Embassy of Switzerland

Apparently, the Swiss Embassy is held highly for it’s cultural offerings? I did not have the good fortune of paying a visit for a pleasant event, but the rather stressful experience of getting a work visa for Switzerland.
Going to a government service agency isn’t something you ever really look forward to, especially if it’s a foreign agency. I found the process for obtaining a work visa in Switzerland to be quite daunting and strict. I had to provide proof not only that I had accommodations procured (evidence coming directly from the party providing the lodging in Switzerland, along with documentation of that person’s residence permit), but that I had enough money in my bank account to support myself in the rather expensive Geneva market. I also needed my employer to contact the Embassy directly to inform them of the conditions of my employment, including health insurance. I was sent away to come back once I had all of my proper documentation. To be fair, I’ve never applied for a foreign work visa before and perhaps the level of documentation necessary is standard, and I had come sorely unprepared after realizing in the middle of the night that I needed to get cracking on this visa issue.
The immigration officer was strict but very helpful, and went through all of the documents that I would need to bring one by one. She also wrote out the details that I would need in each of my documents on the standard list provided by the Embassy.
Don’t come in with originals expecting them to make copies for you, as it seemed that they would send me back to return with the necessary number of copies even if I had all of my other documents in place. Also, it takes 8 – 10 weeks to process a work visa (only 10 days if your employer is an international organization), so make sure you have plenty of time!

I love nice watches, fondue, my best friend’s husband, yodeling, neutrality and of course, Roger Federer, so you can only imagine my excitement and anticipation prior to attending an event at the Embassy of Switzerland.
(Wasn’t that amazing how American I just was?!)
My first time at the embassy, I turned into a rather long driveway where the valet so kindly took care of my car. I immediately spotted an interesting, ornamental looking white tree in the front, next to a vanity pool. Soft lights illuminated both as I looked through the large glass windows of the embassy.
This is a great space for a reception or networking event. There is a large foyer, living room, side room which is perfect for a caterer to set up foods or a bar and a gorgeous, sweeping patio that overlooks a well manicured, rolling lawn.
The embassy representatives couldn’t have been warmer or more inviting, encouraging us to stay as long as we wanted as the embassy’s dog wandered among us looking for scraps as the party died down. They were truly amazing hosts for the event and the space was sophisticated and pristine without feeling terribly sterile.
Can’t wait for my next opportunity to visit.

Occupying a large corner lot in a nice residential NW neighborhood, the Embassy of Switzerland looks like some kind of small office compound or pharmaceutical laboratory.
I saw a screening here as part of the DC Environmental Film Fest… the movie was awesome, but the embassy isn’t a good venue for film.
There are lots of informative brochures and booklets on Switzerland, covering everything from gourmet travel in the Alps to educational opportunities and Swiss renewable energy.