Who can bring whom
Rights depend on the permit of the member already in Switzerland:
- C permit or Swiss: spouse and minor children easily
- B permit (EU/EFTA): spouse, minor children, dependent ascendants
- B permit (third countries): spouse and minor children only; stricter conditions
- L permit: no reunification in principle
- G permit (cross-border): no right of reunification in Switzerland
General conditions
- Housing: sufficient surface area (typically rooms ≥ occupants + 1)
- Finances: stable income covering the family without welfare
- No significant debts / collection cases
- No serious convictions
Filing deadlines
- Children under 12: 5 years from when the permit was obtained
- Children 12–18: 12 months
- Spouse: no strict deadline but file as soon as possible
Missing the deadline = deferred request, harder to justify.
Procedure
- Application to the cantonal migration service (specific form)
- Documents: passport, marriage certificate / legalised birth certificates, housing and income proof
- Canton forwards to SEM for third countries; otherwise cantonal decision
- Entry visa issued by the Swiss embassy abroad
- Registration with the commune within 14 days of arrival
Processing time
From 2 to 8 months depending on canton and nationality. EU/EFTA files are faster; third-country files go through SEM and take longer.
Language
Since 2019, Switzerland requires the reunified spouse (third countries, family B permit) to demonstrate A1 oral in the regional language (French, German, Italian) before the permit is issued. Exemptions exist for proven illiteracy or disability.
Tip
Refusals for insufficient resources are common. Before filing, do the maths: disposable income above your canton's social-aid thresholds (CSIAS), plus fixed costs. CSP and Caritas advise free of charge.
