Embassy of Switzerland in Kenya
Checklist for the Issuance of a SCHENGEN Visa for EMPLOYMENT / WORK
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY !
As of June 2013, all diplomatic representations of the Schengen member states in Kenya
have to capture the biometric data (finger scans & facial image) of persons applying for a
visa.
Visas can only be issued to applicants with residence in Kenya
Please make sure that you have all the documents mentioned below when you apply
Incomplete applications will not be accepted and a new appointment will have to be
made.
This checklist is intended for applicants who have received a job offer from a company or
Organization based in Switzerland / Liechtenstein and also for those who will be assigned
or transferred there. It is not for those who are still looking for employment abroad.
Visa requirements:
Please bring the original documents and provide the Embassy with clear double
sided photocopies. Do not staple the documents together.
Three (3) visa D application forms, which must be complete and properly filled-out and signed
by the applicant (write in block letters and use black or blue ink only). The form may be obtained
for free from the Embassy or downloaded from our website: http://www.eda.admin.ch/nairobi
Three (3) recent clear and coloured passport-size photo (With white/grey background; Please
do not staple the photo on the form.)
Valid passport (Must be valid at least 3 months from the end of the approved duration stay;
Must contain at least 2 blank visa pages.) Previous passport in original if a new passport has
been issued within the last 3 years.
Two (2) Photocopy of valid passport + National ID Card (page containing holder’s photo and
personal information, important reminders, signature page and other passport information.)
Foreign nationals residing in Kenya: a copy of valid Kenya Residence Permit. Please note that
the validity must exceed the planned stay in the Member States with at least three months.
Two (2) photocopies of all visas (valid and expired)
Two (2) photocopies of signed employment contract dated with contact details by both the
employer and employee. Employer to also confirm if employee will be travelling with the
family.
If travelling with spouse and/or children: two (2) A signed letter from spouse, photocopy of
passport, marriage certificate & birth certificate of the children. (Each applicant to have his/her
own application).
Computer printout of air travel itinerary (Do not yet buy an airline ticket.
The Embassy cannot be held responsible for any financial losses in case you have to return it).
VISA PROCESSING FEE for adults: EURO 80.--
Visa fee is variable, depending on the exchange rate
(Please prepare the exact amount in Kenyan Shillings in order to avoid delay).
For foreign nationals who have valid residence status in Kenya and need a visa for Switzerland
/ Liechtenstein / Schengen States, must submit also a copy of the valid Re-Entry permit.
VISA PROCESSING AND ISSUANCE: Visa applications for work purpose will be transmitted for
decision to the competent Swiss immigration authority where the applicant intends to reside. The
Embassy is only allowed to issue an entry visa upon receipt of a positive decision or authorization.
Please note that the normal processing period is 8-12 weeks at the minimum.
The requirements above are applicable to Kenyan citizens and foreign nationals who have valid
residence status in Kenya and require a visa to enter the SCHENGEN territory.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
In particular cases, the Embassy explicitly reserves the right
- to request more information or additional documents
- reject an application; individual assessments are made in every case. No right of issuance exists. The Embassy
will not assume any responsibility should the visa application be rejected
- reject an application based on incorrect/false declarations or on forged or missing documents
- Foreign nationals residing in Kenya: a copy of valid Kenya Residence Permit. Please note that the
validity must exceed the planned stay in the Member States with at least three months.
In addition to the above mentioned requirements, the application will be assessed on the criteria for
which the relevant documents have been submitted:
the purpose of the journey
accommodation, or proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation
assessment of sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and
for the return to the country of origin or residence
The visa handling fee must be paid at the time the visa application is submitted to the Embassy.
The fee is NOT reimbursed in case of the application finally being rejected, or withdrawn.
In any case, it is NOT allowed to begin working without the necessary work or entry visa.
The Embassy does not dispose of information on job vacancies in Switzerland /
Liechtenstein, nor is in a position to provide assistance in terms of recruitment.
Inquiry of application status email us with your visa file number to the email address below.
How to make an appointment:
You can apply for your visa and book an appointment ONLINE for each applicant 6 months prior to the
intended travel date. The applicant must be ready to submit their complete D visa application before
seeking an appointment at the following website address: www.swiss-visa.ch
Contact information of the Visa Section (Embassy of Switzerland in Nairobi)
Address
Rosslyn Green Drive,
off Red Hill Road
P.O. Box 2600
Nairobi 00621
KENYA
Visiting Hours Monday to Thursday, 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Visa enquiries Telephone Monday to Thursday, 13.30 PM - 15.00 PM.
(+254) 708 168 982
Visa enquiries E-mail nairobi.visa@eda.admin.ch
Visa appointment Email nairobi.visaappointment@eda.admin.ch
Website www.eda.admin.ch/nairobi
POLITE NOTICE
On the 5th April 2010 a new Visa regulation came into
force for all Schengen Member States. If you want to
apply for a Schengen visa, please consider the
following:
1. All visa applications have to be submitted at least
15 calendar days before the date of the intended .
departure.
2. An application submitted less than 15 calendar
days before the intended departure may be
accepted, but the applicant should bear in mind
that the final decision might be taken after the
intended date of departure.
3. Visa applications cannot be submitted earlier than
three months before the start of the intended visit.
4. It is the applicant's responsibility to take the
necessary precautions to respect the deadlines
where an appointment system is in place.
5. Normal processing time for visa applications can
take up to 15 calendar days.
6. When further scrutiny is needed, the deadline may
be extended up to a maximum of 30 calendar
days. Exceptionally, where additional
documentation is required, the deadline may be
extended up to a maximum of 60 calendar days
after the application has been considered
admissible.
