Family reunification: basic information
Anyone who lives in Switzerland and would like to have their family join them faces many questions. Family reunification is only possible subject to certain prerequisites and depends on the residence status. The following overview focuses on family reunification for asylum seekers.
Prerequisites for family reunification
In order to request family reunification, the asylum procedure must have been completed first. The prerequisites for family members to be able to come to Switzerland differ according to the person's residence status in Switzerland.
Family reunification video
Who is entitled to family reunification?
The following persons can be brought to Switzerland as family members from a third country. A person is deemed to be a third-country national if they are not a Swiss citizen or an EU/EFTA national.
Family reunification is possible for:
minor-age children
spouse
registered partner
Particularly important for minor-age children: The application for family reunification must be made before the child’s 18th birthday.
Other family members are eligible for reunification only in very rare cases, e.g. is there is a strong dependency.
Family reunification for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers
The current legal situation and practice does not provide for family reunification for parents and siblings, in most cases. Under certain circumstances, an application may be based on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Currently, however, there are hardly any positive rulings.
The factsheet “Familiennachzug von Eltern und Geschwistern durch unbegleitete Minderjährige aus dem Asylbereich (MNA)” (in German Family reunification for parents and siblings of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers) issued by the SRC Family Reunification Service provides initial legal guidance in terms of family reunification. The information is geared primarily to persons who represent, care for or are supporting minor asylum seekers.
Procedure
What is the procedure for requesting family reunification in Switzerland?
PLEASE NOTE
Exercise caution with paid services
Be very careful of offers or advice where a fee is charged and that promise fast or positive results. Family reunification is difficult and often takes a long time. First contact the competent authorities (see Step 2: Contacting the cantonal legal advice centres). If necessary, they can refer you to other institutions.
Family reunification: step by step
GOOD TO KNOW
Sui app provides information
Are the prerequisites for family reunification met? Various documents must be submitted together with the application. The Sui app provides detailed information on the necessary documents that have to be submitted – sorted by ID papers. The app also has useful information about living in Switzerland and tips on coping with stress and worries.