Family reunification in Switzerland: who, when and on what conditions
Spouses and unmarried children under 18 can join their family in Switzerland. Swiss citizens and C permit holders have an entitlement; for B and L permits the authority decides. Family reunification must be requested within five years, for children over twelve within twelve months.
Who can bring their family?
| Who lives in Switzerland | Right to reunification | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss citizen | Entitlement | living together (FNIA Art. 42) |
| C permit | Entitlement | living together, housing, no social assistance, language, no supplementary benefits (FNIA Art. 43) |
| B permit | no entitlement, the authority may grant it | as for the C permit (FNIA Art. 44) |
| L permit | no entitlement, a short-term permit is possible | living together, housing, no social assistance or supplementary benefits (FNIA Art. 45) |
The rules in detail
- Spouses and unmarried children under 18 of Swiss citizens are entitled to a residence permit if they live together. After five years, spouses are entitled to a C permit if they meet the integration criteria; children under twelve are entitled to it straight away. (FNIA Art. 42)
- Spouses and unmarried children under 18 of C permit holders are entitled to a residence permit if they live together, have suitable housing, do not depend on social assistance, can communicate in the national language (when the permit is first issued, enrolment in a language course is enough; the language condition does not apply to children) and the person bringing the family does not receive supplementary benefits. (FNIA Art. 43)
- For families of B permit holders the same conditions apply, but there is no entitlement: the authority may grant the permit. (FNIA Art. 44)
- Families of L permit holders can be granted a short-term permit if they live together, have suitable housing and need neither social assistance nor supplementary benefits. (FNIA Art. 45)
- Deadline: family reunification must be requested within five years, for children over twelve within twelve months. The period starts when the permit is granted or the family relationship arises; later only for important family reasons. (Art. FNIA 47, VZAE 73)
- Language for family reunification: to renew the permit, spouses need at least A1 spoken in the national language where they live; for a C permit, A2 spoken and A1 written. (VZAE Art. 73a, 73b)
C permit: the settlement permit →
B permit: the residence permit →
Work permits in Switzerland: rules, priority, quotas →
All permits compared →
Moving to and from Switzerland →
Sources: FSO: demographic balance and permanent resident population by permit type · FNIA · VZAE · SCA · SEM · SLI-2026-10-10.39
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have for family reunification?
Deadline: family reunification must be requested within five years, for children over twelve within twelve months. The period starts when the permit is granted or the family relationship arises; later only for important family reasons.
What language skills does my spouse need?
Language for family reunification: to renew the permit, spouses need at least A1 spoken in the national language where they live; for a C permit, A2 spoken and A1 written.
Do I have a right to family reunification with a B permit?
For families of B permit holders the same conditions apply, but there is no entitlement: the authority may grant the permit.
When does my spouse get a C permit?
Spouses and unmarried children under 18 of Swiss citizens are entitled to a residence permit if they live together. After five years, spouses are entitled to a C permit if they meet the integration criteria; children under twelve are entitled to it straight away.
Information, not legal advice. The laws and the decision of the cantonal migration office are authoritative.
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