Published on 28 May 2026

Application for Schengen visa and procedure

For all the visa applications that have to be filed with the Embassy of Belgium kindly refer directly to their site:

In order to receive a complete list of the necessary documents, kindly send an email to the Embassy of Belgium [e-mail] mentioning your nationality, purpose and dates of travel.

For all the visa applications filed with the Swiss authority kindly find all the necessary information here below:

• Visa application form

  SEM – Visa Application Form

• Documentation to submit with a Schengen visa application

  • Checklist visa

    PDF389.96 kB1 May 2026

  • Checklist visa official visit

    PDF361.39 kB7 May 2026

  Please do not send any documents regarding visa applications to the Embassy or a Consulate General. All visa applications need to be submitted through VFS Global (exemptions: please refer to the rubric “Where to apply for a Shengen Visa”). VFS Global

  Applicants may still submit the visa applications at the visa section of the Swiss Embassy in person. However, the Embassy allows only for a very limited number of individual applicants per day to deposit their visa applications directly at the visa section. In order to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application at the Embassy, you must contact the Embassy by E-mail. Please note that walk-in deposits are not accepted. Furthermore, please note that the processing time may be longer when submitting the visa application at the Embassy.

• Information for hosts in Switzerland

  • SEM – Number 8 (For hosts in Switzerland) of FAQ – Frequently asked questions
  • SEM – Factsheet on letter of invitation
  • SEM – Information on Declaration of Sponsorship

• Photograph quality

  International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) – MRTD Photo Guidelines

• Processing time of a visa application

  As a general rule, a decision is taken by the Consulate within 15 days. This period may, in individual cases, be extended.

  Some Schengen States require that they be consulted on visa applications submitted to other Schengen States by citizens of certain countries. The consultation process may take up to 14 calendar days. Such consultation is currently required for nationals of the countries listed here:

  List of countries

  It is therefore recommended to submit the visa application early, at the earliest 6 months before the planned journey.

• Refusal of a visa and appeal

  The reasons for refusal are notified to the applicant using a standard form.

  You have the right to appeal within 30 days of receipt of the refusal. For information on appeal procedures, please refer to the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration.

  SEM

• Biometric data acquisition

  Biometric data (fingerprints) are generally collected every 59 months from the age of 12 years from the first recording.

• Family members of CH, EU or EFTA nationals

  If you are a family member of a Swiss, European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) citizen, you are entitled to submit your application directly at the responsible Embassy or Consulate of Switzerland. An appointment is mandatory and must be booked in advance.

  Citizens of the EU and the EFTA and their family members

• Complaints procedure

  If you wish to complain about the behavior of the consular staff and, if applicable, about the external service provider or about the process, please contact the competent representation in writing.