Switzerland Visa Fees 2026: Full Cost Breakdown & Payment Guide
Understand every cost involved in applying for a Switzerland visa in 2026 — from the official government fee to service charges, children's discounts, and refund policies.
Official Switzerland Visa Fee Schedule 2026
| Fee Schedule — Switzerland Schengen Visa (type C) | |
|---|---|
| Schengen short-stay visa (adult) | EUR 80 (~CHF 86) |
| Schengen visa (child 6–11) | EUR 40 (~CHF 43) |
| Schengen visa (child under 6) | Free |
| VFS Global or TLScontact service fee | EUR 15–30 |
| National C permit (long stay) | CHF 65–100 |
| Swiss work permit (employer quota) | CHF 100–200 |
All fees listed are official government charges. Additional service fees may apply at VFS Global or other authorised application centres. Fees are subject to change; always verify at eda.admin.ch.
Accepted Payment Methods
Most Switzerland visa applications accept payment by Visa and MasterCard credit or debit cards through the official online portal. Some embassies and consulates also accept bank transfers, money orders, or cash in local currency at the application centre. Check your local consulate or VFS Global website for the accepted payment options in your country.
Important: never pay visa fees to unofficial third-party agents who claim to offer "faster processing." The official fee at the government portal is always the same regardless of who submits it.
Refund Policy
The Switzerland visa application fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. This applies even if:
- Your visa application is refused
- You cancel your trip after applying
- You withdraw your application before a decision is made
To minimise the risk of losing your fee, ensure all documents are complete and correct before submitting. Review the official checklist at eda.admin.ch.
Money-Saving Tips for Switzerland Visa Fees 2026
Apply directly on the official government portal to avoid third-party surcharges. Check whether your nationality qualifies for a reduced-fee or visa-free arrangement with Switzerland. For families, confirm children's fee exemptions or reductions before applying. If applying for multiple Switzerland visas in the same year, a multiple-entry visa may offer better value than several single-entry fees.