Family Visa
Documents Required
This article might not be able to cover everything. Some additional documents may be required and it all depends on the purpose of your visit. Generally, the following are some of the documents that will be required for your travel to Switzerland.
Application Form
Like it has been stated previously, there are two ways to get and submit your application form either online or physically, it however depends on your duration and purpose. Note that your form must be duly filled as you will be required to provide evidence to virtually everything you claimed in the form.
2 passport size photos
The standard passport-sized photographs. The eyes and ears must be visible and there must be a white background.
Passport, and copies of previous visas
Your travel passport must be available for presentation and it must not be expiring anytime soon. If you have traveled to Switzerland or any other country before, then you can bring your previous visas along as well. Your passport must have at least two blank spaces.
Travel Insurance.
This is compulsory in all the Schengen countries. You must possess travel insurance for Switzerland and other Schengen countries. The insurance must cover a minimum of €30,000; in case of emergencies.
Cover letter
This is a written letter by the applicant which contains the obvious. Your purpose, your duration, and your accommodation.
Proof of Return
These can be flight tickets which will state the dates of arrival and departure. For tourists, they can also present their travel itinerary which contains all their plans for the visit.
Proof of accommodation
You should be ready to present proof of accommodation as well. Where you will be staying, either in a hotel, at a relative’s place, or your place. If you are in the country on invitation then the invitee should be the one to give the proofs.
Proof of civil status
Marriage certificate, divorce papers, curriculum vitae, birth certificate, anything to prove your social standing will suffice.
Proof of Sustenance
This can come in the form of your bank statement, your payroll, loan papers, anything to prove that you have what it takes to take care of yourself throughout your stay in the country. The more people you have with you, the higher the minimum required amount needed.
For specific document requirements:
Letter of Employment or Appointment
You must submit a letter of appointment or employment. A document detailing your job description should also be submitted.
Letter of Authorization from SEM
A signed approval from the State Secretariat for Migration should be tendered. This will be submitted by your employer and is mostly for non-EU citizens who are employed for high-ranking positions like a manager, specialist, or professions that require professional expertise.
Business visas
Originally, you cannot set up a business by yourself in Switzerland unless you have a permanent residence permit or you are a legal citizen. But businessmen who are willing to invest are allowed to do this providing that the venture will create jobs and give room for more economic opportunities.
They must however show:
Proof of available funds to invest
The investor must show proof that they have enough financial power to invest, create and keep their establishment standing.
Information on how the funds will benefit Swiss citizens and the Swiss economy;
A proposal on how the establishment will benefit the citizens of the country and/or economy. This is one of the reasons why you are allowed to invest so, of course, you must show the proof.
The business investor visa will entitle you to a Swiss permanent residence permit.
