Moving to Switzerland is a terrific opportunity for foreign nationals who wish to establish themselves by applying for either temporary or permanent residency. The foreign national can take on the role of sponsor and invite family members to live with them after they have one of these documents. Under certain circumstances, it is possible to receive a family reunion visa for Switzerland. Those who wish to come to Switzerland and live with their family can get help from our immigration attorneys.
Requirements that applicants for a family reunion visa in Switzerland must fulfill
Since Switzerland is not a member of the EU, foreign nationals must seek residency permits prior to arriving in Switzerland, just like citizens of other countries. Nonetheless, by requesting family reunification visas, residents of EU and EFTA countries are permitted to bring specific family members to Switzerland within the terms of the Free Movement Act.
The following close relatives are eligible to apply for a family reunion visa in Switzerland:
the parents (including the spouse’s parents); the spouse and children (including stepchildren) who are under 21.
Regardless of the nationality of the Swiss resident, these family members may relocate. However, before inviting family members to join them, the sponsor must also fulfill a few prerequisites.
The following criteria must be met in order to apply for a family reunification visa to Switzerland:
A suitable place for the family to live must be provided by the Swiss resident; employment visa holders are exempt from this requirement because their salary serves as evidence of their ability to support themselves; sole traders and self-employed individuals must provide proof of sufficient funds to support any family members they are bringing into the country; and family members who are visiting Switzerland to reunite with family members are eligible to work in the country.
It should be mentioned that the family member’s residence permit, which is accessible for them to join a Swiss resident, will be valid for the same amount of time as the sponsor’s document. You can ask our local law firm for assistance if you have any questions concerning the processing period for a family reunification visa to Switzerland.
Moving to Switzerland can be facilitated by our lawyers. After reviewing your case, we will suggest the kind of visa you are eligible for and whether you fall under any of the immigrant categories. Make an appointment with us to discuss your alternatives and begin the relocation process as soon as feasible.
In Switzerland, there are several methods for obtaining a residency permit. For those who wish to reside here, both EU and non-EU nationals, employment is among the safest. Speak with our attorneys to learn more about your moving options and prospects for long-term residency in this area.
Should you choose to apply for a B permit for Switzerland, we are here to assist you. We can help with the paperwork preparation, filing, and eventual renewal that leads to the possibility of receiving permanent residency. For more information on all the services we can offer you and your family, get in touch with us.
How can I apply for a Swiss family reunion visa?
The process of applying for a Swiss family reunification visa is simple and involves submitting a number of documents to the local immigration office in the canton where the sponsor resides. You can find an office list at the State Secretariat for Migration.
The relationship between the sponsor and the family members accompanying him or her determines the paperwork that needs to be filed. Of them, the subsequent items need to be ready:
the relative’s valid passport; four biometric photos; the applicant’s proof of residence in Switzerland; three copies of the sponsor’s passport or Swiss residence permit; the applicant’s criminal record and personal registration certificate; the spouse’s marriage certificate; the birth certificate in the case of children.
Foreign-issued documents need to be validated and translated into one of the following languages: German, French, Italian, or English before being submitted.
Our Swiss immigration attorney can provide comprehensive help with completing the required documentation for family reunification. Our professional will also provide you with an estimate of the processing time for a Switzerland family reunification visa as soon as the documents are available.
We provide case-by-case assistance with Swiss C permit applications. These have several benefits and are the same as permanent resident permits granted by other nations. See our articles and contact our attorneys for advice on how to legally access them.
Things to take into account when requesting for foreign relatives to join Swiss citizens
It’s crucial to keep in mind that the Swiss authorities may demand a language certificate from the foreign individual seeking entry when filing for a family reunion visa. Since English, German, and Italian are among Switzerland’s official languages, proficiency in these languages is acknowledged. They can, however, also sign up for classes that allow them to study any of these.
When it comes to family reunion, it’s important to keep in mind that depending on nationality, the process may alter differently for those who come to reunite with holders of Swiss permanent residence permits. This may also affect how long it takes to complete a family reunification visa for Switzerland.
What may one anticipate upon obtaining a family reunion visa?
Once you have a family reunion visa for Switzerland, you are required to fulfill the following rights and obligations:
Your family members will receive a residence permit in Switzerland, depending on your status, if your application for family reunification is accepted.
Generally speaking, family members can work in Switzerland without a separate work visa, with the exception of parents and grandparents. On the other hand, holders of a short-term residency permit (L permit) are required to apply to the appropriate cantonal government for a work permit.
If you are bringing children with you to Switzerland, they must attend free compulsory schooling until they are at least 16 years old. The educational system in each canton may differ.
It’s crucial to remember that Switzerland requires private health insurance. Make sure every member of the household has a contract for health insurance.
Seek advice and information from our Swiss immigration attorneys for more specific details. They can offer more support and explanation on particular issues pertaining to your circumstances.
The deadline for applying to Switzerland for a family reunion visa
Your marriage or registered relationship must be formally recognized in order for Switzerland to permit your partner to join you. In the case of a bi-national partnership, your spouse must be legally married in order for them to travel with you. In order to be granted a family reunion visa in Switzerland, your residence must be large enough for your whole family per Swiss requirements. Spouses, registered partners, and children under the age of twelve must get together by the end of five years. Children who turn 12 should go back to live with their relatives within a year to facilitate a smoother transition into Swiss society.
What distinguishes the B and C permits in Switzerland from one another?
B and C permits are residency permits in Switzerland that specify the holder’s legal status within the nation. Please contact our lawyers if you would like to immigrate to Switzerland. For general comprehension, our Swiss lawyers have provided the following information regarding the distinctions between B and C permits:
B Permit (Permit for Residing)
A B permit does not immediately entitle a person to family reunion in Switzerland; the B permit is a temporary residency permit. Thus, speak with our attorneys; they can provide you with relevant advice on obtaining a family reunion visa for Switzerland;
It is usually granted for a set period of time, frequently connected to job or other factors such as the purpose of living in Switzerland;
During the period that the permission is active, holders of B permits are permitted to reside and work in Switzerland. B permits are renewable, and the continuing of the circumstances that led to the issuing of the permit is typically a need for renewal.
For information on relocating to Switzerland with a B permit, get in touch with our attorneys. In this sense, they can provide you with useful legal aid.
Settlement permission, or C permission
The Swiss C permit is a document that allows people to live in Switzerland permanently. It grants holders the right to family reunion, which permits them to bring their relatives to live with them in Switzerland. Our lawyers are available to assist you if you intend to immigrate to Switzerland.
It is typically awarded following a predetermined period of time spent living lawfully in Switzerland, frequently with a B permit. A person can apply for a Swiss C permit if they have held a B permit continuously for five years and meet the other requirements. C permit holders are entitled to live in Switzerland for an unlimited period of time and enjoy greater stability as their permits are not dependent on work or other obligations.
In conclusion, the C permit is a more permanent status that grants people the ability to live in Switzerland for an extended period of time, whereas the B permit is temporary and subject to certain requirements. It is essential to confirm the precise details and eligibility conditions for these permits with our Swiss lawyers as they may differ. They can also help you with the application process for a Swiss family reunion visa.
foreign nationals residing in Switzerland
Based on current data:
2,210 people were considered permanent residents in Switzerland as of 2020; of these, 309 were German citizens and 325 were Italian. Additionally, 145 French citizens were considered permanent residents in Switzerland that year.
We encourage you to contact our immigration law office without delay if you wish to apply for a family reunion visa in Switzerland.
Cost of a family reunion visa in Switzerland
Please see the prices below for a Swiss family reunion visa:
A family visa in Switzerland costs CHF 88. If you need the visa quickly or outside of regular business hours, there may be an additional fee; this fee can be as much as 50% more than the standard amount. Children aged 6 to 12 can get the visa for CHF 44.
When applying, it’s crucial to pay the visa fee. Please get in touch with our attorneys if you would like more information about any additional fees associated with obtaining a family reunion visa in Switzerland.