Family reunification: bringing your family to Switzerland
Who is covered
Art. 42-52 FNIA govern family reunification for the spouse, registered partner, and unmarried children under 18 of a Swiss national, a holder of a settlement permit (permit C), or a holder of a residence permit (permit B), with conditions that vary according to the status of the sponsoring person.
The general conditions
Family reunification in principle requires suitable housing, no dependence on social assistance, and for certain categories, compliance with statutory deadlines for filing the application after the sponsor's permit is issued. Language requirements may also apply depending on the status concerned.
The deadline to file the application
The law sets deadlines within which the family reunification application must be filed after the sponsor's residence or settlement permit is issued, or after the marriage or birth of the child if these events occur later. After these deadlines, reunification is only possible where important family reasons recognised by law exist.
Family reunification for EU/EFTA nationals
EU/EFTA nationals benefit from more favourable family reunification rules arising from the agreement on the free movement of persons, with a broader circle of persons eligible for reunification than that provided for third-country nationals under the FNIA.
Frequently asked questions
Who can benefit from family reunification in Switzerland?
The spouse, registered partner, and unmarried children under 18 of a Swiss national or of a foreign national holding a residence or settlement permit, under the conditions of art. 42-52 FNIA.
Is there a deadline to apply for family reunification?
Yes, the law sets deadlines after the sponsor's permit is issued or after the marriage or birth of the child. After this deadline, reunification is only possible where important family reasons recognised by law exist.
Are the conditions the same for an EU national and a third-country national?
No, EU/EFTA nationals benefit from more favourable rules arising from the agreement on the free movement of persons, with a broader circle of persons eligible for reunification than that provided for third countries under the FNIA.