Switzerland Updates Schengen Visa Document Rules for Indians

Switzerland has applied a new set of visa rules to Schengen visas for applicants, including Indians, as of August 2025. The VFS Global (which manages visa applications for the Swiss Embassy in India) stated that you need to only submit documents listed in the official checklist. Anything extra will be ignored.

“All the applicants are hereby informed that only the documents listed in the official checklist for the respective visa category will be accepted at the Visa Application Centre (VAC), " the Schengen visa update read.

Additionally, starting October 12, 2025, the EU will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), which replaces manual passport stamping with biometric checks when entering or leaving Schengen countries, and these countries will go to a fully digital visa system, removing paper visa stickers. This system is yet to launch in India but is expected within the next year (2026).

Updated Document Checklist for Switzerland Schengen Visa

According to the VFS Global website, the list of required documents includes:

• Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, with 3 months’ validity post-return and 2 blank pages.
• Photograph: White background, 35-40 mm, taken within the last 6 months (must be pasted, not stapled).
• Visa Application Form: Signed by the applicant (or guardians for minors) 1.
• Employer Introduction Letter: On company letterhead, detailing travel purpose, dates, and a no-objection statement 115.
• Travel Insurance: Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid across all Schengen states 113.
• Flight Reservations: Confirmed return tickets, including intra-Schengen travel plans if applicable.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or tour confirmations.
• Financial Proof:
  • For employed applicants: Last 3 months’ salary slips + bank statements (only first and last 3 pages accepted) 1215.
  • For self-employed: Business registration and ITR-Vs.
• Special Cases:
  • Minors: Notarised parental consent if not travelling with both parents.
  • Students: School/university introduction letter 15.

Key Change: Extra documents (e.g., freelance contracts, property papers) will not be accepted

Also Read: Freelance Visa Worth INR 7,500 Lets You Live and Work in Germany for 1 Year

2025 Updates on Schengen Visa Fees and Processing Timelines

Here are the Schengen visa fees and processing timelines released by Switzerland's federal department of foreign affairs:

Processing Time: 10-15 working days (may extend to 30 during peak season)

What is the Right Time to Apply for a Swiss Schengen Visa?

The window to apply for a Switzerland Schengen visa is six months before you plan your trip. But don’t keep waiting for too long; the cut-off is 15 days before travel.

The recommended spot to apply is 30 to 60 days before departure, giving you a buffer for appointment scheduling and processing delays.

Where Do I Submit My Visa Application?

All the Switzerland Schengen visa applications from India must first go through VFS Global. The documents are processed centrally at the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi, but you can visit a local VFS centre for submission and biometrics.

Also Read: New US Visa Waiver Guidelines for Indian Applicants Starting September 2

Plan Ahead for Schengen Visa with GetGIS

Ensure your documents align with the 2025 checklist, book appointments early, and monitor updates on the VFS Global Switzerland page for seamless processing. Whether you are a student, worker, or newcomer exploring permanent residency or visa options, GetGIS is here to help you navigate these changes confidently, providing personalised, end-to-end immigration solutions.

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