Family reunification in Switzerland
Those who move to Switzerland for work often do not set out alone: spouse and children follow through family reunification. It is an important right, but governed by precise rules that change according to the nationality and the type of permit of the person already resident in the country. Knowing them in advance avoids delays and refusals. Here is a clear overview.
What family reunification means
Family reunification allows the close family members of a person lawfully resident in Switzerland to obtain a permit of their own to live with them. The family members typically admitted are the spouse (or registered partner) and minor children; in some cases dependent ascendants or descendants are also included, under more restrictive conditions.
The permit granted to family members is normally tied to that of the applicant and follows its fate.
The rules for EU/EFTA citizens
Thanks to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, EU/EFTA citizens resident in Switzerland enjoy favourable conditions. They can generally bring:
- the spouse or registered partner;
- children (their own and the spouse’s) under 21 years of age or dependent;
- in certain cases, dependent ascendants.
The main requirements concern the availability of suitable housing and the fact that the family does not depend on social assistance. The regime is more open than the one provided for third-country nationals.
The rules for third-country nationals
For third-country nationals the conditions are stricter and depend on the applicant’s permit (B, C or other statuses). In general, the following are required:
- suitable housing for the size of the family;
- sufficient financial means for maintenance, without recourse to social assistance;
- the absence of any public-order grounds standing in the way;
- in many cases, integration requirements (for example knowledge or the learning of the national language of the place).
The applicant’s residence status matters: someone with a C permit generally has better prospects than someone with a B permit.
The deadlines for reuniting children
A technical but decisive point are the deadlines. The reunification application must be filed within certain time limits from the acquisition of the right or from the applicant’s arrival in Switzerland:
- longer deadlines for young children;
- shorter deadlines for older children (in particular those over a certain age).
Anyone who lets these deadlines pass risks that reunification is granted only for serious family reasons, under a much stricter assessment. It is the most common mistake and the hardest to remedy: it is best to act as soon as the conditions are met, not years later.
The suitable-housing requirement
Suitable housing is a recurring and concrete requirement. The authorities check that the dwelling is sufficient for the number of people who will live there, according to the criteria applied at cantonal level. Housing that is too small for the family unit can lead to refusal, even where the other requirements are met. It is worth documenting this aspect well when applying.
Financial and integration requirements
The underlying principle is that the reunited family should not become a burden on public assistance. Income, stability of employment and capacity for maintenance are therefore assessed. For third-country nationals, this is accompanied by growing expectations of integration, with the possibility of requiring attendance at language courses or the signing of integration agreements.
Family members’ right to work
A practical aspect often decisive for the family: reunited family members have, under certain conditions, the right to carry on a gainful activity in Switzerland. The scope of this right depends on the applicable regime (broader for family members of EU/EFTA citizens). It is a factor to consider in the economic planning of relocating the whole household.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting too long to file the application for children, letting the deadlines lapse.
- Underestimating housing: signing a rental contract unsuitable for the family unit.
- Not documenting income in an orderly and complete way.
- Ignoring the integration requirements where they apply.
How we work at SIH ONE
We assist people and families on the path of relocating to Switzerland: we check the requirements for reunification, monitor the deadlines for children, prepare the documentation on housing and income, and coordinate the tax and insurance aspects that the new family unit entails.
Do you want to bring your family to Switzerland without bureaucratic hitches? Discover our services relating to permits and approach reunification with the right preparation.