Country Profile

Recognized as one of the richest country in all over world, switzerland is situated in central europe. It is a federal republic having 26 states, which are called cantons. The country encompasses of total 41,290 sq km area segregated into39,770 sq km and 1,520 sq km land and water area respectively. The country enjoys temperate climate but it varies in proportionate to change in altitude. The country is surrounded with 53.3 cu km renewable water resources. Switzerland is home to around 7,581,520 people. The country is showing huge success in terms of high literacy rate among both males and females. In both categories it has been recorded at 99%. Switzerland is a highly prosperous and industrial oriented market economy, which has largest GDP in comparison of the other western european countries. It has recorded GDP at $300.9 billion. The country has good exporting relations with germany, france, italy, america, britain. It supplies chemicals, watches, machinery, metals and agricultural products around the world. Switzerland has relatively high Human Development Index Value (0.955 ) which places it on 7th rank out of total 177 nations.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• 36th largest economy in world.
• Modern, mixed economy with GDP growth rate higher than that of western european nations.
• Largest producer of textile machinery.
• Because of its smaller size and highly productive labor force, it is overlook as an ideal haven by investors. As a result in recent years country has witnessed increase in flow of foreign investment.
• World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report characterizes swiss economy as one of the most competitive economy in world.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Chemicals, Watches, Machinery, Metals, Agricultural Products

Main Destinations of Exports
USA, Italy, UK, Germany, France

Major Import Items
Vehicles, Textiles, Machinery, Chemicals, Metals, Agricultural Products

Main Origins of Imports
Austria, Germany, France, Italy, USA, Netherlands

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules

• 1 passport size recent photo.
• Passport should be valid for minimum 3 months beyond the applicant stay in switzerland.
• Photostat copies of 1,2 and 3rd pages of passport.
• Applicant must duly complete the visa form and sign it.
• Applicant is required to submit the proof mentioning his business work.
• The applicant is required to submit statement as a proof of viable financially status. He/she is required to detail about his salary statement, bank statement, credit cards, saving book etc. The minimum requirement of stay in switzerland is Sfr.100/Euros 70 per day.
• The applicant has to give an account of his existing business relations in switzerland. He/she needs to give an invitation letter obtained from a company or business partner in switzerland.
• If a person is traveling first time to switzerland he is required to personally submit application form.

Business Hours
Offices:   Monday to Friday from 08.00 - 17:00
Shops:    Monday to Friday from 08.00 - 18:00

Public Holidays