1. What is a Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion?

A Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion is a visa that allows non-EU citizens to join their family member who is a Swiss national, or a non-EU citizen living in Switzerland with a valid residence permit. This type of visa is issued for the purpose of long-term residence, usually for a period of more than 90 days.

2. Who can apply for a Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion?
The following individuals are eligible to apply for a Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion:

– Spouses of Swiss nationals or non-EU citizens living in Switzerland
– Minor children (under 18 years old) of Swiss nationals or non-EU citizens living in Switzerland
– Adult children (over 18 years old) who are dependent on their parents who are Swiss nationals or non-EU citizens living in Switzerland
– Parents of minor children with Swiss nationality
– Adult grandchildren under guardianship who have been living with their grandparent(s) in Switzerland for at least five years
– Dependent elderly parents and other close relatives (such as siblings and grandparents) of Swiss nationals or non-EU citizens living in Switzerland, if they have no other close relatives in their country of origin

3. What are the requirements for applying for this type of visa?

The exact requirements may vary depending on your specific situation and the Swiss embassy/consulate you will be applying at. However, some common requirements include:

1. A completed and signed application form.
2. Valid passport/travel document with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area.
3. Two recent passport-sized biometric photos.
4. Proof of relationship with the family member living in Switzerland (such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
5. Proof that the family member living in Switzerland has sufficient financial means to support you during your stay.
6. Proof of accommodation in Switzerland (such as a rental agreement or invitation letter from the family member).
7. Medical insurance valid for the entire duration of the stay.
8. A criminal record certificate from your country of residence.
9. Consular fees.

4. How long does it take to process a Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion?

The processing time for a Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion can vary depending on the specific embassy/consulate and their workload. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

5. Can I work with a Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion?
If you are applying for this type of visa as a spouse, minor child, or dependent parent, then you are generally allowed to work in Switzerland without any additional permits. However, if you are applying as an adult child or other dependent relative, you may need to obtain a separate work permit before being able to work in Switzerland.

2. Who is eligible for a Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion?

The following individuals are eligible for a Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion:

1. Spouse of a Swiss citizen or a foreign national legally residing in Switzerland
2. Unmarried minor children (under 18 years old) of Swiss citizens or foreign nationals legally residing in Switzerland
3. Dependents (e.g. parents, grandparents) of Swiss citizens or foreign nationals legally residing in Switzerland, if they can prove that they require assistance and support from the sponsor due to old age or disability.
4. Spouses or registered partners of EU/EFTA nationals who have been granted residence permits in Switzerland under the EU/EFTA Family Reunification Agreement

Note: A child over 18 years old is only eligible for family reunion if he/she is still dependent on the sponsor due to health reasons.


3. What is the maximum duration of stay granted by a Switzerland long stay visa for family reunion?
The maximum duration of stay granted by a Switzerland long-stay visa for family reunion is five years, after which the individual can apply for permanent residence status. However, this may vary depending on individual circumstances and the length of sponsorship provided by the sponsor.

3. How long does the family reunion visa allow you to stay in Switzerland?

The family reunion visa allows the holder to stay in Switzerland for a maximum of 90 days. After this period, the visa holder must apply for a residence permit if they wish to continue living in Switzerland. The length of the residence permit will depend on the specific circumstances of the person’s stay and can range from one year to five years.

4. Do I need to provide any documents for the family reunification visa application?

Yes, you will need to provide several documents for the family reunification visa application. These may include:

1. A completed and signed visa application form
2. A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
3. Proof of relationship with the family member in the country you wish to join (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
4. Evidence that your family member in the country meets the income requirements and can support you during your stay (such as bank statements or a statement from their employer)
5. Medical examinations or vaccinations, if needed
6. Police certificates from any country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years
7. Proof of accommodation in the destination country (rental agreement, property ownership documents, etc.)
8. Travel insurance covering your entire stay
9. Any additional documents required by the consulate or embassy processing your application.

It’s important to check with the specific consulate or embassy to ensure you have all necessary documents before submitting your application to avoid delays or rejection.

5. Can I work with a family reunion visa in Switzerland?

Yes, you can work in Switzerland with a family reunion visa. However, you will need to obtain a work permit before you can start working. The specific requirements and process for obtaining a work permit will depend on your nationality and the type of job you want to do. It is recommended to check with the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country for more information.

6. Is health insurance mandatory for a Swiss family reunion visa?

No, health insurance is not mandatory for a Swiss family reunion visa. However, it is highly recommended that the person applying for the visa has adequate health insurance coverage for their stay in Switzerland. This will ensure that any medical expenses or emergency situations can be covered without causing financial strain on the individual or their sponsoring family member.

7. How long does it take to process a Swiss family reunion visa application?

The processing time for a Swiss family reunion visa application varies depending on the situation. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the application to be processed. Factors that may affect processing time include the nationality of the family member applying, availability of appointments at the embassy or consulate, and completeness of the application. It is recommended to apply for a visa several months in advance to allow for sufficient processing time.

8. Can my spouse and children also apply for the Swiss family reunion visa with me?

Yes, your spouse and children (under the age of 21) can apply for a Swiss family reunion visa with you. They will need to provide the same supporting documents as you, in addition to proof of their relationship with you (marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificates for children). They will also need to submit their own visa application forms and pay the appropriate fees.

9. Is there an age limit for children to be included in the Swiss family reunion visa application?

There is no specific age limit for children to be included in a Swiss family reunion visa application. However, the child must still be dependent on their parent or legal guardian and meet all other eligibility requirements for the visa.

10. What is the minimum income requirement for sponsoring a family member on a Swiss long stay visa?

The minimum income requirement for sponsoring a family member on Swiss long stay visa depends on the specific canton where the sponsor resides. Generally, the sponsor must prove that they can financially support their family member and cover their living expenses in Switzerland without relying on public assistance. This amount may vary but is typically around CHF 30,000 to CHF 50,000 per year. Additionally, the sponsor must have a stable income and be able to provide proof of this through employment contracts, bank statements, etc.

11. Can I apply for a Swiss long stay visa if I am living in another EU country?

Yes, you can apply for a Swiss long stay visa if you are living in another EU country. However, your visa application will be subject to the same requirements and procedures as those living outside of the EU. You must also provide supporting documents that prove your residence in the other EU country, such as a valid residency permit or proof of employment or study. Additionally, you may need to submit additional documents, such as proof of financial means and accommodation in Switzerland. It is important to contact the Swiss embassy or consulate in the EU country where you are residing for specific instructions on how to apply for a long stay visa.

12. Do I need to prove my relationship with the family member I am reuniting with in Switzerland?

Yes, you may be required to provide evidence of your relationship with the family member you are reuniting with in Switzerland. This could include a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other documentation showing your familial ties. It is important to consult with the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements and guidelines for proving your relationship.

13. Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Swiss long stay family reunion visa?

Yes, you can travel to other Schengen countries with a Swiss long stay family reunion visa. As a non-EU citizen, you are allowed to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, you should inform the Swiss authorities beforehand and make sure that your visa is valid for multiple entries. You may also need to provide additional documents such as an invitation letter from your family member living in another Schengen country and proof of accommodation or transportation arrangements during your trip. It is always recommended to check with the relevant embassy or consulate beforehand to ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your trip.

14. Will my family members have access to healthcare and education in Switzerland with this visa?

Yes, your family members will have access to healthcare and education in Switzerland with this visa. They can obtain a residence permit as your dependent and will be entitled to the same benefits and services as you. However, they may need to apply for separate visas or permits depending on their status and specific circumstances.

15. What happens if my sponsor’s financial situation changes after submitting the application?

If your sponsor’s financial situation changes after submitting the application, it could potentially affect the outcome of the application. If their income or assets have significantly decreased, they may not meet the financial requirements to sponsor you and the application may be denied. However, if their financial situation has improved, this could strengthen your application and increase your chances of being approved. It is important to inform immigration authorities of any changes in your sponsor’s financial situation as soon as possible.

16. If my spouse has permanent residence in Switzerland, can they sponsor me for a long stay family reunification?

Yes, your spouse can sponsor you for a long stay family reunification in Switzerland if they have permanent residence there. However, they must meet certain requirements, such as having stable and sufficient income to support both themselves and you, having suitable housing for both of you, and being able to provide evidence of a genuine relationship. You will also need to obtain a visa for family reunification through the Swiss embassy or consulate in your home country.

17. Is it possible to extend the duration of my stay on a Swiss long stay family reunification visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend the duration of your stay on a Swiss long stay family reunification visa. However, you will need to apply for an extension before your current visa expires. The extension will be granted if you can prove that the conditions for family reunification are still met and that you continue to live with your family member in Switzerland. You may also be required to provide additional documents or attend an interview as part of the extension process. It is important to start the extension process well in advance of your visa expiration date, as the application processing time may take several months.

18. Can I apply for permanent residency through the Swiss long stay family reunification route?

Yes, if you are a non-EU/EFTA citizen and have been legally residing in Switzerland for at least five years through family reunification, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence. This will require meeting certain conditions, such as having sufficient knowledge of the local language and customs, stable and regular income, and not being a threat to public order or security. The exact requirements may vary depending on your individual situation. It is recommended to consult with the Swiss immigration authorities for specific requirements and guidelines for permanent residency.

19.Can non-EU citizens apply for this type of long-stay visa as well?

Yes, non-EU citizens can also apply for a long-stay visa for Europe, depending on the country and its specific immigration policies. It is important to thoroughly research the requirements and procedures for obtaining a long-stay visa in each individual country before applying. Some countries may have stricter criteria or specific restrictions for non-EU citizens wishing to obtain a long-stay visa.

20.What are some common reasons that could lead to rejection of a Swiss long stay family reunification visa application?

1. Insufficient documentation: If the applicant does not provide all of the required documents, such as proof of relationship, financial stability, and accommodation in Switzerland, the application may be rejected.

2. Lack of a valid reason for family reunification: The Swiss authorities will only approve a long stay family reunification visa if there is a valid reason for the family members to join the applicant in Switzerland. This could include reuniting with a spouse, parent or child who is already living in Switzerland.

3. Failure to meet income requirements: To sponsor family members for a long stay visa, the applicant must have sufficient income or assets to support their family without relying on social assistance from the Swiss government. If the applicant does not meet these financial requirements, their application may be rejected.

4. Security concerns: If an applicant has a criminal record or is deemed to pose a security threat to Switzerland, their visa application may be rejected.

5. Family member ineligible for entry: The family member seeking reunification must also meet certain eligibility requirements, such as passing health and character checks. If they fail to meet these requirements, their visa application may be rejected.

6. Previous immigration violations: Any evidence of previous immigration violations, such as overstaying a previous visa or working without authorization in Switzerland, can result in a rejection of a long stay family reunification visa application.

7. Incomplete or incorrect application form: It is crucial that applicants fill out all forms accurately and completely. Any mistakes or omissions can lead to rejection of the application.

8. Inadequate accommodation: The Swiss authorities require evidence that the applicant has adequate accommodation for their family members once they arrive in Switzerland. If this requirement is not met, it could result in rejection of the visa application.

9. Suspected marriage of convenience: If authorities suspect that a marriage is solely for immigration purposes rather than genuine love and commitment, they may reject the visa application.

10. Failure to pass language requirements: Depending on the specific canton, applicants may be required to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in the local language. If an applicant fails to meet this requirement, their application may be rejected.