Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Visitors coming to Switzerland for tourism, family visits, business meetings or events for up to 90 days.
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is a Swiss visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CHF 90 (€90); reduced €45 for children 6-11) and processing time (~15 calendar days), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is for
Visitors coming to Switzerland for tourism, family visits, business meetings or events for up to 90 days.
No path to residence; a separate long-stay D visa and permit are needed to settle.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - eligibility criteria
- Valid passport issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond stay
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds
- Travel medical insurance covering €30,000
- Evidence of purpose (invitation, booking, business letter)
- Intention to leave before the visa expires
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) (Switzerland) is ~CHF 90 (€90); reduced €45 for children 6-11, with an indicative processing time of ~15 calendar days. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Swiss embassy/consulate or visa centre abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Work rights | No work permitted |
| Study rights | No study (short courses only) |
| Government fee | ~CHF 90 (€90); reduced €45 for children 6-11 |
| Processing time | ~15 calendar days |
| Route to PR | No path to residence; a separate long-stay D visa and permit are needed to settle. |
Pathway & next steps
No path to residence; a separate long-stay D visa and permit are needed to settle.
Many applicants also compare Visa D · National Long-Stay Visa (Type D), Permit L (non-EU) · L Permit for Third-Country Nationals (Short-Term), Student · Residence Permit for Study. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Swiss route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) pitfalls we fix
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) cost?
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) government fee is ~CHF 90 (€90); reduced €45 for children 6-11. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) before applying.
How long does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~15 calendar days. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) lead to permanent residence?
No path to residence; a separate long-stay D visa and permit are needed to settle.
Can I work on the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)?
Work rights: No work permitted.
Who can apply for the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)?
Visitors coming to Switzerland for tourism, family visits, business meetings or events for up to 90 days.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Switzerland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) - official Switzerland immigration authority