Step-by-Step Guide for Applying Switzerland Business Visa from Nepal

If you are a Nepali citizen planning to travel to Switzerland for business purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations, you will need to apply for a Switzerland Business Visa. This visa allows you to stay for a short period (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) while engaging in professional activities. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the process of applying for a business visa to Switzerland from Nepal.

1. Complete the Visa Application Form

The first step is to fill out the Schengen visa application form for Switzerland. The form must be completed accurately, and you must sign it at the end. If you are applying for a business visa, ensure that you mention the purpose of your visit clearly, which is business-related. If you are traveling with your family, make sure to mention their details in the form.

For minors (under 18 years), both parents must sign the application form. In such cases, additional documents such as a birth certificate and a parental consent letter will be required if the minor is traveling alone or with only one parent.

2. Prepare Your Passport

Your passport must meet the following requirements for your visa application:

• It must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in Switzerland.

• The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

• A clear photocopy of the passport’s personal data page must be included.

• If you have previously traveled to Switzerland or other Schengen countries, include photocopies of any previous Schengen visas, as well as any valid US or UK visas.

3. Passport-Sized Photos

You will need to submit two passport-sized photos that meet the following specifications:

• The photos should not be older than six months.

• The size should be 35-40mm in width, with a white background.

• Ensure the photos are in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for passport photos.

4. Invitation Letter from the Host Organization

For a business visa, the invitation letter from the Swiss company or organization is one of the most crucial documents. This letter should:

• Be issued by the Swiss company or organization you are visiting.

• Clearly state the purpose of your visit, the duration of stay, and details about any business activities or meetings.

• If applicable, mention that the host will be covering your expenses.

• Be sent directly by the host organization to the Swiss Embassy or Consulate via email.

5. Proof of Occupation

You will need to provide evidence of your employment or business. The following documents should be submitted:

• If employed, submit a work contract or a letter from your employer that confirms your leave and that you will return to your job after the trip.

• If you are self-employed, provide your company registration documents, a partnership deed, and proof of paid taxes (VAT, income tax).

• If applicable, include your staff ID and any other documents that can confirm your professional status.

6. Financial Proof

To prove that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Switzerland, submit the following financial documents:

• Bank statements for the last three to six months (personal and business).

• Salary slips for the past three months (if employed).

• Tax return or proof of business income (if self-employed).
  This will help demonstrate that you can afford your stay and cover any expenses during your visit.

7. Schengen Travel Medical Insurance

You are required to have Schengen Travel Medical Insurance that covers a minimum of 30,000 Euros for the duration of your stay. The insurance should cover medical emergencies, repatriation, and urgent medical care. Ensure the insurance is valid throughout the Schengen Area, including Switzerland.

8. Flight Reservation

Submit a round-trip flight reservation showing your entry into Switzerland and your return to Nepal. If you are traveling to another Schengen country after Switzerland, you should provide proof of your intra-Schengen flight bookings or train reservations. This helps the embassy confirm your travel plans and that you will leave Switzerland within the allowed period.

9. Proof of Accommodation

For your accommodation proof, you must submit either:

• A hotel reservation for the entire duration of your stay in Switzerland.

• If staying with a host, an invitation letter from your host along with their address and contact details.

• If attending a business conference, provide the conference registration details along with accommodation confirmation.

10. Visa Fee

The Switzerland Business Visa requires a visa fee of 90 Euros for adults. The fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is denied. The fee should be paid at the VFS Global center when you submit your application. Ensure that you check the current exchange rate for the payment in Nepali Rupees.

11. Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your visa application through VFS Global in Nepal. You will need to:

• Book an appointment through the VFS Global website.

• Visit the VFS center on the scheduled date, where you will submit your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints).

• If necessary, attend an interview at the Swiss Embassy.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Switzerland Business Visa typically takes 15 calendar days. However, the time may vary depending on the embassy’s workload or the time of year. It is recommended to apply for your visa at least two to three weeks before your intended travel date.

Additional Information

The Swiss Embassy reserves the right to request additional documents or verify the authenticity of the submitted information. If any documents are found to be incomplete or incorrect, your visa application may be rejected.

Checklist of Documents for Switzerland Business Visa:

1. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.

2. Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond your stay with two blank pages.

3. Passport-sized Photos: Two recent photos, not older than six months.

4. Business Invitation Letter: From the Swiss host organization.

5. Proof of Occupation: Work contract or business registration.

6. Financial Proof: Bank statements, salary slips, or tax proof.

7. Schengen Travel Medical Insurance: Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.

8. Flight Reservation: Round-trip booking.

9. Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservation or invitation letter from host.

10. Visa Fee: Payment of 90 Euros (or equivalent in Nepali Rupees).

For Visa Assistance:

For any help with your Switzerland Business Visa application, you can visit Yatra For Fun at their office in Koteshwor, near Rastraya Banajya Bank, Nepal. You can contact them at the following numbers for more information or to schedule an appointment:

• +977 9709066517

• +977 9709066745

• +977 9802348957

• +977 9708072951

• +977 9802363869

• 01-5253221