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Application for Schengen visa and procedure

As a general rule, a decision is taken by the Consulate within 15 days. This period may, in individual cases, be extended.

Some Schengen States require that they be consulted on visa applications submitted to other Schengen States by citizens of certain countries. The consultation process may take up to 14 calendar days. Such consultation is currently required for nationals of the countries listed here:

List of countries

It is therefore recommended to submit the visa application early, at the earliest 6 months before the planned journey.  

Please note that no visa information (progress, addition documents, collection date, expediting, etc.) is given by phone or email to the applicant or 3rd parties, after the visa application has been submitted to VFS Global.

The reasons for refusal are notified to the applicant using a standard form.

You have the right to appeal within 30 days of receipt of the refusal. For information on appeal procedures, please refer to the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration.

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Biometric data (fingerprints) are generally collected every 59 months from the age of 12 years from the first recording.  

If you are a family member of a Swiss, European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizen, you are entitled to submit your application directly at the responsible Embassy or Consulate of Switzerland. An appointment is mandatory and must be booked in advance.

Citizens of the EU and the EFTA and their family members

  • spouses or registered partners of an EU/EFTA citizen;
  • relatives in descending line who are under the age of 21 years or who are dependent. This includes the relatives of EU/EFTA citizens and the relatives of their spouse or registered partner;
  • relatives in ascending line who are dependent. This includes the relatives of EU/EFTA citizens and the relatives of their spouse or registered partner;
  • in the case of EU/EFTA citizens living as students in Switzerland: spouses or registered partners and their dependent children.

For relatives in descending line aged 21 and over and relatives in ascending line, i.e. parents or grandparents, proof must be provided that they receive support from family members in Switzerland.

The term "dependent" means the following:

Even before entering Switzerland, as well as during the stay in Switzerland, a substantial part of the person’s maintenance requirements is covered by the relatives in Switzerland. Financial support for food and accommodation in Switzerland alone is not sufficient.

If you wish to complain about the behavior of the consular staff and, if applicable, about the external service provider or about the process, please contact the competent representation in writing.

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Last update 11.02.2025