Switzerland Visa From Bangladesh: Documents, Consultants & Fees
Switzerland is a place where nature meets sophistication, and every turn unveils breathtaking scenery. If you’re a Bangladeshi passport holder, the first step to exploring this European gem is getting your Switzerland visa.
Going on a vacation, pursuing higher education, or setting on a new career, navigating the visa application process is a crucial step. Good news is, it’s not as hard as you may think, if you know the exact steps to follow and got the documentations right.
Each type of visa comes with its unique eligibility criteria and requirements. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure you proceed on the right track to your dream destination.
So, get your notebook ready and get right into the process!
Step 1: Determine the Visa Type
Selecting the right visa category is your first and essential step. It sets the foundation for your entire application process.
Step 2: Complete the Application Process
Follow the application procedures for either short term or long term visas, ensuring accurate form submission, fee payment, interview scheduling
Step 3: Monitor Your Visa Status
Regularly check your visa application’s progress on the official website to stay updated on its various stages, from submission to decision.
Types of Swiss Visas From Bangladesh
Primarily, we can divide all Swiss visas into two main categories: Short-Term Visa (Schengen Visa), and Long-Term Visa (National visa).
Student Visa, Work Visa falls under the Long-term category. Where, Travel Visa, Transit Visa, Medical Visa, Business Visa goes in the belt of the Short-Term category.
From Bangladesh, you can go for a Schengen visa, which you can proceed from the Embassy of Switzerland in Dhaka. It will allow you to stay a maximum of 3 months in the country.
Here’s a glimpse detail of all Swiss visa types:
| Visa Type | Description | Eligibility Criteria | Duration |
| Tourist Visa | For leisure travel | Bangladeshi passport with 6 months validity | Up to 90 days |
| Business Visa | For business-related activities | Invitation from Swiss company or business partner | Varies by purpose |
| Student Visa | For educational pursuits | Admission to Swiss educational institution, sufficient funds | Duration of study |
| Work Visa | For employment in Switzerland | Job offers from Swiss employer | Varies by job contract |
| Family Reunion Visa | Reuniting with family in Switzerland | Direct family member in Switzerland | Varies by family status |
| Medical Treatment Visa | For medical treatment in Switzerland | Confirmed medical appointment, sufficient funds | Duration of treatment |
| Minors Visa | For minor applicants traveling to Switzerland | Written authorization from parents or guardians | Varies by certain situation |
Note: The duration of visas may vary based on specific circumstances and is subject to the discretion of Swiss authorities.
How to Apply for a Switzerland Visa from Bangladesh?
Switzerland is known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture. If you’re a Bangladeshi passport holder looking to visit this European gem, you’ll need to go through the Switzerland visa application process. Whether it’s for tourism, business, education, or medical reasons, the process can be straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Determine Your Visa Type
First, identify the purpose of your visit and choose the appropriate visa type. Switzerland offers various visa categories, including Tourist Visa, Business Visa, Student Visa, Medical Visa, and more. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen category.
2. Complete the Visa Application Form
Download the Schengen Visa application form from the official website. Fill it out completely and accurately. Ensure you have all the required supporting documents relevant to your specific visa category.
3. Book Appointment
You’ll need to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application at the Swiss consulate or visa application center. Some consulates may offer online appointment scheduling.
4. Attend the Visa Interview
On the scheduled date, attend the visa interview at the Swiss consulate or visa application center. Arrive on time, bring all the necessary documents, and pay the applicable visa fee.
5. Wait for Processing
The processing time for a Switzerland Visa can vary, but it typically takes around 15 calendar days. Be patient during this period as Swiss authorities review your application. The processing time for National Visas may be longer, usually around 8-12 weeks.
6. Collect Your Visa
Once your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect it from the consulate or visa application center. Don’t forget to bring your passport and the visa fee receipt when you go to collect your visa.
Key Requirements For Switzerland Visa From Bangladesh
Certainly, the requirements for different types of Switzerland Visas, including Tourist, Business, Student, and Medical visas, can vary.
Here’s a detailed description of the requirements for each type:
Tourist Visa Requirements:
Though the requirements are marked under tourist visa, they are applicable for any Schengen visas. The requirements are:
- Visa Application Form: A completed and signed Schengen Visa application form. Unlike any other Schengen countries, you don’t require visiting VFS Global Swiss visa applications. They have a special visa desk for online visa applications. If you need any emergency visa for medical purposes or death of relatives, you can apply for an urgent visa appointment. It is alternatively called a fast-track visa.
- Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity extending at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen Area.
- Photos: Recent passport-sized photos meeting Schengen Visa photo requirements. Your submitted photograph must meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – MRTD Photo Guidelines.
- Travel Itinerary: Proof of a round-trip flight reservation and accommodation bookings for the duration of your stay in Switzerland.
- Travel Insurance: A valid travel insurance policy covering a minimum of 30,000 euros in medical expenses and emergency repatriation. Here’s a detailed guideline on travel insurance with certified insurance providers.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or a sponsorship letter indicating you have enough funds to cover your stay. Generally,
- Here’s a detailed guide on Proof of Subsistence for Schengen visas.
- Employment Letter: If employed, a letter from your employer stating your employment status and permission to take leave.
- Self-Employed or Business Owners: Proof of business registration, financial statements, and a business license.
- Invitation Letter: If visiting friends or family, an invitation letter from your host in Switzerland, along with a copy of their Swiss ID or residence permit. Checkout the Factsheet on Invitation letter with a sample invitation letter format.
- Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations, rental agreements, or a letter of invitation. If your sponsor bears accommodation and other costs for your travel visa, you must submit a declaration of sponsorship with the visa application form.
- Proof of Language Skills: If you’re traveling to Switzerland for family reunification, you may have to provide proof of language proficiency skills. You may have to show language skills when granting a residence permit or permanent residence permit.
- Visa Fee: Payment of the non-refundable visa fee. The visa fees are as follows:
| Category | Amount in BDT |
| Adults | 10,000 |
| Children aged from 6 to 12 | 5,000 |
| Children up to 6 years old | FREE |
Note: The visa fees are the same for all other visa categories. The price in BDT can change anytime based on the exchange rate of CHF.
For a complete Schengen visa application procedure, you can visit the official site of the Swiss Embassy. Here’s a detailed documentation checklist of Switzerland Visit Visas.
Business Visa Requirements:
In addition to the general Schengen Visa requirements mentioned above, the following may be required for a Business Visa:
- Business Invitation: An official invitation from a Swiss company or a letter of invitation from your business partner in Switzerland.
- Company Registration: Proof of your own company’s registration and business activities.
- Meeting Schedule: An itinerary of your business meetings and appointments in Switzerland.
If you’re confused about the requirements, see the checklist for business visas instead.
Student Visa Requirements:
For a Student Visa, the following requirements may apply:
- Letter of Acceptance: An acceptance letter from a recognized Swiss educational institution.
- Financial Means: Proof that you have sufficient financial means to cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance coverage in Switzerland.
- Academic Certificates: Copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
- Study Plan: A statement explaining your study plans and goals in Switzerland.
Since student visas are under the long-term or national visa category, we recommend you take a closer look at the checklist for Swiss Official Schengen Visas.
Medical Visa Requirements:
For a Medical Visa, you may need the following:
- Medical Invitation: An invitation from a Swiss medical institution confirming the scheduled medical treatment.
- Medical Reports: Copies of your medical reports and a doctor’s certificate describing the treatment required.
- Payment Proof: Evidence of financial means to cover medical expenses.
Now, you know all the requirements and documentation info, let’s move on to the application procedure!
How To Apply For Switzerland Visa From Bangladesh?
You’ll be glad to know that, amongst the 27 Schengen countries, Switzerland has one of the highest visa success rates. But, you need to prepare all the requirements and apply in the right way to get the visa.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a Switzerland Visa from Bangladesh:
Step 1: Choose The Right Type Of Visa
If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need a Schengen visa. However, if you have any prior valid Schengen visa, you can travel without restrictions.
As you know, the Swiss embassy offers various types of visas. Determine the purpose of your visit and the type of visa that suits your needs.
Step 2: Check Visa Requirements
After selecting the visa type, it’s time to create a checklist of required documents and funds. Visit the official website of the Swiss Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, or the Swiss consulate where you plan to apply.
Step 3: Complete the Visa Application Form
Download the Schengen Visa application form from the official website. Fill it out completely and truthfully. Ensure you have all the necessary supporting documents, which typically include:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Recent passport-sized photos meeting Schengen Visa photo requirements.
- A travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation bookings.
- Travel insurance covering a minimum of $40,000 or 30,000 Euro.
- Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or a sponsorship letter.
- A letter of employment or proof of business, depending on the purpose of your visit.
- For students, an acceptance letter from a Swiss educational institution.
- You may also require a NOC letter through your employer(job holders) or educational institution (for students).
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment
You’ll need to schedule an appointment to submit your application at the Swiss consulate or visa application center. Some consulates allow online appointment scheduling.
Please note that, particularly during peak seasons, the waiting period for appointments can extend up to 2 months.
You have the option to book an appointment as early as 6 months in advance of your departure flight date. Click here to schedule an appointment, which is free of charge.
Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview
On the scheduled date, attend the visa interview at the Swiss consulate or visa application center. Be punctual, bring all required documents, and pay the visa fee.
Step 6: Biometrics Collection
You may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph, at the visa application center. Biometric data in the form of fingerprints is typically collected every 59 months starting from the age of 12, beginning with the initial recording.
Step 7: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the non-refundable visa fee. The fee may vary depending on the type of visa and your age.
Step 8: Wait for Processing
The processing time for a Switzerland Visa can vary, but it typically takes around 15 calendar days.
During this period, your application will be reviewed by the Swiss authorities. However, the National Visa processing time is approximately 8–12 weeks.
Step 9: Collect Your Visa
Once your visa is approved, you will be informed to collect your visa from the consulate or visa application center. Remember to bring your passport and the visa fee receipt.
VISA Process Timeline
The total time needed to get a Switzerland visa can vary depending on the type of visa, individual circumstances, and processing times.
Total time from making payment to BDV: 30.5 – 38.5 months
*Timing fluctuates and changes, since this is a government processing. Each individual will have a unique process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you curious about learning something more about Switzerland Visa from Bangladesh? If so, check the following FAQ section.
A successful visa application brings you one step closer to experiencing the charm of Switzerland. Your adventure awaits in the heart of Europe.
Before submitting your application, verify the latest fees, processing times, and documentation requirements. Additionally, always be prepared for a visa interview if applicable.
Always consult the official sources and authorities for the most accurate and current information regarding visa applications.
Bon voyage!
