Hello
I am an indian national residing in uk on workpermit. I am planning a holiday to Switzerland, it looks like i need a letter from my employer stating the purpose of my visit to apply Switzerland visitor visa. is there a specific format to this letter?
Thanks

I haven't heard of such a thing, but I would assume it needs to detail that you're just coming here for a holiday between such and such dates, you're permanently working in the UK and that you'll be back in your workplace on a specific date. Have you asked the embassy?

thanks medea, i haven't contacted the embassy yet but i think what you have mentioned covers everything. Thanks again

It's a one-pager.

- Who's inviting you - employer in Switzerland (person's name - they will sign the form in the end)
- Who's paying for the trip - employer
- Your details
- Date in, date out

Take that signed by the employer to the Swiss Consulate and they will issue a single-entry visa without a problem. Ensure you take your UK documentation as well as your passport with you - they are simply interested to know that you will return to your permanent residence in the UK.

I did this for a Nigerian colleague this year. It's no sweat.

But if he's coming for a holiday, presumably there isn't an employer in Switzerland who's invited him.

thanks Sean, but its just a personal holiday and nobody is inviting me to Switzerland. All the expenses are taken care by me. i have booked my hotel and flight ticket to zurich. Do i need an invitation letter as well ?

ah the mention of the employer threw me.

Swiss consulate, single entry Schengen visa. You will need it and as Switzerland is your final (or only) destination then they must issue it.

A formality for you, take your UK permit papers and you should be fine.

thanks sean, in the visa application form i can see 3 options for 'Number of entries requested' i.e. single entry, two entry and multi entry. If in case i selected multi entry option will that help to get multi entry visa?

I understand that i am traveling only once so i should only apply for single entry but i remember reading in other forums that few get multi entry visas on their first visa application.

not being greedy but its expensive to spend on single entry visa. Given that the cost for single/two/multiple visa is same.

Multi entry will help plan another holiday and explore another city in Switzerland