stay has separate eligibility rules.
  • Frequent travellers may qualify for a multiple-entry visa with longer validity.

Questions

Do I need a business visa for Switzerland?

Business visitors who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another exemption need a Schengen visa. Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can make short business visits without a visa.

What are the ways to get a business visa for Switzerland?

There are 2 options: Visa-free business visit (no visa at all); Schengen visa for a business visit (a visa from an embassy).

Who can go to Switzerland without a business visa?

Ordinary passport holders from the listed visa-waiver countries and territories can visit for business without a visa.

How long can I stay on a Switzerland business visa?

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

How much does a Switzerland business visa cost?

Standard Schengen visa fee: EUR 90. An external service may charge up to EUR 120 extra.

How long does a Switzerland business visa take?

15 calendar days for an admissible application with no issues. Appointment shortages and delays can occur.

How long is a Switzerland business visa valid?

Schengen visas can be valid for up to five years. New applicants normally receive validity covering their intended trip. Entries: One, two or multiple entries, as issued..

What documents do I need for a Switzerland business visa?

Travel document.; Supporting documents for the application.; Fingerprints and a digital photo, if required..

How do I apply for a Switzerland business visa?

1. 1. Apply to Switzerland's embassy or consulate if Switzerland is your main destination. 2. 2. Submit no earlier than six months before entry. 3. 3. Attend in person for your first application and interview. 4. 4. Provide supporting documents and any required fingerprints and digital photo, and pay the applicable fee.

What rules do I have to follow on a Switzerland business visa?

The short-stay limit is shared across the Schengen Area. Visa-free visitors must explain their visit and have enough funds for their stay and return or onward journey. Switzerland's funds requirement is CHF 100 per day. Work during a visa-free stay has separate eligibility rules.

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