Family Reunification Permit
🇨🇭 Switzerland visas · Family
What it is
For the spouse and minor children of a Swiss citizen or a foreign national holding a B or C permit in Switzerland.
Key facts
- Category
- Family
- Duration
- B permit (1 year renewable) matching sponsor's permit; permanent C permit after qualifying period.
- Processing time
- 4 months
- Maximum validity
- 1 year
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Direct route
- How to apply
- Embassy
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (federal maximum; canton sets the actual fee)
- CHF 95
- Application fee (federal maximum (GebV-AIG Art. 8(2)(a)))
- CHF 22
- Application fee (federal maximum (GebV-AIG Art. 8(3)(a)))
- CHF 20
Key requirements
- Sponsor must be a Swiss citizen or hold a B or C permit
- Sponsor must have adequate housing and financial means
- Marriage certificate or birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
- Basic French, German, or Italian skills recommended
Working on this visa
Spouses and children admitted under family reunification may take up gainful employment (AIG Art. 46).
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 18 July 2026.