FAMILY REUNIFICATION

Family reunification in Switzerland

Whether you’re Swiss, hold a C permit, or a B permit, different legal provisions apply to your family’s right to join you.
This page outlines the key conditions, rights, and procedures for spouses and children seeking to reunite.
From eligibility to language requirements, here’s what you need to know about building a life together in Switzerland.

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.

Work permit applications in Switzerland, how to?

ALEXA answers the following questions:

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