Why apply for a Switzerland Dependent Visa?

• Get to stay with your family in Switzerland
• Give your children world-class educational benefits
• Access to healthcare benefits
• Bring your spouse, children, parents and unmarried partner to Switzerland
• Allows dependents to work and study in the country

The land of Swiss cheese, chocolates, and white snow-capped mountains offers its residents the opportunity to bring their families into Switzerland and stay with them. You will need a Switzerland Dependent Visa to reunite with your family in the Swiss Confederation. Y-Axis is here to help you identify the type of visa you need and help you join your family in Switzerland.

Step-by-Step Guide to Family Reunification in Switzerland

Bringing family members to Switzerland requires following specific steps set by federal and cantonal authorities. Below is a structured overview of the process:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you hold valid Swiss residence or citizenship and that your relatives (spouse/registered partner and unmarried children under 18) qualify for reunification.

Step 2: Apply with Your Canton

Review your canton’s specific rules and submit the reunification request directly to the cantonal migration office.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Provide evidence of suitable housing, financial means if required, and official civil status documents such as marriage or birth certificates.

Step 4: Secure Entry Visa (Type D)

Once approved by the canton, the Swiss representation abroad will issue a national (D) visa. Processing typically takes several weeks to months.

Step 5: Complete Post-Arrival Formalities

Within 14 days of arriving, register at the local residents’ office, arrange Swiss health insurance within three months, and collect the residence permit.

Cantonal Contact Points: Applicants should use the official directory of migration offices to access forms, check fees, and obtain direct contact details for their canton.

Benefits of Switzerland Dependent Visa

• Allows you to stay with your family in Switzerland
• Apply for a permanent residence permit later
• Free and compulsory education for children below 16 years
• Compulsory health insurance benefits
• Spouses and children can work and study without any restrictions

Eligibility Criteria for Switzerland Dependent Visa

You or your family member would be eligible to apply for a Switzerland Dependent Visa if:

• Your sponsor is a Swiss citizen, an EU/EFTA citizen or a citizen from a third country legally residing in Switzerland for more than 5 years
• You are in a marital union or civil union with the primary visa holder or
• You are a dependent  child or grandchild of the Swiss citizen  and below 21 years of age or
• You are a parent of the primary visa holder or
• You are a grandparent of the primary visa holder(not applicable for third-country citizens) or
• You are an old relative of the primary visa holder or their spouse
• Your sponsor  has proof of their financial stability and is willing to support you financially
• You have enough documents to prove your relationship with your sponsor

Required documents for Switzerland Dependent Visa

• Valid passports of the applicants having a validity of at least 3 months beyond the intended period of stay
• Duly filled and signed application forms
• Recent photographs as per the suggested format 
• Health insurance details that would be applicable in every territory of Germany
• Travel booking details
• Financial details showing that you, as a sponsor, can support your family financially
• An invitation letter from your sponsor confirming your accommodation details
• Documents to prove your relation with your sponsor (birth certificates, marriage certificates, wedding affidavits and photographs)
• Proof of nationality and citizenship in Switzerland
• Documents to prove custodian rights in case of sponsoring a child

Minimum Housing and Income Standards for Family Reunification in Switzerland

When applying for a dependent visa or family reunification in Switzerland, applicants must meet housing and financial requirements to ensure stability and self-sufficiency.

• Housing Requirements: Accommodation must be suitable for the size of the household and reflect typical Swiss living standards. Cantonal authorities assess adequacy based on the number of rooms and occupancy, as there is no nationwide square-metre rule.
• Income and Financial Means:
  • For EU/EFTA workers, family reunification is generally not conditional on financial resources if the sponsor is employed.
  • For self-employed or economically inactive applicants, proof of sufficient resources is required to show the family will not rely on social assistance.
  • For non-EU/EFTA nationals, cantonal authorities carry out similar financial checks before approving family reunification.
• Application Deadlines: Applications must normally be submitted within five years of the sponsor’s entry into Switzerland. For children over 12, the deadline is reduced to 12 months. Cantonal guidance should be consulted for specific requirements.

Language Requirement for Family Reunification in Switzerland

Applicants seeking family reunification in Switzerland are required to demonstrate basic knowledge of a Swiss national language—German, French, or Italian—depending on the canton of residence.

• Baseline Requirement: Proof of language skills must usually be provided through an officially recognised certificate, such as FIDE or another accepted qualification.
• Expected Level: In most cantons, A1 oral is the minimum standard. Applicants may either present this proof at the time of application or show evidence of enrolment in a language course, with A1 to be achieved shortly after arrival.
• Exemptions: Children under 18 are typically exempt from the language requirement.
• Cantonal Variations: Since requirements can differ between cantons, applicants must always follow the specific instructions of their cantonal migration office.

Steps to apply for a Switzerland Dependent Visa

• Step 1: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria as mentioned
• Step 2: Gather the required documents as suggested
• Step 3: Fill out the online application form
• Step 4: Schedule an appointment to the nearest Embassy or Consulate
• Step 5: Pay the visa application fee
• Step 6: Attend the Visa application interview on the scheduled date, where you'll be asked about your background and intention to visit
• Step 7: Once the visa gets approved, join your family in Switzerland

Fees and Processing Times for a Switzerland Dependent Visa

Applicants should be prepared for both application fees and variable processing times when applying for a Switzerland Dependent (Family Reunification) Visa.

Detailed information about the fee for Switzerland Dependant Visa is given below:

Applicant Category	Fee (CHF / Approx. USD)
Adults	CHF 88 / USD 102
Children (6–11 years)	CHF 44 / USD 51
Children under 6	No fee

The processing time for Switzerland Dependant Visa is given below:

Stage	Estimated Duration
Embassy/Consulate Review	1–2 weeks
Cantonal Authority Decision	Several weeks to a few months
Total Timeline	8–16 weeks (on average)
Post-Arrival Formalities	Within 14 days

Fees and Processing Times for a Switzerland Dependent Visa

Applicants should be prepared for both application fees and variable processing times when applying for a Switzerland Dependent (Family Reunification) Visa.

Detailed information about the fee for Switzerland Dependant Visa is given below:

Applicant Category	Fee (CHF / Approx. USD)
Adults	CHF 88 / USD 102
Children (6–11 years)	CHF 44 / USD 51
Children under 6	No fee

The processing time for Switzerland Dependant Visa is given below:

Stage	Estimated Duration
Embassy/Consulate Review	1–2 weeks
Cantonal Authority Decision	Several weeks to a few months
Total Timeline	8–16 weeks (on average)
Post-Arrival Formalities	Within 14 days

If Your Switzerland Dependent Visa Is Refused — Appeals and Remedies

A refusal of a family reunification application does not necessarily end the process. Applicants have the right to appeal, but strict rules and deadlines apply:

• Read the Decision Letter Carefully: The refusal notice specifies the authority to which the appeal must be submitted and the applicable deadline. In most cases, appeals must be lodged within 30 days of notification.
• Appeal Authority: Depending on the origin of the decision, the appeal will be reviewed either by the competent cantonal authority or by the Federal Administrative Court (FAC) in St. Gallen.
• What to Include: The appeal must clearly state the decision being challenged, what outcome you are seeking, the reasons for your objection, and any supporting documents. Missing the deadline usually results in the refusal becoming final.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Applying for a Switzerland Dependent Visa can be a daunting procedure. Y-Axis is here to ensure you a smooth and successful visa application process. Our visa and immigration experts will assist you in every step of your visa application journey and help you rejoin your family in Switzerland as soon as possible.

Y-Axis can help you with the following:

• Choose the correct type of visa according to your needs and preferences
• Collect the required set of documents
• Fill up visa application forms
• Get you updates and follow-ups

 

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