# Switzerland visa for Nepali citizens

> Switzerland visa for Nepali citizens. · Processing: 15 calendar days standard from Embassy receipt — extendable during peak season or where interview / add…

Canonical page: https://yatraforfun.com/visa/switzerland
Last updated: 2026-04-25

## Embassy / mission

- **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 (VFS application portal — short-stay) · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che/book-an-appointment · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/ (full visa-info one-pager + downloadable PDF checklists) · https://www.eda.admin.ch/kathmandu (Embassy — long-stay)
- **Payment:** 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.

## Visa categories

### Tourist — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Tourism

**Purpose:** 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 duration:** Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
**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.
**Processing time:** 15 calendar days standard from Embassy receipt — extendable during peak season or where interview / additional documentation is required.
**How 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.
**Financial requirement:** Bank statements (last 6 months) showing capacity for the trip plus return; recommended closing balance ≥ NPR 500,000.

**Required documents:**

- Original passport + photocopy — 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 — Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — 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 — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
- Schengen visa application form — Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire — Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
- Cover letter — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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) — 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) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — 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 — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — 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 — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — 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 — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — 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 — 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) — 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 — 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 — 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 — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- VFS Tourist documents checklist (PDF, 2025): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/Checklist_Tourist-EN-2025.pdf
- Schengen Common Information sheet (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/EU-Sheet-short-stay-visa.pdf
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf
- Switzerland is one of the 29 European countries forming the Schengen Area — a single Schengen visa allows travel across all 29 states.
- A clean Schengen travel history (prior tourist visas with no overstay) significantly improves chances of a multi-entry visa.

### Business — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Business

**Purpose:** 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 duration:** Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
**Validity:** Issued for the trip dates or multi-entry up to 5 years at consul's discretion.
**Entries:** Single, double, or multiple.
**Processing time:** 15 calendar days standard.
**How to apply:** Same VFS Kathmandu route as tourist, with a Swiss / Schengen-state business invitation.

**Required documents:**

- Original passport + photocopy — 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 — Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — 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 — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
- Schengen visa application form — Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire — Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
- Cover letter — Detailed letter in English stating purpose, itinerary, sponsor (if any), self-funding, and intent to return — addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland, Kathmandu.
- Invitation letter from Swiss / Schengen-state partner — On company letterhead, addressed to the Embassy, stating purpose, exact dates, host contact, and undertaking to cover (or share) costs.
- Swiss host commercial registration (Handelsregisterauszug) — Recent extract (within 3 months) from the Swiss Commercial Register or equivalent in the represented Schengen state.
- Trade-fair / conference accreditation *(conditional)* — Where the trip is for a fair / conference — registration confirmation or admission card.
- Cover letter from Nepali employer / company — On letterhead, stating designation, salary, leave approval, purpose, and intent to return.
- Confirmed return / onward airline ticket — 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 — 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 — 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) — 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) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- 1. Business Income *(conditional)* — Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
- PAN Certificate — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — 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 — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.

**Notes:**
- VFS Business documents checklist (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/Checklist_Business-EN.pdf
- Schengen Common Information sheet (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/EU-Sheet-short-stay-visa.pdf
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf

### Family Visit — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Visitor (Family / Friends)

**Purpose:** 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 duration:** Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
**Validity:** Issued for the visit dates (single entry) or multi-entry at consul's discretion.
**Entries:** Single, double, or multiple.
**Processing time:** 15 calendar days standard.
**How to apply:** Swiss / Schengen-resident host signs a formal invitation; the applicant submits at VFS Kathmandu.

**Required documents:**

- Original passport + photocopy — 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 — Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — 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 — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
- Schengen visa application form — Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire — Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
- Cover letter — Detailed letter in English stating purpose, itinerary, sponsor (if any), self-funding, and intent to return — addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland, Kathmandu.
- Original Invitation Letter from host — Signed by the Swiss / Schengen-resident host; states host's identity, address, relationship, dates, and undertaking on accommodation / costs.
- Host's passport / Permis B/C/L copy — Copies of the host's ID + Swiss residence permit (or passport for Swiss / EU / EFTA citizens).
- Host's residence proof (Wohnsitzbescheinigung) — Recent registration certificate from the Swiss community office (Gemeinde) showing the host's registered address.
- Host's income proof — Salary slips, tax declaration, OR business registration showing capacity to host.
- Proof of relationship *(conditional)* — Marriage / birth / family register where the relationship is declared in the invitation. NOT required for spouse / dependent child / dependent parent of Swiss / EU / EFTA citizen if the certificate is issued in those countries.
- Confirmed return / onward airline ticket — 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).
- Schengen-approved travel medical insurance — 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) — 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) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — 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 — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — 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 — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — 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 — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — 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 — 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) — 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 — 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 — 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 — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- VFS Family Visit / Visitor documents checklist (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/Checklist-Schengen-family-Visit.pdf
- Schengen Common Information sheet (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/EU-Sheet-short-stay-visa.pdf
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf
- Spouse of Swiss / EU / EFTA citizen with marriage certificate issued / registered in those countries: flight booking, insurance, AND visa application fee are waived per Schengen Code.

### Diplomatic — Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) — Official / Diplomatic

**Purpose:** Inter-governmental meetings, consultations, negotiations, official events, and similar government / international-organisation business.
**Stay duration:** Up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
**Validity:** Issued for the trip dates (single entry) or multi-entry per credentials.
**Entries:** Single or multiple.
**Processing time:** 15 calendar days standard (variable for courtesy-processing diplomats).
**How to apply:** Submitted via VFS Kathmandu with diplomatic / official documentation; some diplomatic missions submit directly via diplomatic channels.

**Required documents:**

- Diplomatic / Official passport or UN Laissez-Passer + photocopy — Valid for at least 3 months beyond planned end of stay.
- Note Verbale from MoFA Nepal *(conditional)* — For diplomatic / official passport holders — equivalent diplomatic note from the sending mission.
- International Organisation sponsor letter *(conditional)* — For ordinary-passport applicants sponsored by an IO with Headquarters Agreement — confirms event, dates, and sponsorship.
- Travel order / mission letter — Stating purpose, duration, and host counterpart.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — White / off-white background, full face non-smiling.
- Schengen visa application form + Questionnaire
- Confirmed return / onward airline ticket — 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).
- Schengen-approved travel medical insurance — Minimum EUR 30,000 cover including emergency medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation; valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire stay.

**Notes:**
- VFS Official documents checklist (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/Checklist-Official.pdf
- Schengen Common Information sheet (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/EU-Sheet-short-stay-visa.pdf
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire (PDF): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/pdf/Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf

### Work — Switzerland Long-Stay Work Visa (Type D National)

**Purpose:** 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 duration:** 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.
**Validity:** 90 days from issuance to enter Switzerland; convert to Swiss residence permit (Permis L / B) at the cantonal migration office within 14 days of arrival and before starting work.
**Entries:** Single entry on the visa; multi on the residence permit.
**Processing time:** 8–16 weeks total (Swiss employer obtains work permit from canton + State Secretariat for Migration [SEM] approval BEFORE Embassy submission).
**How to apply:** Swiss employer applies for the work permit at the cantonal labour-market authority (passes labour-market priority test — no Swiss / EU / EFTA candidate available); after SEM approves, the applicant submits the Embassy file directly at the Embassy of Switzerland in Jawalakhel. NOT via VFS.

**Required documents:**

- Original passport + photocopy — 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 — Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — 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 — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
- Schengen visa application form — Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire — Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
- Cover letter — Detailed letter in English stating purpose, itinerary, sponsor (if any), self-funding, and intent to return — addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland, Kathmandu.
- Original cantonal work permit + SEM approval — Original Bewilligung (work-permit authorisation) issued by the cantonal labour-market authority and the SEM approval letter.
- Swiss employment contract — Signed contract stating role, salary (≥ Swiss collective-bargaining minimums), duration, and place of work.
- Swiss employer commercial registration (Handelsregisterauszug) — Recent extract (within 3 months).
- Education / professional qualifications — Apostilled / attested certificates with notarised English translations (or in German / French / Italian).
- CV / experience certificates — Detailed CV with notarised English translations of any Nepali-language documents.
- Police clearance certificate — From Nepal Police, attested by Nepal MoFA — issued within the last 3 months.
- DoFE labour permit — Department of Foreign Employment, Government of Nepal — required at airport departure for outbound workers.
- Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) certificate — From a DoFE-licensed orientation provider in Nepal.
- Foreign Employment Insurance receipt — Mandatory under DoFE rules.
- Social Security Fund (SSF) contribution receipt — Mandatory under DoFE rules.
- Schengen-approved travel medical insurance — Minimum EUR 30,000 cover including emergency medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation; valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire stay.
- ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- 2. Salary-Based Income *(conditional)* — Applicants who are employed must provide:
- Salary Certificate / Salary Letter — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — 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 — 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.

**Notes:**
- Switzerland operates a strict work-permit quota — non-EU / non-EFTA workers face significant restrictions and labour-market priority rules. Highly skilled / specialised candidates have the best chance.
- Recruitment from Nepal must go through a DoFE-licensed Nepali manpower agency.
- Some long-stay visas are pre-approved by Swiss authorities (canton + SEM) — Embassy collection is then a simplified process.
- Apply directly at the Embassy of Switzerland, Jawalakhel — NOT through VFS Kathmandu.

### Student — Switzerland Student Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)

**Purpose:** 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 duration:** 1 year per visa, renewable through the cantonal migration office for the duration of the academic programme.
**Validity:** 90 days from issuance to enter Switzerland; convert to student residence permit (Permis B Studien) at the cantonal migration office within 14 days of arrival.
**Entries:** Multi-entry once the residence permit is issued.
**Processing time:** 8–12 weeks total (after the cantonal migration office approves the residence permit).
**How to apply:** After admission to a Swiss institution, the applicant submits the Embassy file at the Embassy of Switzerland in Jawalakhel; the Embassy forwards to the relevant cantonal migration office for approval.

**Required documents:**

- Original passport + photocopy — 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 — Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — 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 — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
- Schengen visa application form — Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire — Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
- Cover letter — Detailed letter in English stating purpose, itinerary, sponsor (if any), self-funding, and intent to return — addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland, Kathmandu.
- Three completed long-stay application forms — In English / German / French / Italian / Spanish — three original signed copies.
- Acceptance / admission letter from Swiss institution — On letterhead, stating programme, duration, course code, and tuition status.
- Academic transcripts and certificates — Apostilled / attested in triplicate, with notarised English translations of any Nepali-language documents.
- Proof of financial means — Minimum CHF 21,000 / year in funds (≈ NPR 3,200,000 / year) — bank statements, scholarship letter, or sponsor undertaking.
- Proof of accommodation in Switzerland — University residence confirmation, private rental contract, OR host-invitation; first months are enough at application stage.
- Confirmation of payment of registration / tuition fees (where applicable) *(conditional)* — Receipt or scholarship-award letter.
- Letter of motivation / study plan — Statement explaining the programme choice, career objectives, and intent to return after studies.
- CV — Detailed CV with academic and professional history.
- Schengen-approved travel medical insurance — Minimum EUR 30,000 cover including emergency medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation; valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire stay.
- ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — 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 — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — 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 — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — 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 — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — 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 — 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) — 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 — 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 — 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 — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Apply directly at the Embassy of Switzerland, Jawalakhel — NOT through VFS Kathmandu.
- Every Nepali-language document must be in triplicate AND translated into English (or German / French / Italian / Romansh).
- Some long-stay study visas are pre-approved by Swiss authorities — collection is then a simplified process.
- Students must register at the local Kreisbüro / community office within 14 days of arrival in Switzerland for the student residence permit.

### familyReunion — Switzerland Family Reunion Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)

**Purpose:** 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 duration:** Tied to the sponsor's residence permit (Permis B / C / L); converted to "Permis B Famille" or equivalent on arrival.
**Validity:** 90 days from issuance to enter; residence permit aligned with sponsor.
**Entries:** Single entry on the visa; multi on the residence permit.
**Processing time:** 8–24 weeks total (sponsor lodges the cantonal application first; once approved the family member applies at the Embassy).
**How to apply:** Sponsor in Switzerland applies for family-reunion authorisation at the cantonal migration office, supplying income / accommodation evidence; once issued, the family member files at the Embassy of Switzerland Jawalakhel.

**Required documents:**

- Original passport + photocopy — 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 — Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — 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 — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
- Schengen visa application form — Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire — Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
- Cover letter — Detailed letter in English stating purpose, itinerary, sponsor (if any), self-funding, and intent to return — addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland, Kathmandu.
- Cantonal family-reunion authorisation — Original or certified decision from the cantonal migration office approving family reunion.
- Sponsor's residence permit + passport copy — Sponsor's Permis B / C / L valid for at least 1 more year; plus passport bio page.
- Sponsor's income proof — Salary slips (last 3–6 months), tax declaration, OR business proof showing capacity to support the dependant per cantonal income thresholds.
- Sponsor's accommodation proof — Tenancy contract or property deed, with proof the residence is large enough for the family.
- Proof of relationship — Marriage / birth / dependency certificates, attested by Nepal MoFA AND legalised by the Swiss Embassy. Notarised English translations mandatory.
- Family register / Lalpurja (for parents / extended) *(conditional)* — Issued by the local Ward Office, attested by Nepal MoFA, with notarised English translation.
- Schengen-approved travel medical insurance — Minimum EUR 30,000 cover including emergency medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation; valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire stay.
- ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — 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 — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — 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 — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — 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 — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — 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 — 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) — 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 — 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 — 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 — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Apply directly at the Embassy of Switzerland, Jawalakhel — NOT through VFS Kathmandu.
- Marriage / birth certificates must be attested by Nepal MoFA AND legalised by the Swiss Embassy before submission.
- Sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income (per cantonal table — varies by family size and canton) and an apartment large enough for the family.
- Spouse of Swiss / EU / EFTA citizen benefits from the EU Free Movement of Persons regime — simplified procedure.

### researcher — Switzerland Researcher Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)

**Purpose:** Hosted research at a Swiss university, federal institute (ETH / EPFL), research institute, or recognised research entity under the EU Researcher Directive equivalent.
**Stay duration:** 1 year per visa, renewable through the cantonal migration office for the duration of the research project.
**Validity:** 90 days from issuance to enter; residence permit (Permis B Forscher / chercheur) aligned with the research agreement.
**Entries:** Multi-entry once residence permit is issued.
**Processing time:** 8–12 weeks total.
**How to apply:** Swiss research host signs the hosting agreement; the applicant submits the Embassy file at the Embassy of Switzerland Jawalakhel.

**Required documents:**

- Original passport + photocopy — 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 — Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — 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 — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
- Schengen visa application form — Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire — Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
- Cover letter — Detailed letter in English stating purpose, itinerary, sponsor (if any), self-funding, and intent to return — addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland, Kathmandu.
- Three completed long-stay application forms — In English / German / French / Italian / Spanish — three original signed copies.
- Hosting agreement (Convention d'accueil) — Signed by the Swiss research host institution and the applicant — registered with the cantonal authority.
- Research project description — On host institution's letterhead — outlining the project, duration, funding, and outputs.
- Education / experience credentials — PhD / Master's + research publications / experience certificates with notarised English translations.
- Proof of financial means — Stipend or salary letter from the Swiss host showing minimum monthly compensation per cantonal schedule.
- Schengen-approved travel medical insurance — Minimum EUR 30,000 cover including emergency medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation; valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire stay.
- ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — 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 — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — 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 — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — 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 — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — 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 — 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) — 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 — 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 — 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 — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Apply directly at the Embassy of Switzerland, Jawalakhel — NOT through VFS Kathmandu.
- EU Blue Card equivalent does not exist in Switzerland — researchers go through the cantonal migration office route.

### studentTrainee — Switzerland Internship / Trainee Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)

**Purpose:** Internship or vocational training at a Swiss host organisation under a recognised training agreement, including paid stagiaire arrangements at multinationals based in Switzerland.
**Stay duration:** Up to 18 months total (12-month stagiaire programme renewable once for 6 months under bilateral agreements where applicable).
**Validity:** Aligned with the internship agreement; cantonal residence permit issued on arrival.
**Entries:** Multi-entry once the residence permit is issued.
**Processing time:** 8–12 weeks.
**How to apply:** Swiss host organisation files the internship contract with the cantonal labour-market office; once approved, the applicant submits the Embassy file at Jawalakhel.

**Required documents:**

- Original passport + photocopy — 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 — Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — 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 — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
- Schengen visa application form — Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire — Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
- Cover letter — Detailed letter in English stating purpose, itinerary, sponsor (if any), self-funding, and intent to return — addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland, Kathmandu.
- Internship contract / convention de stage — Tripartite agreement — applicant + Swiss host + home institution (where applicable). States duration, role, and stipend.
- Cantonal labour-market office approval — Where required by the canton.
- Education / experience certificates — Notarised English translations of Nepali-language certificates.
- Proof of financial means — Stipend letter from Swiss host plus accommodation arrangement.
- Schengen-approved travel medical insurance — Minimum EUR 30,000 cover including emergency medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation; valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire stay.
- ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — 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 — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — 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 — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — 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 — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — 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 — 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) — 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 — 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 — 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 — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Apply directly at the Embassy of Switzerland, Jawalakhel — NOT through VFS Kathmandu.

### Retirement — Switzerland Retirement Long-Stay Visa (Type D National)

**Purpose:** 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 duration:** 1 year initial residence permit (Permis B), renewable annually subject to continued financial sufficiency.
**Validity:** Aligned with the cantonal residence permit.
**Entries:** Multi-entry once residence permit is issued.
**Processing time:** 12–24 weeks.
**How to apply:** Apply directly at the Embassy of Switzerland Jawalakhel; the cantonal migration office reviews the financial-sufficiency and personal-ties evidence.
**Eligibility:** Aged 55+; prove substantial financial means (typically CHF 100,000+ annual income or substantial savings); demonstrate close ties to Switzerland (prior visits, property, family connections); private health insurance valid in Switzerland; no intent to engage in any paid activity.

**Required documents:**

- Original passport + photocopy — 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 — Plus copies of every visa / stamp page from previous passports if any.
- One recent passport-size photograph (35–40 mm width) — 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 — Photocopy of Nepali citizenship certificate, both sides.
- Schengen visa application form — Complete the visa application form online while booking the VFS appointment, then download, print, and sign.
- Schengen Visa Questionnaire — Questionnaire_Schengen_Visa_EN.pdf — print, fill, and submit alongside the main application form.
- Cover letter — Detailed letter in English stating purpose, itinerary, sponsor (if any), self-funding, and intent to return — addressed to the Embassy of Switzerland, Kathmandu.
- Proof of financial means (bank / pension / investments) — Audited bank statements, pension certificates, investment portfolios — demonstrating sustainable retirement income / capital.
- Proof of close ties to Switzerland — Prior Swiss visit history, property ownership, family connections, or business interests in Switzerland.
- Sworn statement of non-employment — Notarised undertaking not to engage in any paid activity in Switzerland.
- Proof of accommodation in Switzerland — Property title deed, signed long-term tenancy agreement, OR certified accommodation arrangement.
- Private health insurance valid in Switzerland — Comprehensive cover for the duration of the stay.
- ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — 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 — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — 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 — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — 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 — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — 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 — 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) — 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 — 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 — 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 — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Apply directly at the Embassy of Switzerland, Jawalakhel — NOT through VFS Kathmandu.
- Retirement residence in Switzerland is highly restrictive for non-EU / non-EFTA applicants — cantons grant the permit only when financial sufficiency and ties are clearly demonstrated.

## Important general notes

- Every Nepali-language document MUST be accompanied by a notary-certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Use a Nepal Bar Council–registered translator and have each translation notarised by a Notary Public.
- 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).

## How to apply (4 steps)

1. **Confirm Switzerland visa eligibility** — Check that your Nepali passport qualifies for the visa type you need (tourist, business, family, diplomatic). Diplomatic / official passport holders may have different rules.
2. **Gather supporting documents** — Prepare: 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.
3. **Submit at VFS Global Switzerland Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu** — 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.
4. **Track and collect** — Processing typically takes 15 calendar days standard from Embassy receipt — extendable during peak season or where interview / additional documentation is required.. Yatra's concierge tracks your application and notifies you on each status change.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

### 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 online portal to apply for a Switzerland visa?

Yes — apply online at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che (VFS application portal — short-stay) · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/che/book-an-appointment · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/switzerland/nepal/english/ (full visa-info one-pager + downloadable PDF checklists) · https://www.eda.admin.ch/kathmandu (Embassy — long-stay).

### 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 help with a Switzerland visa application?

Yes — Yatra provides end-to-end visa assistance for Switzerland including document preparation, appointment booking, application review, and a PNR-backed dummy ticket (NPR 999) when the embassy requires proof of onward travel.

## Sources

- 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

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*Yatra (https://yatraforfun.com) provides end-to-end visa assistance for Nepali citizens — document review, embassy submission, dummy ticket (NPR 999) when proof of onward travel is required.*