Switzerland Visa from Bangladesh (2026): Schengen Tourist/Visit/Business, Student (D), Requirements, Fees, Processing Time

🇨🇭 Contact goFLY for Switzerland Visa Assistance

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WhatsApp +880 1713-289175
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Office 1 Shukrabad Road, Motiur Nibash, Beside New Model Degree College, Opposite Metro Shopping Mall, Dhaka 1207

Last updated: January 2026 | Author: Md Bangir Hossian (Bablu) • Senior Visa Consultant (10+ Years, 3,000+ Visas) | ✅ Verified against official VFS & Swiss Embassy sources on January 21, 2026

Service Scope

goFLY Limited — a trusted visa processing agency in Bangladesh — provides comprehensive support for Switzerland Schengen (Short-Stay C) visas for Tourist/Visit/Business via VFS Global in Bangladesh. We also provide advisory for Student/Family long-stay (National D/Residence Permit) routes.

❌ We Do NOT Process

Employer-led work permits or job arrangements. Swiss work permits require sponsorship from a Swiss employer and approval by cantonal/federal authorities (SEM). Any agency promising "guaranteed Switzerland work visa" without a real job offer is running a scam. goFLY does not process employer-led work permits or arrange jobs.

⚠️ Our Honest Approach

We declined 50+ visa applications in 2025 during free consultations because those cases had weak documentation or unrealistic expectations. We would rather lose the sale than take your money for a likely refusal. This honest approach has earned us 90%+ success rate on cases we accept.

🛠 Free Smart Tools for Switzerland Visa Applicants

Use These Before You Apply

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⚡ Quick Answers

Visa required?
✅ Yes — Schengen C for short stays; National D for study/family/work
Where to apply?
VFS Global Switzerland in Dhaka; decision by Embassy of Switzerland
Biometrics required?
Yes — Fingerprints/photo unless VIS record valid within 59 months
Processing time
Schengen: ~15 days | Complex cases: up to 45 days | Student: 8-12+ weeks
Schengen visa fee
Adults: €90 | Children 6-12: €45 | Under 6: Free + VFS service fee
Insurance required?
Yes — Minimum €30,000 medical coverage for all Schengen States
Photo specifications
35×45 mm, white/light background, recent color photo
Maximum stay
90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen rule)
Need help now?

Where to Apply — Switzerland Visa from Bangladesh

❌ Walk-In Applications NOT Accepted

You MUST book an appointment at VFS Global before visiting. All Schengen visa applications go through VFS Global — the Embassy handles decision-making only. Some long-stay steps occur at the Embassy after Swiss authority approval.

Application Channels

  • VFS Global (Short-Stay C): Primary intake centre for Schengen visa applications in Bangladesh
  • Embassy of Switzerland: Decision authority for Schengen; handles biometrics/passport for approved Residence Permits
  • Swiss Authorities (SEM): Cantonal/federal authorities decide on Residence Permits (Student/Work/Family)

Peak Demand Periods

  • High demand: April-September (summer travel) and December (winter holidays)
  • Recommendation: Book appointments 4-6 weeks early during peak months
  • Application window: You can apply up to 6 months before your intended travel date
⚠️ Airport Transit Visa (ATV)

Some Bangladeshi routes require an Airport Transit Visa when transiting through Schengen airports. Check the mission list and airline Timatic before booking connecting flights through Schengen countries.

Switzerland Visa Types for Bangladeshi Citizens

Visa TypePurposeDurationKey Documents
Schengen C (Tourist)Tourism, sightseeing≤90 days in 180-day periodFlights, hotels, itinerary, bank statements, insurance
Schengen C (Visit)Visiting family/friends≤90 days in 180-day periodInvitation letter, host's Swiss ID, relationship proof
Schengen C (Business)Meetings, trade fairs, events≤90 days in 180-day periodBusiness invitation, meeting agenda, company letters
National D (Student)Degree programs, long coursesDuration of studyAdmission letter, funds proof, accommodation, insurance
National D (Family)Family reunificationLong-term residenceRelationship proof, sponsor documents, accommodation
National D (Work)Employment (employer-led)Per work permitWork permit approval, employment contract
Airport Transit (ATV)Transit through Schengen airportsTransit onlyOnward ticket, destination visa (if required)
💡 90/180 Rule Explained

With a Schengen visa, you can stay maximum 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across ALL Schengen countries combined. This is not 90 days per country or per trip. Plan your travel carefully if you have multiple Schengen trips planned.

Tourist/Visit Visa (Schengen C) — Step-by-Step Process

The Schengen C visa is the most common visa type for Bangladeshi travelers visiting Switzerland for tourism, visiting family/friends, or business meetings.

1

Confirm Route & Check Requirements

Check the VFS Global Switzerland Bangladesh page for latest intake status, checklists, and any updates to requirements.
2

Book VFS Appointment

Reserve a VFS slot for Switzerland visa application. Save and print the appointment confirmation. Book early during peak seasons (April-September, December).
3

Complete Application Form

Fill Switzerland's Schengen C form (online/PDF as instructed) completely and sign it. Typewritten forms are preferred. Ensure all details match your passport exactly.
4

Prepare Documents

Gather all documents per the checklist below. Arrange originals and copies neatly in order. Ensure 6-month bank statements are sealed by bank.
5

Buy Travel Insurance

Purchase Schengen travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid across ALL Schengen States for the entire trip duration.
6

Submit & Provide Biometrics

Attend VFS on appointment date. Provide fingerprints and photo. Pay visa fee (€90) + VFS service fee in BDT per day's exchange rate.
7

Track & Collect Passport

Use your VFS reference to track application. On passport return, verify visa validity window, number of entries, and permitted stay days.
💡 goFLY Expert Tip

Keep dates consistent across cover letter, flight bookings, hotel reservations, employer leave letter, insurance policy, and bank statement period. Consistency strongly influences outcomes for Switzerland Schengen visa from Bangladesh. Request multiple-entry only if your plan includes exiting and re-entering Schengen (e.g., UK/non-Schengen side trips).

Switzerland Schengen Visa — Document Checklist

🪪 Application & Identity

  • Application Form: Schengen form completed and signed (typewritten preferred)
  • Passport: Valid ≥3 months beyond Schengen exit, issued within last 10 years, 2+ blank pages
  • Passport Copies: Bio page and all prior visas/stamps
  • Photos: Two 35×45 mm, white/light background, taken within 6 months

✈️ Travel Plan & Purpose

  • Cover Letter: Purpose, dates, cities, accommodation plan, cost bearer, ties to Bangladesh, contact details
  • Flight Reservation: Round-trip booking (avoid non-refundable until visa approved)
  • Accommodation: Hotel bookings or host address with phone number
  • Day-by-day Itinerary: Detailed travel plan showing dates, cities, activities

🏥 Travel Insurance

  • Coverage: Minimum €30,000 medical coverage
  • Validity: Must cover ALL Schengen States for entire trip duration
  • Documents: Certificate + policy schedule

💰 Financial Evidence

  • Bank Statements: Last 6 months, sealed by bank, showing regular transactions
  • Solvency Certificate/FDR: Additional proof of funds
  • Tax Returns: If available
  • Large Deposits: Explain with source letters/supporting documents

💼 Employment/Status Proof

  • Employees: Employer NOC/leave letter, recent payslips/tax, ID card, employment contract
  • Self-employed: Trade license/registration, TIN, business bank statements, company letterhead
  • Students: Enrollment letter, student ID, leave letter (if applicable)

👨‍👩‍👧 Visiting Family/Friends (Additional)

  • Invitation Letter: From host in Switzerland with your details, dates, relationship
  • Host's ID: Swiss ID/residence card/passport copy
  • Accommodation Proof: Confirmation of address/household registration
  • Sponsorship: If host pays, their financial proof as per mission guidance
  • Relationship Evidence: Photos, communication records, family documents

💼 Business Visit (Additional)

  • Swiss Host Invitation: Official letter from Swiss company
  • Meeting Agenda: Event/meeting schedule and purpose
  • Host Company Registration: If requested
  • Your Employer Letter: Role, purpose of trip, cost bearer
  • Trade Documents: Trade license, TIN, company financials
❌ Common Document Red Flags
  • Insurance gaps — must cover ALL Schengen States and every day of travel
  • Unexplained large deposits — provide source letters and supporting documents
  • Date mismatches — cover letter, bookings, leave letter, insurance must align
  • Wrong/old photos — must be 35×45 mm and taken within 6 months

Student Visa (National D) — Switzerland Student Visa from Bangladesh

Studying in Switzerland requires a National Visa D for entry and a Residence Permit after arrival. Applications involve Swiss cantonal approval, then Embassy steps.

Application Route Overview

  • Step 1 - Admission: Receive offer from a Swiss university/college
  • Step 2 - Canton/SEM Process: Your file is assessed by Swiss canton and State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)
  • Step 3 - Embassy: After approval, attend Embassy/VFS for biometrics/passport and Visa D issuance
  • Step 4 - Arrival: Register with local authorities in Switzerland; receive residence permit card

Document Requirements

  • Passport: Valid for intended study period if possible
  • Admission Letter: From recognized Swiss institution
  • Proof of Funds: Per canton benchmark (often CHF 20,000-25,000 per academic year) or Swiss sponsor/blocked funds
  • Tuition Proof: Payment receipt or fee structure confirmation
  • Accommodation: Dorm/lease/host confirmation in Switzerland
  • Study Plan & CV: Motivation letter explaining why this course, academic CV
  • Health Insurance: Coverage valid in Switzerland (or enrollment in Swiss scheme)
  • Police Certificate: Background check if requested
  • Medical Certificate: Health check if requested
  • Academic Records: Certificates/transcripts with translations/apostille if needed

Processing Time & Costs

  • Processing Time: Commonly 8-12+ weeks (varies by canton, season, and document completeness)
  • Visa Fee: National D fee per Embassy tariff + VFS service fee
  • Additional Costs: Translations, legalizations, insurance
💡 goFLY Student Advisory

We help map the sequence (admission → canton/SEM → Embassy → travel) and align funding, insurance, accommodation, and legalization steps. Apply early as processing can take 8-12+ weeks. Final decisions rest with Swiss authorities and Embassy.

Work Visa — Reality Check

❌ Important: No Job Seeker Visa

Switzerland does NOT have a "job seeker visa" like some other countries. You cannot enter Switzerland to look for work. Work permits are entirely employer-led and must be approved BEFORE visa issuance.

How Swiss Work Permits Actually Work

  • Employer-Led Process: A Swiss employer must sponsor your work permit application
  • Cantonal/Federal Approval: Swiss cantonal authorities and SEM must approve the permit (L or B type)
  • Visa After Approval: Only after permit approval can you apply for entry visa at Embassy
  • Labor Market Test: Employers often must prove no suitable Swiss/EU candidate available

What goFLY Does NOT Offer

  • We do NOT process employer-led work permits
  • We do NOT arrange jobs or employment in Switzerland
  • We do NOT have contacts with Swiss employers for job placement
⚠️ Beware of Scams

Any agency promising "guaranteed Switzerland work visa" or "job placement in Switzerland" without you having an actual job offer from a Swiss employer is likely a scam. Legitimate work visas require real employer sponsorship and Swiss authority approval.

Fees & Processing Times

Schengen Visa Fees

Fee TypeAmountNotes
Schengen C (Adult)€90Standard fee for ages 12+
Schengen C (Child 6-12)€45Reduced fee
Schengen C (Under 6)FreeNo visa fee
VFS Service FeeBDT (varies)Paid in BDT per day's rate
Optional ServicesExtraSMS updates, courier, premium lounge
Third-party CostsVariableInsurance, translations, photos

Processing Times

StageTypical Timeline
VFS Submission + BiometricsAt appointment time
Schengen Decision (C)~15 calendar days after acceptance
Complex/Peak CasesUp to 45 days
Student/Residence Permit8-12+ weeks (varies by canton/season)

When to Apply

  • Earliest: Up to 6 months before intended travel date
  • Recommended: 4-6 weeks before travel during peak months
  • Peak Seasons: April-September (summer) and December (holidays)
  • Students: Apply as soon as you receive admission letter
⚠️ Fee Information

Schengen visa fees were last revised in June 2024 (EU update). Fees are paid in BDT per the day's exchange rate + VFS services. Always verify current fees on VFS Switzerland page before your appointment. All fees are non-refundable.

Photo & Biometrics Requirements

Photo Specifications (Schengen Standard)

SpecificationRequirement
Size35×45 mm
BackgroundWhite or light, shadow-free
Face Coverage70-80% of image height; centered; eyes open
GlassesAvoid if possible; if necessary, no glare/tint, frames not covering eyes
RecencyTaken within last 6 months
QualitySharp, high resolution, color photo
QuantityTwo identical photos

Biometrics Requirements

  • What: Fingerprints (10 fingers) and digital photograph
  • Where: At VFS Global during your appointment
  • Exemption: If VIS record valid within last 59 months (but mission may still require presence)
  • Children: Under 12 years exempt from fingerprinting

Common Mistakes That Cause Refusal

MistakeWhy It's a ProblemSolution
Non-refundable tickets before visaFinancial loss if refusedUse reservations/holds until visa approved
Insurance gapsMust cover all Schengen States every dayBuy comprehensive Schengen insurance matching exact dates
Unexplained large depositsLooks like borrowed moneyProvide source letters and supporting documents
Date mismatchesCover letter vs bookings vs leave letter differCross-check all documents for consistency
Wrong photo specificationsMust be 35×45 mm, recent, correct backgroundGet photos from professional studio with Schengen specs
Weak ties to BangladeshSuggests immigration intentShow employment, property, family obligations
Incomplete applicationMissing documents delay or cause refusalUse official checklist and double-check before submission

Official Resources

ResourceLinkPurpose
VFS Global Switzerlandvisa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/cheAppointments, checklists, tracking
Embassy of Switzerland Dhakaeda.admin.ch/dhakaOfficial notices, contact, visa info
SEM (State Secretariat for Migration)sem.admin.chResidence permit information
EU Schengen Visa Policyhome-affairs.ec.europa.euShort-stay visa rules
Schengen Visa StatisticsSchengen StatisticsOfficial approval/refusal data

Frequently Asked Questions

Book a VFS appointment, complete the Schengen/National form, prepare the document checklist, buy €30,000 Schengen insurance, submit biometrics and pay fees at VFS, then track your passport. Schengen decisions usually take ~15 calendar days after submission.

Schengen C visa costs €90 for adults, €45 for children 6-12, and free for under-6. VFS service fees apply in BDT. National D visa fees are set by the Embassy. Always verify current tariffs on VFS website.

Schengen visa: ~15 calendar days after biometrics; up to 45 days in peak/complex cases. Student/Residence permits: often 8-12+ weeks depending on canton and season. Apply 4-6 weeks early during peak periods.

Admission letter from Swiss institution, study plan/motivation letter, proof of funds (per canton benchmark, often CHF 20,000-25,000/year), tuition status, accommodation confirmation, health insurance, police/medical certificates if requested, and legalized academic records.

No. Work permits are employer-sponsored and approved by Swiss cantonal/federal authorities (SEM) before visa stamping. We do not process employer-led work permits or arrange jobs. Any agency promising otherwise is likely a scam.

Multiple-entry may be granted if justified by your itinerary (e.g., you plan to exit and re-enter Schengen for a UK/non-Schengen side trip). Issuance is at consular discretion. First-time applicants typically receive single-entry.

Minimum €30,000 medical coverage valid across ALL Schengen States for the entire duration of your trip. The insurance must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. Policy certificate and schedule required.

See the official Embassy page for address, hours, and visa notices: eda.admin.ch/dhaka. VFS Global handles visa applications; the Embassy makes decisions.

Some Bangladeshi routes require an ATV when transiting through Schengen airports. Check the mission list and airline Timatic before booking connecting flights through any Schengen country.

If you're a legal resident of that country, you can apply at the local VFS/Embassy. If you're not a resident (just visiting), you should apply from Bangladesh. Check specific mission requirements for Bangladeshi passport holders abroad.

Ready to Apply for Your Switzerland Visa?

goFLY's experienced team maintains 90%+ success rate on accepted cases. We provide honest assessment, checklist review, appointment strategy, compliant insurance guidance, and document quality checks for Switzerland Schengen and Student visa applications.

Free consultation available — we will honestly tell you your chances before you pay.

📍 1 Shukrabad Road, Motiur Nibash, Opposite Metro Shopping Mall, Dhaka 1207
🕐 Sun-Thu & Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM | Fri: Closed | Directions

Disclaimer

⚠️ Important Notice

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa policies, fees, forms, appointments, and processing times can change without notice. Issuance (entries, validity, permitted stay) is at the discretion of the Embassy of Switzerland, Swiss authorities (SEM/cantons), and EU/Schengen rules.

goFLY Limited is NOT affiliated with Swiss government, Embassy, or VFS Global. We do not process employer-led work permits or arrange jobs. Always verify on official sites:

Verified: January 21, 2026 | Next review: April 2026