Family reunification: living in Switzerland

EU/EFTA nationals

Under the AFMP, an EU/EFTA national with a right of residence can bring their spouse (or registered partner), their children under 21 or dependent, and their dependent parents, whatever their nationality. The family needs suitable housing. The spouse and children can work.

Third-country nationals with a B permit

The spouse and unmarried children under 18 can get a residence permit if the family lives in the same household, has suitable housing, does not rely on social assistance and does not receive supplementary benefits. The spouse must be able to communicate in the national language spoken where they live or be enrolled in a language course.

C permit holders

The spouse and unmarried children under 18 of a C permit holder are entitled to a residence permit under the same household, housing and financial independence conditions.

Deadlines for applying

For third-country nationals, the Act sets deadlines: the reunification application must be filed within five years; for children over 12, within twelve months. The deadlines run from the grant of the permit or from when the family relationship began. After that, reunification is only granted for major family reasons.