Family reunification in Switzerland

Bringing your spouse and children to Switzerland: conditions, procedure and timelines.

Family reunification allows holders of a B, C or L permit to bring their married spouse (or registered partner) and their children under 18 to Switzerland. The conditions and deadlines vary depending on the type of permit and the nationality of the holder.

For EU/EFTA holders of a B permit, family reunification is an almost automatic right. For holders outside the EU, additional conditions apply: suitable housing, sufficient income and absence of dependence on social assistance.

What's Included

Analysis of eligibility conditions for regrouping
Preparation of the complete family file
Coordination with cantonal authorities
Assistance with family member visa applications
Support for children's school registration
Advice on the rights of the spouse (work, insurance)

Steps and Timeline

Checking conditions

We check that you meet all the conditions: type of permit, sufficient housing, income, marital status.

Creation of the file

We collect marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of housing and income, cantonal forms.

Application Filing

The file is submitted to the migration service of your canton. For countries requiring a visa, the application is coordinated with the embassy.

Family welcome

Once authorization has been granted, we help your family get set up: joint registration, school, health insurance.

Common Mistakes

Waiting too long to file the request (legal deadlines to respect)
Not having foreign civil status documents translated and legalized
Underestimating housing requirements (minimum surface area per person)
Forgetting to immediately purchase health insurance for each member
Do not anticipate waiting lists for nurseries and schools

Related Services

Service EU/EFTA Work Permit in Switzerland Service Non-EU Work Permit in Switzerland Service Permit Renewal and Canton Change

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my unmarried partner benefit from family reunification?

Family reunification in Switzerland is reserved for married spouses and registered partners. Cohabitants do not benefit from this right, unless they have a registered partnership recognized in Switzerland. It may be wise to regularize your situation before applying.

Is there a deadline for requesting family reunification?

For non-EU B license holders, the application must be submitted within 5 years for the spouse and children over 12 years old, and within 12 years for children under 12 years old. Beyond that, stricter conditions apply. For EU citizens, there is no deadline.

Can my spouse work immediately in Switzerland?

Yes, the reunified spouse receives a permit which authorizes them to carry out a gainful activity in Switzerland, whether as an employee or self-employed. This right is effective upon issuance of the permit.

What accommodation is required for family reunification?

The authorities require housing adapted to the size of the family, in accordance with local standards. In general, you need one room per person or couple. An apartment in temporary accommodation may be sufficient at the time of application, provided it can be demonstrated that adequate accommodation is provided.

Is family reunification possible for L permit holders?

For EU/EFTA holders of an L permit, consolidation is possible if the contract is for a duration of more than one year. For non-EU holders of an L permit, family reunification is in principle not possible.

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