Eligibility quiz
Are you married to your partner in a marriage recognised by Switzerland, or are you registered partners?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Switzerland
You can live in Switzerland with the family member who has a settlement permit.
Your residence permit is time-limited and can be extended.
Study in Switzerland
You can attend school or study while living in Switzerland.
Work in Switzerland
Spouses and children with this residence permit can work in Switzerland, following the usual employment registration rules.
Visit Schengen countries
With a valid residence permit, you can enter Switzerland without a visa and visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
You normally need a valid passport from your country or a recognised identity document.
Settle in Switzerland
A spouse is entitled to a settlement permit after five years of lawful, uninterrupted residence if they meet the integration requirements.
A child under 12 is entitled to a settlement permit.
Rent a home
Your residence permit lets you rent accommodation in Switzerland.
Vote in some places
Some foreign residents can vote on local matters.
In Jura and Neuchâtel, some can also vote on cantonal matters, but cannot run for cantonal office.
How to apply
From outside SwitzerlandFrom outside Switzerland
Find the migration office
Find the migration office for the Swiss canton where you will live. The canton decides your family reunification application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Swiss cantonal migration office handles family reunification for your city?”
Find your consulate
Find the Swiss consulate responsible for the place where you live. It will tell you if a designated visa service provider handles applications for it.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Swiss consulate handles family reunification visas for residents of your city?”
Download the application form
Download the Application for a long-stay visa, also called the visa D form.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete, date and sign the form, choosing family reunion. Give your spouse or partner’s details and, if they are not Swiss, their permit type and number.
Get help filling itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Swiss family reunification long-stay visa application form?”
Book an appointment
Follow your consulate’s instructions to book an appointment at the consulate or its designated visa service provider. Register online first if the provider asks you to.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Swiss family reunification visa appointment in your city?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate or its designated visa service provider.
See required documentsGo to your appointment
Bring your signed form and documents to the consulate or its designated provider, and give your fingerprints and photo if asked. Pay the visa and service fees as instructed by the consulate or provider.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Swiss family reunification visa application and pay the fees in your city?”
Wait for the decision
The consulate sends your application to the canton for a decision. Answer any requests for more information, and contact the cantonal migration office if you have a question about the application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I contact the Swiss cantonal migration office about my family reunification application in your city?”
Get your visa
After the canton approves your application, follow the consulate’s instructions to get your long-stay visa. You can then travel to Switzerland while the visa is valid.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my Swiss family reunification visa after approval in your city?”
Travel to Switzerland
Enter Switzerland while your visa is valid, bringing your passport and visa.
Find entry informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Switzerland with a family reunification long-stay visa?”
Once in SwitzerlandOnce in Switzerland
Register where you live
Register promptly with the local office where you live. Follow the canton’s instructions for your residence permit and any fingerprints or photo it needs.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I register for Swiss family reunification after arriving in your city?”
Get your residence permit
Receive your residence permit and follow the instructions on registration and health insurance. Your permit lets you live in Switzerland with your spouse or partner.
Find permit informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my Swiss family reunification residence permit and arrange health insurance?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage or partnership certificate
Get the official certificate of your marriage or registered partnership. Ask the office receiving your application whether it needs the original or a certified copy.
Spouse or partner's permit
Provide a copy of your spouse or registered partner's Swiss residence permit.
Spouse or partner's ID
Provide a copy of your spouse or registered partner's passport or identity card.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Living together and integration
You must keep living with your family member and meet the conditions of your residence permit.
You must also follow any integration agreement attached to your permit.
Registration and information
You must register your arrival and report a move to another commune or canton, or departure from Switzerland.
You must give immigration authorities complete, truthful information, provide evidence and identity documents, and follow their decisions.
Residence permit renewal
You must extend your permit before it expires.
You can generally apply no earlier than three months and no later than two weeks before expiry.
Residence permit can end
Your permit ends if not renewed, on registered departure, six months abroad without registering departure, or certain transfers or removal.
It can be taken away for false or hidden facts, a long prison term, serious or repeated public-order breaches, or welfare dependence by you or someone you support.
A family breakup, misuse of family rules, broken permit conditions or unjustifiably breaking an integration agreement can also put it at risk; exceptions may apply.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Amecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in Switzerland interested in Swiss visas
Join on Facebook🇨🇭Expats in Switzerland ⭑ Living, Moving & Advice ✨
English Facebook group for people living in Switzerland interested in Swiss visas
Join on Facebookr/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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