Can Spouse Work On Dependent Visa In Switzerland
Before going to Switzerland and starting a family, you should familiarize yourself with Swiss immigration law. And one of the most important factors in this law is the term “dependent visa”. Let’s take a look at some of the basics of dependent visas for Swiss immigration.
Can Spouse Work On Dependent Visa In Switzerland
If you’re looking to join your Swiss-based husband or wife, who’s a citizen of another country, it seems like their chances of working in the country are slim. They’ll need a special residence permit for married couples before they can do much else. This article will explain how to get such a permit, along with information on the associated taxes and requirements.
Switzerland is a very beautiful country located in the heart of Europe. The European country welcomes many expatriates and tourists every year who come to spend their vacations there. As an immigration destination, it is home to some of the highly ranked universities and colleges. The country depends on hospitality industry and therefore, more numbers of jobs are offered in this sector than in some other work fields.
How to apply
The third-country national joining the family member needs to make the application for family reunion in Switzerland through the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country if applying from outside Switzerland, or through the local cantonal immigration authority if applying within Switzerland.
You need to provide the following documentation:
- Valid photo ID such as passport
- Certificate from your home country proving the nature of the relationship, e.g. marriage certificate or birth certificate
- Proof that you will be able to financially support yourself or that the family member you are joining will be able to support you
Applications can take several months to process so it’s advisable to give yourself plenty of time.
Visa costs
Family visa costs in Switzerland are CHF 88. Children aged 6–12 can get the visa for the discounted price of CHF 44. You may be charged extra (up to 50% above the standard price) if you need the visa to be issued urgently or outside of normal working hours. Payment needs to be made along with the application.
Learn more in our Guide to EU/EFTA citizens moving to Switzerland
Family visa to join third-country nationals with a C settlement permit in Switzerland
Non-EU/EFTA family members will have to apply for a visa to join relatives in Switzerland.
Who can apply?
The following relatives can apply for family reunification in Switzerland:
- Spouses and registered partners
- Children aged under 18
Visa length
Family members can stay in Switzerland for as long as the relative they are joining is a Swiss resident. If you are staying in Switzerland long-term, you will have to get a Swiss residence permit. This will be a B permit, which you can exchange for a C permit if you live in Switzerland for five uninterrupted years. Children under 12 receive a C permit immediately.
Visa entitlements
Family members can work or study in Switzerland but must register with the cantonal immigration and labor market authorities first. If they are not working, they can only access social security and welfare services through the health insurance policy of the relative they have come to join. This needs to have coverage that extends to additional dependent family members.
How to apply
The spouse/partner or child who is joining their relative in Switzerland needs to make the application through the Swiss embassy or consulate in their home country if applying from outside Switzerland, or through the local cantonal immigration authority if applying within Switzerland.
You will need to provide the following:
- Proof of knowledge of the national language in the canton you are moving to (minimum oral level A1) or proof of registration for a language course to meet this requirement
- Valid photo ID such as passport
- Certificate from your home country proving the nature of the relationship, e.g., marriage certificate or birth certificate
- Proof that you will be able to financially support yourself or that the family member you are joining will be able to support you
Be sure to apply several months in advance as applications can take a few months to process.
Visa costs
This visa costs CHF 88, or CHF 44 for children aged 6–12. You may be charged up to 50% extra if you need the family visa processed urgently or outside of normal working hours.
Family visa to join third-country nationals with a B or L residence permit in Switzerland
The Swiss B and L permits are short-term residence permits that allow the holder to move to Switzerland for up to a year. You can renew a B permit annually but you can only renew an L permit for one extra year.
This permit does not grant the holder the automatic right to be joined by family members under family reunification in Switzerland. However, the cantonal migration authorities may allow it if you can prove that you have enough living space for the entire family to live together. You will also need to show that you can support everyone financially if you are self-employed or not working in Switzerland.