How to apply for a Switzerland family visa?

Who is Eligible for a Switzerland family visa?

The sponsor and the guest must be eligible to apply for the Switzerland family visa. They must be able to prove a family relationship through formal documents or certificates.

The sponsor who lives in Switzerland must have enough funds to cover his/her relative. The cantonal officials determine the least required fund. Although the guest can work in Switzerland, the sponsor needs to hold the required funds.

Accommodation is the second requirement. The Swiss resident sponsor needs to have an appropriate place for the guest. As the cantonal official approves of having enough funds, they approve the accommodation.

Language requirements for Switzerland family visa

The Swiss officials set down new rules over family visas. The applicants might need to show language proficiency for a Swiss family visa.

If it is so, the applicant needs to prove language proficiency A1, at least. If he/she doesn’t have the certificate, proof of enrolling in a language course is accepted.

How to apply for a Switzerland family visa?

The application process for a Switzerland family visa is as follows:

1. Are you eligible?

Before you apply for a Swiss family visa, see if you are eligible or not. If not, the Swiss officials will reject your application. Your time and effort will be wasted. So doing a bit of research about the family visa is wise.

2. Application

The applicant living outside of Switzerland must begin the application process. You need to visit the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country. If not, an approved visa center.

You need to get the application form and the requirements package from the Swiss embassy. You might be able to get it from their website.

3. Requirements

You need to gather all the requirements set by the Swiss embassy. Keep in mind that they vary by :

• Nationality, and
• Your case

The embassy could ask for further requirements. Remember that you might have to collect some documents on behalf of your sponsor living in Switzerland.

4. Visa interview

Now you have to make an appointment with the Swiss embassy. You can get one by phone call or through their website.

Visit the embassy on time and bring all the supporting documents.

4. Approval of the Swiss canton

The Swiss embassy will send your application to the cantonal immigration official in the canton you will live in. The cantonal officials will check your application and the sponsor. They might ask for some requirements from him/her. When Cantonal authorities approve the application, they will inform the Swiss embassy to issue the visa.

After the embassy issued the visa, they will inform you to pick it up. Now you can move to Switzerland.

7. Residence Permit

When you arrive in Switzerland, you have to apply for a Residence permit. It is the authorization to stay for longer than three months.

Visit the local cantonal officials in the city you live in. You need to complete an application form and submit a few supporting documents. The local officials will inform you of any procedure to follow.

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What are the requirements for a Switzerland family visa?

The requirements for a Switzerland family visa depends on your nationality and conditions. Yet, the general required documents are as follows:

Language proficiency certificate 

You need A1 at least, and oral skill is required. Keep in mind that you need a certificate for the dominant language in the canton you will be living in.

Passport 

Your passport may not be older than ten years. Having one blank page is a must.

Family relationship proof

Marriage certificate if you bring your spouse to Switzerland.

Birth certificate for children. 

Keep in mind to provide two copies for each proof of relationship.

Application form 

Ask the embassy how many printed form of the application form they need. The embassy often requires up to three printed form of application in one of the  official languages of Switzerland:

• German
• French
• Italian
• Spanish
• English

Proof of Accommodation 

The sponsor living in Switzerland needs to provide proof of accommodation for the relative.

Enough funds 

Your family member living in Switzerland must have enough funds to cover your expense.

Attention: The mentioned list is only a general set of requirements. The Swiss officials could ask for further requirements.

Can asylum seekers apply for Switzerland family visa?

Asylum seekers may not bring family members through Swiss family visas while their situation is not stable.

When the refugee received a Residence permit, he/she can use the family visa. Yet, the law must permit them to do so. The asylum seeker might have to wait for some time to use the family visa.

Can Permit C and Permit L holders apply for a Switzerland family visa?

The permits C and L holders can bring their family to Switzerland if the cantonal officials authorize it. You must hold sufficient funds to cover the expenses of your family. Also, you need to have the appropriate accommodation for your relative.

Can family members work?

When you bring your family members through a Swiss family visa, they have permission to work. Yet, they need to register and ask for authorization from:

• Cantonal immigration officials, and
• Labor market authorities.

Let’s sum up…

When you live in Switzerland long enough, you can bring your family to the country. You have the authorization to do it through a Switzerland family visa.

The article explained who is eligible for a Swiss family visa, requirements, and the application process.

If you should know about other types of Switzerland visas, go through the left sidebar.

Have you ever had problems with visas? Remember how hard it was for you? If you have experience or knowledge with visas, share them with us in the comment section. Don’t let others go through the way you went through.