SWISS CHILD RESIDENCE PERMIT

The Swiss residence permit route for dependent children (often referred to as a ‘Swiss child residence permit’ or ‘Swiss child visa’) enables dependent children to relocate to Switzerland together with their parents, or to join one or both parents who already lawfully reside in Switzerland, in accordance with Swiss family reunification rules.  It is administered by the cantonal migration authorities, subject to a set of clearly defined eligibility criteria.

The Swiss child residence permit route is available to biological children, adopted children and stepchildren, provided that:

• the parent–child relationship is legally recognised.

  
  

• the child is still “dependent” and has not formed an independent household;

  
  

• the sponsoring parent can support the child adequately in Switzerland; and

  
  

• the application is made within the applicable legal time limits.

Parental responsibility is not always expressly formulated as a statutory requirement. However, its existence (at least in the form of the right to determine the child’s place of residence) is in practice presumed.

Successful applicants will receive a Swiss child residence permit, allowing the child (or children) to reside in Switzerland on the basis of family unity and to access education and daily life on the same footing as other resident minors.

In this guide, we explain the residence routes available for dependent children joining their Swiss, EU/EFTA or non-EU parent(s) in Switzerland, set out the core eligibility criteria for a successful application and highlight the key practical and legal issues that often determine the outcome of a child family reunification application.

You may also find our guides on Spouse and Registered Partner Family Reunification, Unmarried Partner Family Reunification, Fiancé(e) Family Reunification and Adult Dependent Relative Family Reunification helpful.

Key Considerations Before Applying for a Swiss Child Family Reunification Permit

The following points should be considered before submitting an application for a Swiss child family reunification permit:

• There are statutory time limits for child family reunification in the case of Swiss or non-EU nationals: within five years of the sponsor’s qualifying status starting or the family relationship arising for children under the age of 12 and within 12 months of the same for children over the age of 12;

  
  

• In the case of separated or divorced parents, judicial proof of parental custody (separation or divorce judgment) is required. The migration authorities reserve the right to verify the custody documentation, at the applicant’s expense, through the competent Swiss representation abroad.

  
  

• In Switzerland, compulsory schooling generally begins at the age of four and continues until approximately the age of 15, for a total duration of 11 years.  Children have access to excellent public or private schools;

  
  

• For Swiss citizenship purposes, the period of residence between the ages of 8 and 18 counts double towards the federal “10 years of residence” requirement, provided the applicant has actually lived in Switzerland for at least 6 years.

  
  

Who Can Qualify for Swiss Child Family Reunification?

Swiss family reunification rules allow parents lawfully residing in Switzerland to be joined by their dependent children, subject to specific conditions. Swiss nationals, as well as non-EU nationals holding a Swiss residence permit (B permit), settlement permit (C permit), or short-term residence permit (L permit), may apply for family reunification for their dependent children who are under the age of 18.  In all cases, the child must be unmarried and dependent on the sponsoring parent, and the family must intend to live together in Switzerland.

For EU and EFTA nationals exercising rights under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, family reunification rules are more generous. In this context, dependent children may generally be reunited with a parent in Switzerland up to the age of 21 (and in exceptional cases beyond), provided the conditions for dependency and cohabitation are met.

While the legal entitlement differs depending on the sponsor’s nationality and residence status, child family reunification applications are always assessed with close regard to the child’s best interests, the existence of genuine family ties, and compliance with the applicable legal requirements.

Biological children

A biological child may qualify for a dependent residence permit where the legal relationship is proven (normally through a birth certificate). If the document is foreign, the canton may require confirmation of authenticity (apostille/legalisation) and a certified translation. Where paternity or maternity is disputed or unclear, the case must be legally clarified before an application for family reunification is submitted to the Swiss immigration authorities.

Adopted children

Adopted children may qualify if the adoption is final, legally valid, and recognised in Switzerland. Authorities focus on whether the adoption created a full legal parent-child bond comparable to biological parentage. Informal or customary adoptions, or guardianship orders that do not transfer parental authority, normally require closer analysis and sometimes additional steps before reunification can be approved.  In all cases, acceptable proof of the adoption relationship must be provided.

Stepchildren

Stepchildren may qualify for a Swiss residence permit for children where the step-relationship arises from the sponsor’s marriage to a Swiss national or Swiss resident and the child will join that household in Switzerland. Cantons often look carefully at:

• whether the sponsor has genuinely assumed a parental role;

  
  

• the continuing role of the other biological parent; and

  
  

• whether relocation is consistent with the child’s welfare and educational stability.

The spouse in Switzerland must consent to the reunification of the stepchild.

Stepchild cases tend to be more evidence-heavy, especially where custody is shared internationally.

Age Limits for Swiss Child Family Reunification

Swiss nationals and non-EU nationals holding a C, B or L permit are entitled to family reunification of dependent children who are not older than 18 years.  In the case of EU/EFTA nationals exercising free movement rights, family reunification is more generous, and dependent children may generally be reunited up to the age of 21.

Children of EU/EFTA nationals aged 21 or above may exceptionally obtain an EU/EFTA residence permit where they remain financially dependent on the sponsor. The dependency must have existed prior to the submission of the family reunification application and the authorities will typically require evidence such as remittance records, proof of inability to meet essential needs independently, and documentation of continuing co-dependence within the family structure.

Custody and Consent Requirements for Swiss Child Family Reunification

Swiss authorities will not authorise relocation unless the move is legally secure and demonstrably in the child’s best interests. 

A single parent may apply for a dependent residence permit for their child, provided that the parent holds parental responsibility and/or the right to determine the child’s place of residence, and that the reunification does not manifestly conflict with the child’s best interests.

In practice, three evidentiary pillars apply:

1. Proof of custody or parental authority

You must show that you have:

• sole custody/authority; or

  
  

• shared custody but with a lawful right to determine the child’s country of residence.

Where foreign judgments or custody agreements exist, cantons may request confirmation that the order is enforceable and still valid.

2. Consent of the other parent

If another legal parent exists, the application will normally require written, notarised relocation consent. If consent cannot be obtained, the canton usually expects:

• proof of efforts to obtain consent; and

  
  

• either a court authorisation replacing consent, or evidence that consent is not legally required under the custody regime.

  
  

3. Evidence of a continuing family bond

In cases involving long separation, cantons often seek reassurance that reunification reflects real family life rather than a late immigration-driven move. Evidence may include:

• records of visits, communication, schooling involvement, or healthcare decisions;

  
  

• maintenance and support receipts;

  
  

• statements from the child, sponsor, and (where relevant) carers abroad; and

  
  

• in sensitive cases, psychological or welfare assessments.

  
  

In applying these factors, decision-makers must weigh the best interests of the child, rather than treating consent as a purely formal requirement.

Time Limits for Swiss Child Family Reunion Applications

Swiss citizens and non-EU citizens applying for child family reunification must comply with the following strict statutory deadlines:

• for children under the age of 12: within five years of the sponsor’s qualifying residence status beginning or the family relationship being created; and

  
  

• for children over 12: within twelve months of the sponsor’s qualifying residence status beginning or the family relationship being created.

No family reunification time limit applies to dependent children of Swiss or non-EU nationals who hold a long-term residence permit in an EU/EFTA state.

Applications filed late are accepted only where there are important family reasons, or where refusal would be disproportionate under Article 8 ECHR (right to family life). Cantons interpret “important reasons” narrowly, so late child family reunification in Switzerland is only granted where there are compelling reasons and where the overall circumstances still support the child’s move.

EU/EFTA sponsors applying for child family reunification 

In the case of EU/EFTA nationals, no time limits apply to the reunification of children. However, in certain cases where there are public interest considerations, cantons may apply the time limits applicable to Swiss/non-EU nationals by analogy, for example for teenagers, because integration feasibility is a legitimate public interest. Practically, EU/EFTA sponsors should still treat the five-year / twelve-month structure as the safe benchmark unless cantonal guidance indicates otherwise.

Education Access and School Enrolment

All children admitted through reunification must enrol in a Swiss school promptly. Cantons are obliged to guarantee public schooling access for resident children, and parents must cooperate with education authorities.

You can choose a private or public school for your child. 

In the case of public school attendance, most cantons provide:

• welcome/reception classes for newly arrived children;

  
  

• intensive language immersion in German, French, or Italian depending on canton;

  
  

• gradual transfer into mainstream classes;

  
  

• tutoring or integration workshops for missed curriculum content; and

  
  

• school liaison officers who coordinate progress and adaptation.

Where schooling history abroad is irregular, the canton may request additional material to ensure correct placement (previous reports, attendance letters, or aptitude assessments).

Integration Expectations for Children

Children are not required to meet pre-entry language tests. Once in Switzerland, they have an obligation to attend compulsory schooling in a private or public institution, which generally begins at the age of 4 and continues until approximately the age of 15, for a total duration of 11 years. 

Cantons monitor schooling outcomes, attendance, and behavioural adaptation.

Older teenagers face more scrutiny because late reunification can make it harder to integrate socially and educationally.

If problems arise (persistent non-attendance, serious behavioural issues, or breakdown of family living arrangements), cantons can reassess renewal eligibility.

General Requirements for a Swiss Child Family Reunion Application 

To qualify for child family reunification in Switzerland, the sponsor typically needs to show that:

• the child is under the age of 18 (in the case of Swiss or non-EU parents) or 21 in the case of EU/EFTA parents and dependent on their parents;

  
  

• the child will live in Switzerland with both parents or with the parent who has custody or parental authority over them;

  
  

• the application submitted, in particular by Swiss or non-EU parents, must be timely or justified if late;

  
  

• accommodation is suitable for the family household; and

  
  

• finances are sufficient to avoid welfare dependence.

Cantons will examine salary evidence, tax records, employment stability, and housing conditions. In practice, they look at whether the family can meet ordinary living costs (rent, insurance, schooling costs, daily expenses) without social assistance.

Permit outcome

Foreign children of Swiss nationals are entitled to the immediate issuance of a C-type settlement permit up to the age of 12. From the age of 12 onwards, they are only entitled to the issuance of a B-type residence permit. However, after 5 years of residence, they can obtain a “fast-track” C-type settlement permit, provided the conditions set out in Article 34 paragraph 4 FNIA are met.

Children of non-EU nationals holding a C or a B permit have a right to obtain a B type residence permit. Children of non-EU nationals on an L permit will obtain a L permit.

A child of an EU/EFTA national who holds a B or C residence permit is granted an EU/EFTA B residence permit. A child of an EU/EFTA L permit holder is granted an EU/EFTA L residence permit.

Over time, children may be able to progress toward a settlement C Permit in line with Swiss rules for minors resident in Switzerland.

Swiss Child Residence Permit Application Process (Non-EU/EFTA nationals)

Although cantonal practice differs, the core process for Swiss child family reunification for non-EU nationals is usually as follows:

1. Filing the application:  The visa application for a non-EU national child is filed via the Swiss consulate in the child’s country of residence. Internal applications are only possible in limited situations where the child is already lawfully in Switzerland and/or the canton permits in-country filing. The sponsor must submit a clear evidence portfolio addressing parentage, custody and consent, housing and finances.

   
   

2. Cantonal pre-approval: The file is reviewed by the competent cantonal migration authority, which assesses the parent-child relationship, custody and relocation consent (where relevant), suitable accommodation, financial self-sufficiency, compliance with time limits, and - particularly for older children - whether integration through schooling appears feasible. In specific non-EU/EFTA cases, the cantonal migration authority may submit the file to the SEM for approval.

   
   

3. Entry clearance. The cantonal migration authority issues the final approval. If a visa is required, a long-stay Type D visa is issued by the competent consulate once cantonal approval is granted. Non-visa nationals may travel to Switzerland visa-free upon receipt of the permit approval.

   
   

4. Arrival and registration. After entry, the child must register with the local commune within the applicable deadline, obtain Swiss health insurance, and have their biometrics taken to complete permit formalities. 

   
   

5. School enrolment and integration follow-up. The child must enrol in a local public or private school promptly. 

The procedure for EU nationals is generally handled through registration with the local commune, but the file is still examined by the competent cantonal migration authority and may be refused if the legal requirements are not satisfied or the supporting evidence is not adequate.

Because child family reunification applications are evidence-driven and often time-sensitive, especially where families have been separated for long periods, early preparation and a canton-ready submission can materially reduce delay and improve the prospects of approval.

Common Reasons for Refusal of Dependent Child Residence Permit Applications

Child reunification applications are typically refused where the canton is not persuaded that the legal requirements are met in practice or that reunification is workable in Switzerland. Problems often arise in relation to eligibility at filing, for example if a child has reached the statutory age limit or there is no clear evidence of ongoing dependency. Late filings are high-risk unless strong family reasons for delay are shown or refusal would be disproportionate under Article 8 ECHR.

Refusals are also common where custody and relocation consent are unclear. If custody is shared or another legal parent remains involved, cantons expect a firm legal basis for relocation and properly formalised consent. Missing, disputed, or informal consent can lead to rejection on welfare and legal-security grounds.

Where families have been separated for long periods, cantons may refuse due to weak proof of a continuing parental relationship, particularly if there is limited evidence of contact, care, or financial support. In such cases, reunification may be viewed as late and insufficiently tied to established family life.

Finally, applications can fail if housing is unsuitable, finances are not stable enough to avoid welfare reliance, or the application is late without compelling justification. 

Swiss Child Family Reunification FAQs

Who counts as a dependent child for Swiss child family reunification?

A dependent child is a biological child, adopted child or stepchild who will live with the sponsoring parent in Switzerland and remain part of that parent’s family unit. In the case of Swiss or non-EU parents, the child must be unmarried and under 18 at filing; in the case of EU/EFTA nationals, the child must usually be under 21, unless older but still financially dependent.

Can I reunite with an adopted child or stepchild in Switzerland?

Yes. Adopted children qualify where the adoption is final, legally valid and recognised in Switzerland. Stepchildren may qualify where the step-relationship arises from a marriage or registered partnership and the child will join the shared household. These cases often require closer evidence on custody, consent and welfare.

What are the age limits for bringing a child to Switzerland?

If you are a Swiss or non-EU citizen, your child must be under 18 and unmarried at the date of application. If you are an EU/EFTA citizen, your child must normally be under 21. Children aged 21+ may qualify only if you can show continuing financial dependency.

Are there time limits for applying to bring my child to Switzerland?

Yes. Under Article 47 FNIA, applications should be filed within five years of the sponsor’s qualifying status starting or the family relationship arising, and within 12 months for children over 12. EU/EFTA sponsors are not subject to a deadline, but many cantons apply similar timing expectations in practice, especially for teenagers.

Do I need the other parent’s consent to relocate a child to Switzerland?

Yes. Where another legal parent retains custody or parental authority, cantons typically require written, notarised relocation consent. If consent cannot be obtained, you will normally need a court decision authorising relocation or clear proof that consent is not legally required.

What residence permit will my child receive?

Children generally receive a permit aligned to the sponsor. With a Swiss citizen sponsor, the child may receive a C or a B permit. With a C or B permit parent, the child usually receives a B permit. In the case of EU nationals, the child’s permit mirrors the EU/EFTA sponsor’s permit.

What are my child’s obligations after arrival in Switzerland?

Your child must be registered with the commune of residence, obtain Swiss health insurance, and enrol in a private or public school promptly. Regular school attendance and learning the local language are important for permit renewals and long-term stability.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Help

Child family reunification applications often fail not because the law is unmet in principle, but because the canton is not satisfied on evidence, timing, or the child’s welfare and integration prospects. This is especially common in older-child cases, stepchild applications, or where families have lived apart for extended periods and the canton needs reassurance that reunification reflects genuine, sustainable family life in Switzerland.

At Richmond Chambers Switzerland, we provide end-to-end strategic support for children moving to Switzerland, including:

• confirming the correct legal framework and route (FNIA for Swiss/third-country sponsors, AFMP for EU/EFTA sponsors) and identifying any canton-specific nuances;

  
  

• advising on time limits and risk points, particularly where a child is over 12, nearing adulthood, or the application may be treated as late;

  
  

• building a robust parentage, custody and consent evidence strategy, where court-based solutions is unavailable or disputed

  
  

• preparing detailed submissions addressing the child’s best interests, schooling plans and integration feasibility, with additional welfare-focused evidence where separation has been long;

  
  

• drafting proportionality arguments under Article 8 ECHR for late, complex, or refusal-risk cases; and

  
  

• liaising with the relevant authorities, and representing clients in objections or appeals where required.

Our approach is to deliver applications that are not only legally sound, but carefully tailored to cantonal expectations, reducing delay and maximising the likelihood of approval so that families can reunite smoothly and with long-term stability in Switzerland.

Contact Our Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

For advice on Swiss child family reunification, contact Richmond Chambers Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or submit an enquiry through our website. We will assess your circumstances promptly, identify the appropriate route, and guide you through a robust application so that your child can join you in Switzerland lawfully and with a clear pathway to long-term stability.