Switzerland visa for visiting family and friends

The host writes a dated and signed invitation in German, French or Italian with their address, phone number and e-mail, your relationship (family ties proven by a civil status document), and the reason and length of the visit. Attach a copy of the host’s passport or ID, or of the residence permit if the host is not Swiss. If you will not stay at the host’s home, add a hotel booking.

Family members of Swiss, EU or EFTA citizens can apply directly at the Swiss representation, usually with an appointment, and their visa is free.

A host in Switzerland can sign the declaration of sponsorship; the competent authority checks the host's solvency. Hosts can be adult Swiss or Liechtenstein citizens resident there, holders of a B or C permit, or companies in the commercial register. Otherwise, an invitation letter and your own proof of means are enough.

The sponsorship form is not published online: the Swiss representation gives it to you during the procedure if it finds your own funds insufficient. You fill in question 1 and send it to the host, who files it with the communal or cantonal authority and pays a processing charge in advance. The declaration covers sickness, accident, return and living costs up to CHF 30,000 for one person or a family or group of up to 10 travelling together, applies for 12 months from entry and cannot be revoked. Approval of the declaration does not create a right to the visa.

Without a declaration of sponsorship, show about CHF 100 per day of your own means.

A refusal can be appealed within 30 days of receipt; the procedure is described on the SEM website and in the refusal notice. The visa fee is not refunded.