Which documents should I submit with a national visa application?
The application will be forwarded to the competent cantonal authorities in Switzerland for a decision. The Embassy of Switzerland can only issue the visa after approval by the competent authorities. The total processing time is approximately 8-12 weeks. This time is an approximation only and may vary considerably depending on the canton responsible and the elements of the application.
The Embassy does not provide information during the procedure. Therefore, please contact the cantonal migration authority responsible for your place of residence:
- Artists and cabaret dancers
- Students
- Persons applying in order to live with another family member in Switzerland
- On special request of a cantonal migration office
You can either mail or apply in person. However, the following categories have to apply in person.
The applicant has to pay 80 EURO (processing fee) + 5 SFr (mailing cost to Switzerland) in JPY. The fees are subject to change according to the exchange rate. Please note that the fee is due when applying for a staying permit and will not be refunded in case of refusal. The application forms and additional documents will then be submitted to the competent authorities in Switzerland for decision. This procedure might take several months and the competent authorities in Switzerland might request additional documents. Please note that during the procedure of decision taking no information on the state of the procedure can be given by the Embassy.
