PERMITS IN SWITZERLAND
Family reunification in Switzerland
Family reunification is a vital pathway for building a stable life together in Switzerland, whether you are a Swiss citizen, a C permit holder, or a B permit resident. Depending on your specific residency status and nationality, different legal provisions and conditions apply to your family’s right to join you, including strict housing standards and financial independence requirements. From initial eligibility assessments to navigating language certificate demands and the specific ‘National Type D’ visa procedures at Swiss consulates, the process involves multiple administrative layers that can vary significantly between cantons.
To ensure your family’s transition is as smooth and successful as possible, Legal Expat’s in-house immigration specialists provide expert legal consultations to review your case, verify that all cantonal and federal conditions are met, and deliver a tailored strategy for your family reunification application.
Family reunification
Family reunification forms a large proportion of B permit holders in Switzerland. Spouses and children of a Swiss citizen or a C permit holder have the right to obtain a B permit to be able to live as a family at the same address (art. 42 and 43 LEI). Children under the age of 12 can obtain a C permit (art. 42 al. 4 and 43 al. 6 LEI).
Family members
Spouses and family members of a B permit holder can also apply for family reunification, although under certain conditions. First, the housing arrangement must be spacious enough to house the applicants, the family must live under the same roof and the main B permit holder must be financially independent and not rely on social support (“Hospice général”) (art. 44 LEI).
Family reunification procedure
Family reunification can be requested within 5 years of the main applicant’s arrival, of the mariage or of the child’s birth. For children above the age of 12, it should be requested within 12 months (art. 47 LEI). A visa must sometimes be requested at the Swiss consulate of the applicant’s country of residence allowing the family members to enter Switzerland and wait for the permit to be delivered. As of 2019, the law requires all B permit holders to be able to speak the language of their canton (A1 level or higher depending on the canton) when renewing their permit (art. 58a al. 3 LEI). A language certificate will have to be provided when renewing the permit.
Legal Expat Consultation Desk
We offer immigration services and handle your permit application on your behalf. Consult a Swiss immigration specialist – online or in person. Chf 300 Up to 45 minutes. Case review, focused consultation, and a clear written summary with next steps.
Our consultations typically cover the following issues:
- Work & Residence Permits (B, L, G)
- Permanent Residency (C Permit)
- Family Reunification
- Self-Employment Permits
- Retirement & Student Permits
- Swiss Naturalization
- Legal Appeals & Denials
In the case of additional assistance, the activity is charged on an hourly rate basis.
Work permit applications in Switzerland, how to?
- How to apply for a work permit?
- How does it work if you’re not an EU-27 citizen?
- What are the conditions for obtaining a work permit for non-EU citizens ?
- Is there an unlimited number of EU work permit ?
Book a consultation
Book your legal consultation with immigration specialists or independent Swiss attorneys. Our consultation can be made on Zoom or in Our office in Geneva for a flat fee of CHF 300.-.
