Family Reunification - Children
Dependent children joining a resident parent or Swiss-citizen parent in Switzerland.
The Family Reunification - Children is a Swiss family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee) and processing time (~8-12 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family Reunification - Children is for
Dependent children joining a resident parent or Swiss-citizen parent in Switzerland.
Children integrate into the family's settlement pathway.
Family Reunification - Children - eligibility criteria
- Parent holds Swiss citizenship or B/C/short-term permit
- Proof of parentage / custody rights
- Suitable accommodation and adequate income (non-EU)
- Application within strict deadlines (12 months, or 12 years+ within 12 months for non-EU)
Family Reunification - Children cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family Reunification - Children (Switzerland) is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee, with an indicative processing time of ~8-12 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Sponsoring parent applies to the canton; D visa abroad for non-EU children |
| Length of stay | Matches the parent's permit, renewable |
| Work rights | Per age and permit type |
| Study rights | Full access to schooling |
| Government fee | ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee |
| Processing time | ~8-12 weeks |
| Route to PR | Children integrate into the family's settlement pathway. |
Pathway & next steps
Children integrate into the family's settlement pathway.
Many applicants also compare Family (Spouse) · Family Reunification - Spouse / Registered Partner, Permit C · C Settlement Permit (Permanent Residence), Naturalisation · Swiss Citizenship - Ordinary Naturalisation. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Swiss route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family Reunification - Children pitfalls we fix
Family Reunification - Children - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family Reunification - Children cost?
The Family Reunification - Children government fee is ~CHF 65-150 cantonal fee. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) before applying.
How long does the Family Reunification - Children take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~8-12 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family Reunification - Children lead to permanent residence?
Children integrate into the family's settlement pathway.
Can I work on the Family Reunification - Children?
Work rights: Per age and permit type.
Who can apply for the Family Reunification - Children?
Dependent children joining a resident parent or Swiss-citizen parent in Switzerland.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Switzerland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) - official Switzerland immigration authority