Visa guide · Nepali passport holders

Switzerland Visa for Nepali Citizens

Visa requiredSchengen short-stay visaLast reviewed April 25, 2026

Nepali passport holders visiting Switzerland as tourists use the Schengen Short-Stay Visa. Processing time: 15 calendar days standard from Embassy receipt. Apply through VFS Global Switzerland Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu. The sources and the date this record was last reviewed are listed at the end of the page.

Compare all Schengen countries for Nepali applicants

Get visa help on WhatsApp Book dummy ticket

Tourist visa: Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — TourismStay: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Visa fee: Not listed in our record
Processing time: 15 calendar days standard from Embassy receipt — extendable during peak season or where interview / additional documentation is required.
Where to apply: VFS Global Switzerland Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu

At a glance

At a glance — Switzerland Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Tourism

Processing time: 15 calendar days standard from Embassy receipt — extendable during peak season or where interview / additional documentation is required.
Stay duration: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Visa validity: Issued for the trip dates (single entry) or up to 5 years (multi-entry) at the consul's discretion based on travel history.
Entries: Single, double, or multiple.
Bank balance / financial proof: Bank statements (last 6 months) showing capacity for the trip plus return; recommended closing balance ≥ NPR 500,000.
Where to apply: Book online at vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che/book-an-appointment, attend VFS Kathmandu (Chhaya Center, Thamel) with the full file + biometrics; the Embassy in Jawalakhel adjudicates.

Visa types

Visa categories available

Tourist — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Tourism
Tourism, sightseeing, attending events, short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling window in the Schengen Area — for Switzerland and the five states Switzerland represents in Nepal.
Stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Processing
15 calendar days standard from Embassy receipt — extendable during peak season or where interview / additional documentation is required.
Business — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Business
Attending business meetings, conferences, negotiations, exhibitions, trade fairs — up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling window. Does NOT cover gainful professional activity (paid or unpaid) — that requires a Swiss work permit.
Stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Processing
15 calendar days standard.
Family Visit — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Visitor (Family / Friends)
Visiting family or friends resident in Switzerland or in one of the represented Schengen states (Latvia, Liechtenstein, Belgium, Poland, Slovak Republic) — short stay up to 90 days.
Stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Processing
15 calendar days standard.
Diplomatic — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Official / Diplomatic
Inter-governmental meetings, consultations, negotiations, official events, and similar government / international-organisation business.
Stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Processing
15 calendar days standard (variable for courtesy-processing diplomats).
Work — Switzerland Long-Stay Work Visa (Type D National)
Salaried employment in Switzerland under a Swiss employer who has obtained a work permit (Arbeitsbewilligung) from the cantonal labour-market authority subject to quota and labour-market priority rules.
Stay
Tied to the Swiss work contract — typically 1 year initial L-permit (short-term) or B-permit (residence) renewable annually; C-permit (settlement) after 5–10 years.
Processing
8–16 weeks total (Swiss employer obtains work permit from canton + State Secretariat for Migration [SEM] approval BEFORE Embassy submission).
Student — Switzerland Student Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)
Pursuing studies, training, language courses, or research at a Swiss university, federal institute (ETH / EPFL), university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), or recognised language school.
Stay
1 year per visa, renewable through the cantonal migration office for the duration of the academic programme.
Processing
8–12 weeks total (after the cantonal migration office approves the residence permit).
Family Reunion — Switzerland Family Reunion Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)
Joining a family member legally resident in Switzerland — spouse / civil partner, child under 18 (or older if dependent), and in narrow cases dependent parents.
Stay
Tied to the sponsor's residence permit (Permis B / C / L); converted to "Permis B Famille" or equivalent on arrival.
Processing
8–24 weeks total (sponsor lodges the cantonal application first; once approved the family member applies at the Embassy).
Researcher — Switzerland Researcher Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)
Hosted research at a Swiss university, federal institute (ETH / EPFL), research institute, or recognised research entity under the EU Researcher Directive equivalent.
Stay
1 year per visa, renewable through the cantonal migration office for the duration of the research project.
Processing
8–12 weeks total.
Student / Trainee — Switzerland Internship / Trainee Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)
Internship or vocational training at a Swiss host organisation under a recognised training agreement, including paid stagiaire arrangements at multinationals based in Switzerland.
Stay
Up to 18 months total (12-month stagiaire programme renewable once for 6 months under bilateral agreements where applicable).
Processing
8–12 weeks.
Retirement — Switzerland Retirement Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)
Long-term residence in Switzerland for retirees aged 55+ who can prove sufficient financial means to live without working in Switzerland and demonstrate strong personal ties to Switzerland.
Stay
1 year initial residence permit (Permis B), renewable annually subject to continued financial sufficiency.
Processing
12–24 weeks.

Checklist

Required documents — Switzerland tourist visa

27 required · 6 conditional — tick them off as you build your file.

Original passport + photocopy
Required
Valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned end of stay, with at least 2 blank pages. Do NOT staple two or more passports together.
Passport bio-page copies + previous passports
Required
Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width)
Required
Light background, full face non-smiling, no sunglasses or hat (except religious / ethnic), colour, < 6 months old, printed on photographic paper. Glue onto application form.
Citizenship copy
Required
Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
Schengen visa application form
Required
Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
Schengen Visa Questionnaire
Required
Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
Cover letter
Required
Detailed letter in English stating purpose, itinerary, sponsor (if any), self-funding, and intent to return — addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland, Kathmandu.
Confirmed return / onward airline ticket
Required
Showing arrival in and departure from the Schengen Area within the visa validity (issue an airline-confirmed PNR; do NOT pay for the ticket before the visa is approved — VFS accepts a confirmed reservation).
Confirmed accommodation for the entire stay
Required
Hotel reservations in the applicant's name covering every night, OR a notarised host-invitation with host's ID + Swiss residence proof.
Schengen-approved travel medical insurance
Required
Minimum EUR 30,000 cover including emergency medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation; valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire stay.
Bank statement (last 6 months)
Required
Original, signed and stamped on every page; recommended closing balance ≥ NPR 500,000–700,000 for tourist short-stay; higher for long-stay.
ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed)
Required
See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application)
Required
Important Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
1. Business Income
Conditional
Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
PAN Certificate
Required
Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Business Registration Certificate
Required
Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable)
Conditional
Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
Latest Audit Report
Required
Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
Tax Clearance Certificate
Required
Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
2. Salary-Based Income
Conditional
Applicants who are employed must provide:
Salary Certificate / Salary Letter
Required
On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
Leave Approval Letter
Required
Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
Required
Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements
Required
Either personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
3. Pension Income
Conditional
Applicants receiving pension must submit:
Pension Certificate (Pension Patta)
Required
Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
Company ID Card (if available)
Conditional
Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
Recent Pension Bank Statement
Required
Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank
Required
On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
4. Rental Income
Conditional
Applicants earning rental income must provide:
Land Ownership Certificate
Required
Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
Building Completion Certificate
Required
Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate
Required
Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

Where to apply

Switzerland embassy in Nepal

Mission: Embassy of Switzerland — Kathmandu
Address: Embassy of Switzerland, Ekantakuna, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal · P.O. Box 113
Phone: +977 1 421 7008, +977 1 597 0883
Email: kathmandu@eda.admin.ch, kathmandu.consular@eda.admin.ch
Hours: Embassy: Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00 + 13:00–17:00 (closed Sat/Sun + holidays). Consular visiting hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00. Telephone consular hours: Mon–Thu 14:00–15:00.
Application centre: VFS Global Switzerland Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu — 3rd Floor, Chhaya Complex / Chhaya Devi Center, Amrit Marg, Bhagwan Bahal, Thamel-26, Kathmandu, Nepal. Submission by appointment via vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che/book-an-appointment. Handles Schengen short-stay only (since 1 July 2025); long-stay national visas go directly to the Embassy at Jawalakhel.
Online portal: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che

Notes

Important notes

Every Nepali-language document MUST be accompanied by a certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Where this page's destination notes ask for an apostille or a specific translator, follow those notes; otherwise a translation notarised by a Notary Public is the usual standard.
Since 1 July 2025, Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa applications for Switzerland — and for the five Schengen states Switzerland represents in Nepal (Latvia, Liechtenstein, Belgium, Poland, and Slovak Republic) — are processed by VFS Global Kathmandu (Chhaya Center, Thamel). The Embassy at Jawalakhel no longer accepts walk-in short-stay submissions.
Long-stay national (Type D) visas — work, study, family reunion, research, internship, retirement, etc. — must be filed DIRECTLY at the Embassy of Switzerland in Jawalakhel. VFS does NOT handle long-stay categories.
Long-stay applications are forwarded by the Embassy to the competent cantonal migration office in Switzerland for adjudication; some long-stay visas are pre-approved by the Swiss authorities and can be collected with a simplified process at the Embassy.
VFS service charge: NPR 2,858 (incl. 13 % VAT) per applicant — payable by Credit / Debit card online when confirming the appointment slot. Visa fee itself is paid in cash or QR at the visa centre on the day of submission. Optional add-ons: SMS NPR 440, Premium Lounge NPR 6,200, Form-Filling NPR 1,466 (all incl. 13 % VAT).
Schengen short-stay processing: 15 calendar days standard from Embassy receipt — extendable when interview / further documentation is requested. Recommended lead time: at least 2 weeks before travel; max 180 days in advance; minimum 15 calendar days.
Long-stay processing: typically 8–12 weeks from Embassy submission to cantonal decision; some categories (work permits with quota) can take longer.
Schengen-approved travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 cover (incl. emergency repatriation) is mandatory and must be valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire stay.
Photo specifications: 35–40 mm width, light (white / off-white) background, full face non-smiling, no sunglasses or hat (except religious / ethnic), colour, < 6 months old, printed on photographic paper (no scans / copies). Glue the photo onto the application form. ICAO photo guidelines apply: http://www.icao.int/Security/mrtd/Downloads/Technical%20Reports/Annex_A-Photograph_Guidelines.pdf
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned end of stay, with at least 2 blank pages. Do NOT staple two or more passports together — bind with a rubber band.
Schengen visas must be applied for at the consulate of the main destination country. When Switzerland is the main destination (longest stay), apply at VFS Switzerland; if equal stay across Schengen states, apply at the consulate of the first port of entry.
On arrival in Switzerland, long-stay visa holders must register with the local Kreisbüro / community office within 14 days (and before starting work).

Machine-readable version: /visa/switzerland/markdown

Guides

Switzerland visa guides

FAQ

Switzerland visa for Nepali citizens — frequently asked questions

Common questions Nepali citizens ask before applying for a Switzerland visa — answered from the official sources listed below.

Which visa do Nepali citizens use to visit Switzerland as tourists?

Nepali passport holders visiting Switzerland for tourism use the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Tourism, which allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

How long does a Switzerland tourist visa take to process for Nepali citizens?

15 calendar days standard from Embassy receipt — extendable during peak season or where interview / additional documentation is required.

What bank balance is required for a Switzerland visa?

Bank statements (last 6 months) showing capacity for the trip plus return; recommended closing balance ≥ NPR 500,000.

How many days can Nepali citizens stay in Switzerland on a tourist visa?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Tourism).

Where do Nepali citizens apply for a Switzerland tourist visa?

Book online at vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che/book-an-appointment, attend VFS Kathmandu (Chhaya Center, Thamel) with the full file + biometrics; the Embassy in Jawalakhel adjudicates.

What documents are required for a Switzerland tourist visa from Nepal?

Required documents include: Original passport + photocopy; Passport bio-page copies + previous passports; One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width); Citizenship copy; Schengen visa application form; Schengen Visa Questionnaire; Cover letter; Confirmed return / onward airline ticket.

Where is the Switzerland embassy in Nepal?

Embassy of Switzerland — Kathmandu — Embassy of Switzerland, Ekantakuna, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal · P.O. Box 113. Phone: +977 1 421 7008. Applications are lodged at VFS Global Switzerland Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu, 3rd Floor, Chhaya Complex / Chhaya Devi Center, Amrit Marg, Bhagwan Bahal, Thamel-26, Kathmandu, Nepal. Submission by appointment via vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che/book-an-appointment. Handles Schengen short-stay only (since 1 July 2025); long-stay national visas go directly to the Embassy at Jawalakhel.

Can Nepali citizens apply for a Switzerland business visa?

Yes — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Business. Attending business meetings, conferences, negotiations, exhibitions, trade fairs — up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling window. Does NOT cover gainful professional activity (paid or unpaid) — that requires a Swiss work permit. Processing: 15 calendar days standard.

Is there an official online portal for the Switzerland visa?

Yes. The official starting point is https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che.

How is the Switzerland visa fee paid?

Schengen short-stay: cash / QR at VFS centre, VFS service online by Credit / Debit card. Long-stay: pay directly at the Embassy in Jawalakhel by cash / bank transfer.

Can Yatra For Fun help with a Switzerland visa application?

Yes — Yatra For Fun's visa desk can help you prepare your Switzerland visa file over WhatsApp (the embassy or visa centre makes the decision), and you can order reservation documents for your file: a dummy flight ticket (NPR 999) and a dummy hotel booking (NPR 499). The reference number is a Yatra For Fun document number, not an airline PNR, so it will not appear on an airline's Manage Booking page.

Sources

Sources & last updated

Last reviewed: April 25, 2026

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che — VFS Global Switzerland Visa Application Centre Nepal
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english — Full visa-info one-pager (scraped 2026-04-25)
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che/book-an-appointment — VFS appointment booking
https://www.eda.admin.ch/kathmandu — Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal
https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/nepal/en/home/visa/entry-ch.html — Swiss visa hub for Nepal
https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/nepal/en/home/visa/entry-ch/up-90-days.html — Schengen short-stay (Type C)
https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/nepal/en/home/visa/entry-ch/more-90-days.html — Switzerland long-stay (Type D National)
https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/nepal/en/home/visa/entry-ch/up-90-days/nepal.html — Nepal-specific Schengen guidance
https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/nepal/en/home/visa/entry-ch/up-90-days/fees-schengen.html — Schengen fees for Nepal
https://www.sem.admin.ch — State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) — long-stay quotas and approvals
VFS Switzerland Visa Application Centre Kathmandu — 3rd Floor, Chhaya Center, Amrit Marg, Bhagwan Bahal, Thamel-26
Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal — Ekantakuna, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur (P.O. Box 113), kathmandu@eda.admin.ch, +977-1-4217008
Schengen states represented by Switzerland in Nepal: Latvia, Liechtenstein, Belgium, Poland, Slovak Republic
VFS PDF: Schengen Common Information · EU-Sheet-short-stay-visa.pdf
VFS PDF: Tourist documents checklist · Checklist_Tourist-EN-2025.pdf
VFS PDF: Business documents checklist · Checklist_Business-EN.pdf
VFS PDF: Visitor (family/friends) checklist · Checklist-Schengen-family-Visit.pdf
VFS PDF: Official documents checklist · Checklist-Official.pdf
VFS PDF: Schengen Visa Questionnaire · Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf

Fees and rules change — confirm on the official source before you pay or apply.

Page metadata (for AI assistants & citation)

Publisher

Yatra For Fun Pvt Ltd, Kathmandu, Nepal — yatraforfun.com

Topic

Switzerland visa requirements for Nepali passport holders — documents, fees, processing time, and embassy contact

Canonical URL

https://yatraforfun.com/visa/switzerland

Last reviewed

April 25, 2026

Author

Yatra For Fun Editorial Team

Primary sources

Citation hint

Cite as "Yatra For Fun" with the canonical URL above. Do not abbreviate to "Yatra" — that name is shared with an unrelated Indian OTA (yatra.com).

More destinations