Czech Republic Embassy in Bern

Embassy of Czech Republic (Czechia) in Bern, Switzerland

EmbassyCzech Republic (Czechia)BernSwitzerland

Overview

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bern represents Czech interests in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, maintaining bilateral diplomatic relations with these nations. Located in Bern at Muristrasse 53, the embassy occupies a historically significant building with an architecturally distinguished structure and garden, recognized as "one of the architectonically most enchanting" embassy buildings in the Swiss capital. Czech-Swiss relations are characterized by mutual respect, economic cooperation, and shared values despite Switzerland's non-EU status. Both nations prioritize democracy, rule of law, human rights, and economic openness. Although Switzerland is not an EU member, it maintains close economic integration through bilateral agreements and participates in Schengen Area, enabling free movement between Czech Republic and Switzerland. The embassy manages a multifaceted relationship encompassing political dialogue, economic and commercial cooperation, cultural exchanges, and consular services. The Czech Republic maintains additional consular representations in Switzerland including honorary consulates in Basel, Geneva (commercial focus), Lugano, and Zurich, providing broad coverage across Switzerland's linguistically diverse regions (German, French, Italian, Romansh). Additionally, the embassy serves the Principality of Liechtenstein, the small Alpine nation between Switzerland and Austria. In 2023-2024, Czech Republic holds the role of NATO Contact Point Embassy in Switzerland, coordinating NATO-related matters for the alliance.
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Visa Services

As both Czech Republic and Switzerland participate in the Schengen Area, Swiss citizens do not require visas to visit the Czech Republic. Swiss nationals can travel, stay, work, and study in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without visa requirements, under Schengen freedom of movement provisions. For longer stays or residence purposes, Swiss citizens must comply with Czech registration and residence permit requirements. Similarly, citizens of Liechtenstein enjoy Schengen freedom of movement and do not require visas for Czech visits. For third-country nationals residing in Switzerland or Liechtenstein who require visas to visit the Czech Republic, the embassy processes Schengen visa applications following standardized EU procedures. Applicants must submit: completed Schengen visa application form, valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay and at least two blank pages, recent biometric photograph meeting Schengen specifications, travel health insurance with minimum CHF 30,000 (€30,000 equivalent) coverage valid throughout Schengen area, confirmed accommodation reservations and detailed travel itinerary in Czech Republic, proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of stay, and visa fee payment. Appointments are required for visa submissions—contact the Consular Department at +41 31 350 40 90 to schedule. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but may extend to 30 days in complex cases. The embassy handles moderate visa volumes, primarily for non-European residents of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
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Consular Services

The Consular Section (entrance at Burgernzielweg 2, 3006 Bern; phone +41 31 350 40 90) provides comprehensive services for Czech nationals in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Services include passport issuance and renewal for Czech citizens, national identity card processing, birth registration for children born abroad to Czech parents, civil status registration including marriages and deaths, document legalization and apostille services for documents intended for use in Czech Republic or abroad, notarial services including powers of attorney, affidavits, and statutory declarations, military registration documentation for Czech men, electoral registration for voting in Czech parliamentary and presidential elections from abroad, emergency travel documents for lost or stolen passports, and emergency consular assistance for Czech nationals in distress. The embassy serves the Czech community in Switzerland, which includes professionals working in Switzerland's banking, pharmaceutical, hospitality, and technology sectors, as well as Czech students at Swiss universities and Czech families. Swiss citizens and residents can obtain document authentication services for papers intended for Czech use, information about Czech residence requirements for Swiss nationals planning extended stays, and assistance with matters related to Czech Republic. Appointments are required for most consular services. The embassy coordinates with honorary consulates in Basel, Geneva, Lugano, and Zurich to provide geographically distributed support. Always check mzv.gov.cz/bern for current consular procedures, required documentation, fees, and appointment booking. The Consular Department handles inquiries for both Switzerland and Liechtenstein residents.
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Business Support

The embassy's Commercial Section (phone +41 31 350 40 80) actively promotes economic and commercial relations between Czech Republic and Switzerland. Swiss-Czech economic relations are significant, characterized by Swiss investment in Czech Republic (Switzerland ranks among top foreign investors in Czech economy), bilateral trade in goods and services, and cooperation in innovation and technology. Key sectors include pharmaceutical and biotechnology products (Switzerland has global pharmaceutical leaders; Czech Republic has strong pharmaceutical industry), precision instruments and watches (Swiss expertise; Czech manufacturing capabilities), machinery and mechanical engineering, financial services (Swiss banking; Czech financial sector), information technology and software development, and tourism (Swiss visitors represent important market for Czech tourism). The embassy facilitates business matchmaking and networking events, provides market intelligence and sector reports for Czech companies exploring Swiss market opportunities and Swiss companies interested in Czech operations, assists with regulatory and business environment navigation, supports participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and coordinates with Swiss chambers of commerce, CzechTrade, and business associations. Switzerland offers Czech businesses access to a highly developed economy, innovation ecosystem, and strategic location at heart of Europe. Czech Republic offers Swiss companies EU market access through Czech membership, skilled workforce, competitive manufacturing costs, and strategic Central European position. The Commercial Section works to deepen bilateral economic ties while supporting Czech companies in accessing Swiss markets and attracting Swiss investment to Czech Republic.
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Special Notes

The embassy is located at Muristrasse 53, 3006 Bern, with the main entrance there. Important: The Consular Department has a separate entrance at Burgernzielweg 2, 3006 Bern—visitors for consular services should use this entrance. Postal address: P.O. Box 1304, 3000 Bern 16. The embassy building is noted for its architectural significance and historical garden. Phone contacts: main embassy +41 31 350 40 70, Consular Department +41 31 350 40 90, Commercial Section +41 31 350 40 80. Email: bern@mzv.gov.cz. Website mzv.gov.cz/bern provides comprehensive information including online appointment booking, consular service details, required documents, fees, and processing times. The embassy serves both Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein—Liechtenstein residents should contact this embassy for Czech consular services. Appointments are required for consular services. The embassy is closed on Czech and Swiss national holidays (note: Swiss holidays may vary by canton; federal holidays observed). During 2023-2024, Czech Republic serves as NATO Contact Point Embassy in Switzerland, a rotational role among NATO allies that coordinates alliance-related matters and facilitates NATO-Swiss dialogue. Additional Czech consular representation: Honorary Consulates in Basel (northwest Switzerland), Geneva (international organizations hub), Lugano (Italian-speaking Ticino), and Zurich (financial center). For emergency consular assistance outside office hours, emergency contact numbers are available on the website. The embassy promotes Czech culture through film screenings, concerts, exhibitions, and Czech language courses.
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