How I Got My One-Year Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa from Switzerland

Visa GuideTravel GuideServices
Written By Visa Concierge Team

Securing a Schengen visa can feel like a meticulous process, but after four previous visas, I was confident in my approach. This time, my goal was a one-year multiple-entry visa from Switzerland, and understanding the Schengen Visa cascade helped me navigate the application strategically.

Applying as a Tourist


Since I had a previous Schengen visa issued within the last 59 months, I qualified for the postal application, meaning I could submit my documents remotely without an in-person appointment. I submitted it via VFS Switzerland in Manila, which handles visa applications for the Swiss Embassy. This streamlined the process, allowing for a more convenient submission.

Understanding the Schengen Visa Cascade
Multiple-entry Schengen visas follow a structured progression, as outlined in Article 24, Paragraph 2 of the Schengen Visa Code:
"Provided that the applicant fulfils the entry conditions set out in point (a) and points (c) to (e) of Article 6(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399, multiple-entry visas with a long validity shall be issued for the following validity periods, unless the validity of the visa would exceed that of the travel document:

  • One-year validity: Issued to applicants who have obtained and lawfully used three Schengen visas within the previous two years.

  • Two-year validity: Issued to applicants who have lawfully used a previous one-year multiple-entry visa within the last two years.

  • Five-year validity: Issued to applicants who have lawfully used a previous two-year multiple-entry visa within the last three years.

Since I had three single-entry visas and one prior multiple-entry visa—all issued by Switzerland—I met the criteria for a one-year multiple-entry visa, making my chances strong for approval.

Building a Strong Profile
I applied as Self-Employed registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and submitted my 2024 Income Tax Return (ITR) together with my BIR Quarterly Income Tax Return to demonstrate financial stability. Establishing credibility through proper tax documentation and employment status added weight to my application.

Additionally, having consistent travel history with Switzerland strengthened my case. Choosing to apply through the same embassy multiple times signals reliability, increasing trust and improving the likelihood of securing longer visa validity.


Quick Facts About the Schengen Visa

  • Validity

    short stay for up to 90 days in every 180 days

  • Entries

    Single, Double, or Multiple Entries

  • Processing

    from 2-3 weeks

When to Apply for Switzerland Schengen Visa?

  • Visiting one country

    When you’re solely visiting Switzerland

  • Longest Stay

    When you’re visiting several countries in the Schengen Area but you’ll be staying in Switzerland the longest

  • First Entry

    When you’re visiting several countries in the Schengen Area in equal duration but you’ll be first arriving in Switzerland

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURISM

The list is obtained from the VFS website.

  • Application Form

    signed and completed in English or German
    Make sure to write in block letters and use only black or blue ink

    Applications of minors have to be signed by their legal guardian
    I filled-in my application in German

  • Passport

    valid at least 6 months beyond the expiration date of the requested visa (exit of the Schengen Area), at least 2 blank sequent pages
    Immigration Officers require it to have at least 6 months validity

    My passport expiry is 2029 so didn't have problems with this requirement.

  • Passport Copy

    First data page
    minors need to submit a copy of their legal guardian’s passport as well

    Copies of visas for the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada for the past 10 years

    I photocopied my active and expired visas as well as all travel stamps in my current and previous passport.

  • Passport Picture

    2 identical passport photo, not older than 6 month, format 3,5 x 4,5 cm, color, no photoshop rework, light background, complying with ICAO guidelines, glued on the application form.

    I got my photo taken at Great Image. Not a sponsored post 😊but I've always used their services.

  • Flight Reservation

    Copy of the round trip airline reservation, issued on the name of the traveler with complete itinerary.

    if applicable, proof of intra-Schengen flight, train itinerary or car rental
    if the applicant travels to a third country (e.g. the United Kingdom, the USA, etc.) after leaving the Schengen area, the visa of the subsequent country must be obtained first

    I used our Rent-a-Flight service for this. Quick and Hassle-free for only 30 EUR.

  • Travel Insurance

    Valid for ALL Schengen countries and for the full duration of the intended stay, minimum coverage sum of 30.000
    Must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation (including in
    case of death)
    Must not have sub-limits, exclusions, and conditions

    Here's a list of insurance companies in the Philippines.

    I used Axa-Schengen for my application and paid 119.01 EUR for a 90-day travel insurance.

  • Proof of accommodation

    Confirmation of accommodation for each night of the entire planned trip in the Schengen area (e.g. confirmed hotel reservations or copy of rental contract)

    Booked my accommodations via Booking.com. Most accommodations were Pay at the Property and Free Cancellation.

  • Itinerary

    Detailed day-to-day itinerary of the planned trip, indicating arrival and departure in other Schengen countries
    Confirmation of the package tour and advance payments, if any.

    Check our route-planning and itinerary service.

    I made a 90-day itinerary. It's a combination of daily and weekly itinerary. I also added my proposed subsequent trips for December 2025 and April 2026.

  • Proof of Financial Means

    Original bank certificate (stamped and signed) current account balance and bank statements showing account activity for the past six months.
    Transfer Certificate of Title

    For minors: proof of parents or legal guardians' economic means.

    I provided my Wise and Revolut Savings Accounts in Euro and the corresponding Account Confirmations. I did not provide any savings account in PHP. I also signed a Waiver as both my Wise and Revolut Savings Accounts do not provide Bank Certificates.

  • Proof of Occupation

    If EMPLOYED

    • Certificate of employment

    • Certificate of leave of absence

    • Latest income tax return


    If SELF-EMPLOYED:

    • Proof of company registration issued by the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) or Securities Exchange Commission SEC

    • registration of business

    • latest Income tax return

    • business financial statement.


    If PUPIL/STUDENT:

    • Proof of enrollment

    • certificate of leave of absence if traveling during school year.


    My application is under Self-Employed, and I submitted my BIR Certificate of Registration as a professional, 2024 ITR, 2025 Quarterly ITR and an explanation for the absence of the business financial statement. I signed a waiver for the last document.

 

CONSULAR FEES

  • Adults: PHP 5,700

  • Children 6-11 y/o: PHP 2,850

  • Children 0-5 y/o: Free of charge

Visa fees as of April 15, 2025

Apart from the visa fee, applicants shall be levied a VFS Global service charge of PHP 1,245.

I did not pay for the visa fee as a family member of an EU national. However, I paid a total of PHP 1,750 for the VFS Service Fee, Courier Return, and SMS via BDO.

 

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for
Switzerland Schengen Visa (Postal Application)

  1. Gather Documents

Gather the required documents and attach your photo to the Application Form. The second photo must be clipped at the back of your passport.

2. Pay for the Visa and VFS Fees

Details are in the Consular Fees Section.

Note that ATM deposits are not accepted.

Scan your bank transfer receipt for reference and safe keeping.

3. Send your Application Packet via Courier

Make sure to include the bank transfer and courier receipt in the application packet.
Email the following details to VFS Switzerland:
• Remittance Date
• The name of the banking facility
• Remitter Name
• Remittance Amount
Also email the below details to - info.swissph@vfshelpline.com
• Copy of remittance receipt
• Copy of delivery slip
• Detail of applicant


I personally used LBC and it took 2 days to arrive at the VFS Switzerland office in Makati

4. Results

VFS Switzerland will send you an email when they receive your application packet.
If you've paid for the SMS, you will receive SMS notifications as well.
Wait for the results which you may track here!
Receive your passport via courier.

Once VFS confirmed that my application had been sent to the Swiss Embassy for processing, it took just four business days before I received another message informing me that my passport was on its way back to me via courier.

1 year multiple-entry schengen visa

1-Year multiple-entry Schengen Visa

 

Key Takeaways

  • Postal applications via VFS Switzerland can simplify the process if you’ve held a Schengen visa in the last 59 months.

  • Schengen visas follow a cascade, meaning applicants who consistently secure and use their visas correctly can progressively obtain longer validity periods.

  • A strong financial and professional profile improves approval chances.

  • Travel history with the same country plays a significant role in visa duration decisions.


By following this strategic approach and ensuring my application met all criteria, I successfully received a one-year multiple-entry Schengen visa. If you're aiming for longer validity, understanding the visa cascade and maintaining a strong travel and financial record can significantly boost your chances.

Visa Concierge Team