How To Apply For A Switzerland Business Visa From Nigeria

Switzerland with a total land area of 41,285 Km2 and located in western central Europe is a federal republic with three main governing bodies. Geographically it is divided into the Alps, the Swiss plateau, and the Jura. The Swiss plateau possesses two of the largest global and economic centers which are Zürich and Geneva.

Switzerland has a very active presence in peacebuilding and foreign policy, it plays host to the United Nations, the birthplace of the Red Cross, and the founding member of the European Free Trade Association. It is one of the most developed countries in the world with a GDP 2016 estimate of $651.770 billion according to Wikipedia. Its currency is the Swiss franc (CHF) which is quite stable and its economy also boasts relatively low taxes.

Bilateral trade agreements and economic exchanges between Nigeria and Switzerland have been favorable and increased in recent years with more Swiss companies setting up industries in various sectors, eCommerce businesses, trade imports in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, watches, and crude oil export purchases.

With the growing positive diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Switzerland, I took the liberty of checking the necessary visa application requirements for Switzerland for Nigerians who intend to travel for business, seminars, or trade events. The Swiss business visa is issued to applicants who intend to conduct legal business, consult with business affiliates, and attend a professional meeting, conference, or event in Switzerland. Here’s how to process your business visa application for Switzerland from Nigeria.

Switzerland Visa and Immigration Requirements

Switzerland is a member of the Schengen states, hence it requires applicants’ biometric data and travel insurance, it also approves biometric visas and online applications. All documents have to be presented, both original and photocopies. The visa application must be signed personally by the applicant.

A fully completed and signed online visa application form, and business travel declaration.
Nigerian International passport with six months validity, with at least two empty leaflets.
One photocopy of the international passport bio-data page.
Two passport photographs with dimensions of 35-40mm, no more than six months old, with 70-80% camera face close-up and white background.
Current three months’ bank statement of your personal account and your company, at least 15 days before the application.
Receipt of the visa application fee of N39,000 is paid at the teller counter of the embassy, application processing fees may be charged. Note that this fee is non-refundable.
A business letter of consent from your employer or company should be written on a corporate letterhead and duly stamped and signed, for private individuals, a Corporate Affairs Commission business registration and tax clearance certificate is accepted. Employment letter, three months’ pay slips, leave letter, etc.
Invitation letter from the company or institution in Switzerland stating that they accept full immigration responsibility while you are there.
Proof of ongoing business association.
Photocopy of last Schengen, UK, US, or Canadian visa if available.
Photocopy of yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Complete flight and hotel itinerary.
Valid travel insurance cover worth €30,000.
Biometric data such as fingerprints scan and facial image will be taken at the Switzerland embassy, this will be stored in the Visa Information System for five years.

Visa Application Processing

Visa applicants to Switzerland need an appointment at least one week ahead in order to submit their visa application. You can get an appointment from the embassy by sending an e-mail to this address: abu.visa@eda.admin.ch or call the embassy from Mondays to Thursdays between 14:00 PM and 15:00 PM. While setting up the appointment, you must provide the following information:

Nature of travel i.e. business, if you are attending a conference or an international event, you are required to inform the embassy of the type, date, and name of the event.
Your complete name.
Telephone number.
Passport number.
E-Mail address.
Planned arrival date and travel itinerary in Switzerland.

Your appointment will be fixed with the embassy from Monday to Thursday between 09:00 AM and 12:00 PM. On your appointment day, you will be required to arrive at least 10 minutes in advance, and show your passport to the doorman for him to verify your name is on the list.

Endeavor to have your form ready fully completed and duly signed, with all the necessary documents, photocopies, and photos, in accordance with the Switzerland visa rules.

An incomplete application usually requires a new appointment. The visa procedure takes 15 days from the date of your application acceptance to process; a receipt ticket will be given to you which will be required for passport collection.

Switzerland’s COVID-19 Border and Travel Measures

There are currently no entry restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No proof of vaccination, recovery, or testing is required for entry into Switzerland.

Please note: Do not travel if you’re feeling sick or have symptoms that point to a coronavirus infection.

Switzerland Passport Collection Days

The collection of passports is possible Monday to Thursday between 14:00 PM/14:30 PM and on Friday between 10:30 AM/11:00 AM, please take note that no appointment is needed.