Swiss National Long-Stay (Type D) — StudentVerified 2026-04-13Switzerland Student Visa (Long-Stay, Type D — >90 days)
A Switzerland Student Visa (Long-Stay Type D) is for Indian students enrolling in full-degree programs, long courses, or any academic stays longer than 90 days in Switzerland. Unlike short-stay student visas, this application must be submitted IN PERSON at the Visa Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in New Delhi — not through VFS centres in other cities. The visa fee is generally FREE for students. You'll need to book an appointment online with the Embassy before visiting.
Processing
Usually 8–12 weeks
Stay Duration
More than 90 days — full duration of your academic program
Starting Fee
FREE
Apply At
1 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Switzerland visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Applications can be submitted only 180 days (6 months) prior to the intended date of departure — not earlier.
- 2From May 1, 2010 onwards, only passports issued within the previous 10 years are accepted.
- 3Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker.
- 4Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months longer than your intended stay in the Schengen area.
- 5Handwritten or non-machine-readable Indian passports issued after 01/04/2010 are NOT accepted.
- 6Indian passports containing a MANUAL entry / observation made after 01 April 2010 — where the biographical data (name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, spouse's name, parents' name, address) of the passport holder was changed — are NOT accepted.
- 7If your passport has a handwritten observation "previously known as", you must provide ONE of the following as proof of the name change: (a) your original previous passport showing the old name, OR (b) a photocopy of the data page of your previous passport showing the old name, OR (c) a copy of the name-change advertisement from a local daily newspaper.
Who Can Apply
- Indian students enrolling in full-degree programs (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD)
- Students on long courses exceeding 90 days
- Exchange program students on a semester / academic year longer than 90 days
- Research scholars on extended research visits
- Students on extended vocational / technical programs in Switzerland
Not eligible under this visa:
- Short courses / language programs / conferences of 90 days or less — apply for Student Short-Stay (Schengen Type C) instead
- Gainful full-time employment — separate work authorization required
- Applicants already holding a Swiss residence permit
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee (student — short stay ≤ 90 days) | FREE |
| VFS service charge | ₹2,690 |
| Courier service (optional) | ₹930 |
| SMS service (optional) | ₹450 |
| Premium Lounge (optional) | ₹4,600 |
| Combo — SMS + Courier Return | ₹1,250 |
Visa fee is generally FREE for students. However, some exceptions may apply — always confirm with the Embassy before appointment. When submitting at the Embassy Delhi directly, VFS service charges may not apply (VFS handles short-stay visa centres in other Indian cities). Confirm payment structure during your Embassy appointment booking.
Documents Required
⚠️ IMPORTANT — where to submit
- !Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi — submission IN PERSON only
Address: Visa Section, Embassy of Switzerland, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110 021. Appointment MUST be booked online before visiting. Students from all over India must travel to Delhi for this — VFS centres in other cities don't accept long-stay student applications.
- !Online Embassy appointment
Book via the Embassy of Switzerland New Delhi's online appointment system. Link available on the VFS Switzerland website.
Standard Long-Stay documents
- !Completed National Visa Application Form (Type D)
Use the Type D form, not the Schengen Type C form. Download from VFS Switzerland website.
- !Signed Authorization form
Mandatory along with application form
- !Valid passport
Valid minimum 3 months beyond intended stay; at least 2 blank pages
- !1 recent passport-size photograph
35–40mm, colour, light background, not older than 6 months
- !Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Valid until Swiss health insurance enrollment takes effect
Academic documents
- !Acceptance / enrolment letter from Swiss university / institution
On official letterhead, confirming: program name, duration, start date, fees. Must be a recognised Swiss institution.
- !Proof of payment of tuition fees (or fee structure)
Invoice or letter from the institution
- !Academic records / transcripts
10th, 12th, Bachelor's (if applying for Master's/PhD), etc. Apostilled by India's MEA.
- ○English / French / German / Italian language proficiency certificate
As required by the chosen university (IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, TestDaF, CILS, etc.)
- !Study plan / Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Detailed statement of what you'll study, why Switzerland, and post-study plans (returning to India)
- ○Research proposal (for PhD / research students)
- ○CV / résumé
Financial documents — proof of funds
- !Proof of financial resources for entire study duration
Typically CHF 21,000–25,000 per year of study is the expected minimum — covers tuition + living. Bank statements, education loan, or sponsor proofs.
- !Personal / sponsor bank statements — last 6 months
A4 paper only, with original bank stamp & signature
- ○Education loan sanction letter (if applicable)
From an Indian bank — shows approved loan amount
- ○Sponsor's ITR (last 3 years) + income proof
If sponsored by parents / guardians
- ○Scholarship award letter (if applicable)
Other documents
- !Proof of accommodation in Switzerland
University dormitory booking, rental agreement, or letter from host institution
- ○Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India
May be requested by the Cantonal authority — obtain from Passport Seva Kendra
- !Return / onward travel intent declaration
Signed statement committing to return to India after studies
- ○Medical fitness certificate
May be requested depending on case
📌 Important — always check the official VFS long-stay student checklist
- !Official VFS PDF — 'Documents required for Student application for more than 90 days'
Download the latest version from the VFS Global Switzerland website. Exact requirements may vary — the Embassy and Cantonal authority may request additional documents specific to your Canton / institution / situation.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Secure admission from a recognised Swiss institution
Apply to a Swiss university / college / training provider. You'll need their formal admission letter before starting the visa process.
Arrange proof of funds
Collect bank statements, education loan sanction letter, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits. Typical requirement: CHF 21,000–25,000 per year of study.
Apostille your academic + personal documents
Get your 10th/12th/Bachelor's certificates, birth certificate, and PCC apostilled by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Takes 1–2 weeks.
Book an online appointment at Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi
Use the Embassy's online appointment booking system (link via VFS website). This is MANDATORY — no walk-ins accepted.
Attend the Embassy appointment in person
Travel to New Delhi for your appointment at: Visa Section, Embassy of Switzerland, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110 021. Bring originals + photocopies of all documents.
Embassy forwards to Cantonal Migration Authority
The Embassy sends your application to the competent Cantonal Migration Authority in Switzerland (where your institution is located). They make the main decision — ~8–12 weeks processing.
Cantonal authorization received → Embassy stamps Type D visa
Once authorization is received, the Embassy issues your Type D National Visa within ~15 calendar days. Collect your passport from the Embassy or have it couriered.
Travel to Switzerland and register at the Canton
After arrival, you must register at the local Cantonal Migration Office within 14 days. They'll issue your Student Residence Permit (typically Permit B). Enroll in Swiss health insurance within 3 months.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Schengen Visa Application Form (Type C — Short Stay)
On the VFS page, select your visa type → scroll to the 'Download Form' section at the bottom → click 'New Visa Application Form Visa C'. Form mandatory from March 2, 2020 — old forms are rejected.
National Visa Application Form (Type D — Long Stay 3+ months)
On the VFS page, scroll to 'Download Form' → click 'National (type D) visa application form'. For long-stay visas (gainful employment, family reunification, study >90 days).
Authorization Form
On the VFS page, scroll to 'Download Form' → click 'Authorization'. Mandatory for ALL applicants regardless of visa type.
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Long-stay student applications are submitted IN PERSON at the Embassy Delhi only — plan your travel accordingly if you're not in Delhi.
- Book the Embassy appointment as soon as you have your admission letter — appointments fill up 4–6 weeks in advance during peak season (May–July).
- Start the apostille process for your academic certificates early — MEA apostille takes 1–2 weeks.
- Apply at least 3–4 months before your course start date — the Cantonal decision alone takes 8–12 weeks.
- Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) is critical — it should clearly explain why Switzerland, why your specific program, and your intent to return to India after studies.
- Swiss universities have strict language requirements — ensure your IELTS/TOEFL/German/French certificate matches what your program demands.
- Travel medical insurance covers only the initial period — enrolling in Swiss health insurance is compulsory within 3 months of arrival.
- Some Cantons require a CHF 5,000–10,000 deposit in a Swiss bank account as proof of funds — confirm with your institution.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Insufficient proof of funds (bank balance below CHF 21,000 / year required)
- 2.Weak or generic Statement of Purpose — embassy perceives no genuine academic intent
- 3.Admission letter details don't match your visa application (program, dates, institution)
- 4.Academic qualifications inadequate for the chosen program level
- 5.No clear post-study plans — embassy perceives intent to overstay
- 6.Incomplete apostille on academic certificates
- 7.Doubts about applicant's language proficiency for the chosen program
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to submit at Embassy Delhi? I'm from Mumbai / Bangalore / Chennai.+
How long does the whole process take?+
Is the visa fee really free for students?+
How much money do I need to prove I have?+
Can I work part-time in Switzerland as a student?+
What happens after I arrive in Switzerland?+
Can I bring my spouse / family with me on a student visa?+
Can SureshotVisa help with Switzerland long-stay student visa?+
Let us prepare your Switzerland Student Visa — (Long-Stay, Type D — >90 days) application
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Other Switzerland Visa Types
Switzerland Business Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Switzerland Business Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Type C) from India. Complete fees, documents, and application guide.
Switzerland Incentive Tour Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Switzerland Incentive Tour visa for groups of 50+ travellers. Simplified group application through the Embassy with specific timelines by group size.
Switzerland Student Visa (Short Stay, ≤ 90 days)
Switzerland Schengen Short-Stay visa for Indian students pursuing studies in Switzerland for less than 90 days. Visa fee is FREE — only VFS service charges apply.
Switzerland Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for a Switzerland Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Type C) from India. Complete fees, document checklist, and application guide for Indian travellers.
Switzerland Visitor Visa (Family / Friends, Schengen Type C)
Switzerland Visitor Visa for Indian citizens visiting family or friends living in Switzerland. Schengen Short-Stay Type C, up to 90 days. Complete fees + document guide.
Switzerland Family Reunification Visa (Long-Stay, Type D)
Switzerland Family Reunification Visa (Long-Stay Type D) for Indian applicants joining family in Switzerland for more than 90 days. Complete guide on process, fees, and documents.
Switzerland Work Permit (Long-Stay, >120 days) — Informational
Switzerland Work Permit for long-term employment (>120 days). The process MUST be initiated by the Swiss employer via cantonal authorities. Informational guide only — SureshotVisa does NOT handle work permit procurement.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Switzerland website and Embassy of Switzerland. Last verified 2026-04-13. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.