Long-stay visas (Type D)
Swiss Family Reunification Permit
A residence permit letting a spouse or registered partner and minor children join a family member who already holds a Swiss permit or is Swiss.
Important information
- Issued by
- Cantonal migration office (D-visa via embassy for third-country members)
- Permit type
- Permit B (or C) matching/linked to the sponsor
- Eligible members
- Spouse/registered partner and unmarried children under 18
- Key conditions
- Cohabitation, suitable housing, no social-assistance dependency
- Language
- Spouse must show or commit to learning the local national language
- Children under 18 are exempt
- Deadline
- Time limits apply (generally within 5 years for spouses)
Who it's for
- Spouses and registered partners of Swiss citizens, C/B permit holders or EU/EFTA residents
- Unmarried children under 18 of the sponsor
- Families seeking to live together in Switzerland
Requirements
- The sponsor holds a qualifying status (Swiss, C, B or EU/EFTA permit)
- Family members will live together with the sponsor (cohabitation)
- Suitable, sufficiently sized housing is available
- The family will not depend on social assistance
- For the spouse: proof of, or enrolment to learn, the local national language
- The application is made within the applicable time limit
What you can do
- Live in Switzerland with the sponsoring family member
- Spouses generally gain the right to work in Switzerland
- Children can attend school and, on reaching working age, access the labour market under the applicable rules
- Renew the permit in line with the sponsor's status and move towards settlement over time
How to apply
The sponsor or family member applies to the cantonal migration authority, providing proof of relationship, housing and financial self-sufficiency. Third-country family members then obtain a national (D) visa from the Swiss embassy to enter.
After arrival the family member registers locally and receives the permit, normally aligned to the sponsor's permit type and validity. EU/EFTA family reunification follows the more generous free-movement procedure.
Documents
- Valid passports of the family members
- Marriage certificate / proof of registered partnership, or children's birth certificates
- Proof of the sponsor's Swiss permit or citizenship
- Proof of suitable accommodation and its size
- Evidence of sufficient income / no reliance on social assistance
- Language proof or enrolment confirmation for the spouse
Frequently asked questions
Generally the spouse or registered partner and unmarried children under 18. Conditions and, for some relatives, eligibility depend on whether the sponsor is Swiss, settled, resident, or an EU/EFTA national.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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