Last updated 2025-06-04
Familiennachzug, Family visa, Fiancée, Marriage
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Issued to third-nationals wishing to stay more than 90 days and together with a family member, who has citizenship or a residence permit in Swiss. Applicable for spouses or minor children in Switzerland.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 3 months to 1 year
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Valid for up from 3 to 12 months, depending on the purpose of stay. In some cases, an applicant after entry has to apply for an internal residence permit.
1 year
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The stay period is determined by the consulate, depending on the purpose of the visit. The maximum permitted stay is up to 365 days. In some cases, this visa is only an entry document that allows a limited period of stay. The alien must apply for a residence permit in accordance with the purpose of stay at the competent authority for foreigners in Switzerland.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
In some exceptional cases, it is possible to extend a visa for 2 years. But in most case, the visa holders must apply a residence permit during visa validity period.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
Allows for multiple entries for the duration of the visa.
from 2 months to 3 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing time for such a visa application is usually about two months and include the permission from the competent cantonal authority. In rarer cases, the consulate may take 60 to 90 days to make a decision on the application. If necessary, consular officers may require the applicant to provide other documents, which may increase the processing time.
€90
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The fees for processing a national visa application is €90. The following categories are exempt from paying any visa fee: - foreign nationals studying in Switzerland; - applicants with humanitarian reasons.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Visa application form
Three visa application forms, fully completed and signed by the applicant.
Passport
Original valid passport or travel document and copy of valid passport or travel document. Must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay, issued within the previous ten years and have at least 2 blank visa pages opposite each other. Original and 2 copies of the applicant's passport.
Photograph
Four identical recent passport photos (full face, no head or face cover(s) that prevent(s) full visibility of the facial features).
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Passport & Residence/Work Permit of spouse/partner/parent
Two copies of passport (pages with photo, personal data and signature only) of spouse / parent(s) and two copies of the Swiss residence permit of the spouse / parent(s). Family reunification of spouses and minor children of third-nationals must be able to apply within five years.
Proof of relationship
Spouses/partners: original and two notarized or certified copies of marriage certificate or partnership contract. Children: original and two notarized or certified copies of birth certificate. All documents have to be translated into German, French or Italian.
Invitation letter
Letter of spouse that he/she is awaiting his/her spouse and - if applicable - the child/children in Switzerland (in German, French or Italian) + 1 copy.
Proof of language skills
Two copies of proof of language competency (A1) in the language spoken at the future place of residence in Switzerland or confirmation of enrolment in a language course that will allow this level to be acquired.
Extract from the Swiss real estate registry
The family must have an apartment that meets their needs (guideline: members minus one equals the number of rooms in the apartment).
Documents for minors
Birth certificates of the minor, the visa application form signed by both parents, certified, both parents’ passports (original to be seen and copy), copies of the parents' visas or IDs if available.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Police сlearance сertificat
Police clearance with apostille, translated (into German, French or Italian) and legalized + 1 copy. For minor applicants until the age of 18 no police clearance is required.
Authorization to issue a visa
Entry permission of the competent cantonal authorities for the place of residence in Switzerland.
Previous visas
Сopies of previous visas, if applicable.
Receipt of fee payment
The fee is payable in cash according to the exchange rate in local currency. If applicable.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
National
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Family reunion. Visa without gainful employment
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 3 months to 1 year
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
€90
