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Application for Schengen visa and procedure

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) regulary seeks qualified and motivated employees.

Job vacancies will be published through the state job web portal. You can tailor your search towards your requirements through various search criteria.

State job portal (de, fr, it)

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 seven 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.  

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 Economic Area (EEA) 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.

Family members are defined as:

  • 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 03.03.2023