SWISS ADULT DEPENDENT RELATIVE PERMIT

Adult dependent relative family reunification in Switzerland is an exceptional and tightly regulated residence route, most commonly used for the reunification of elderly dependent parents. Often referred to in practice as the “Swiss elderly parent visa” or “dependent parent visa”, it enables dependent adult family members to obtain a Swiss residence permit under strict statutory conditions. The applicable legal framework - and the practical evidential thresholds - vary significantly depending on whether the sponsor is a Swiss citizen, an EU/EFTA national, or a third-country national.

EU/EFTA nationals generally benefit from a legal entitlement under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) to family reunification with dependent parents and parents-in-law (but not other adult relatives), provided the dependency requirement is met. By contrast, for Swiss nationals or non-EU sponsors, an application for an adult dependent relative is typically only possible under the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA) on a discretionary basis, usually as a hardship case.

Accordingly, the requirements and decision-making approach differ by sponsor category. However, across all regimes, successful adult dependent relative applications in Switzerland depend on carefully prepared and persuasive evidence of long-term dependency, often the absence of adequate care arrangements in the country of origin, comprehensive financial maintenance by the sponsor, and suitable accommodation in Switzerland.

In this guide, we explain the legal basis for the Swiss Adult Dependent Relative Permit, the strict requirements that apply, the evidence expected by cantonal authorities, and the common challenges applicants face when seeking approval under one of the most challenging family-reunification routes in Swiss immigration law.

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

Legal Framework for the Swiss Adult Dependent Relative Visa / Elderly Parent Reunification

Switzerland operates two quite different regimes for adult dependent relative applications: a comparatively generous AFMP treaty‑based regime for EU/EFTA sponsors, and a much stricter national‑law regime for Swiss and non‑EU sponsors.

EU/EFTA Nationals

Under the AFMP framework, EU/EFTA nationals have a right to family reunification, not only with their married spouses and dependent children and grandchildren under 21 years of age, but also with dependent ascendants. The ascendant category includes parents and grandparents, as well as those of the spouse, even if they are third-country nationals, provided the ascendant is financially dependent on them or has been living in a common household with the sponsor in the home country.

The EU/EFTA national must have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their ascendants in Switzerland, as well as accommodation that is suitable and compliant with Swiss standards (i.e. usually one room per adult). 

Dependency must be evidenced. This can be established either by demonstrating prior financial support (which must pre-date the permit application for the ascendant), or by showing that the ascendant has been living in the same household as the EU/EFTA sponsor. The dependency must be of meaningful significance, but it need not amount to full financial maintenance. The underlying reasons for the support are not determinative. It is generally sufficient to show continued, regular contributions that cover a non-negligible proportion of the ascendant’s ordinary living costs.

Swiss and non-EU nationals 

For Swiss and non-EU nationals, Swiss residence permit applications for dependent parents and other adult dependent relatives fall within the regime for exceptional hardship cases under the Foreign Nationals and Integration Act (FNIA) and Article 8 ECHR ( right to private and family life) and do not benefit from a statutory entitlement. Beyond the nuclear family, any residence claim for parents or other relatives is recognised only where an exceptional relationship of dependency can be established and where the parent or relative has serious, medically documented care and nursing needs that cannot reasonably be met in the country of origin.

Purely financial support, or close emotional ties alone, are insufficient. The evidential and practical threshold for showing that living with the sponsor in Switzerland is indispensable is significantly higher than in EU/EFTA cases assessed under the AFMP.

Cantonal authorities retain broad discretion, and decision-making practice can vary materially between cantons. The central issue, however, is whether refusal would result in serious personal hardship because the relative’s essential needs cannot reasonably be met abroad, such that relocation to Switzerland is both necessary and proportionate.

Who Can Apply for an Adult Dependent Relative Permit?

In practice, the adult dependent relative route is narrowly confined and most commonly used by elderly parents of Swiss citizens, EU/EFTA nationals, and non-EU nationals lawfully residing in Switzerland. In limited circumstances, other close adult relatives may be “sponsored”.

Who qualifies as an “adult dependent relative” in Swiss practice?

An “adult dependent relative” is generally understood as an adult family member who is wholly or overwhelmingly reliant on the Switzerland-based sponsor for essential daily care, welfare, and/or financial maintenance, and for whom adequate external services or alternative caregiving arrangements are not realistically available outside of Switzerland. Age alone, ill-health without a corresponding level of dependency, or a personal or financial preference to live in Switzerland will not satisfy the test.

In practice, the route is most frequently pursued by adult parents seeking to join their children in Switzerland, for example, elderly dependent parents of Swiss citizens, EU/EFTA nationals, or third-country nationals with B or C permits.

Eligibility Requirements for an Adult Ascendant sponsored by an EU/EFTA national

Elderly relatives holding EU/EFTA nationality may be eligible for a Swiss residence permit in their own right, provided they can demonstrate sufficient independent financial means. In more limited circumstances, elderly relatives holding non-EU/EFTA nationality may also qualify for a Swiss residence permit in their own right, where they can demonstrate both sufficient independent financial means and close personal and social ties to Switzerland.

In the case of dependent ascendants, EU/EFTA nationals who are lawfully resident in Switzerland have, under the framework of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP), a right to family reunification for their own parents and grandparents, as well as those of their spouse, regardless of nationality. This applies where a relationship of dependency has existed and continues to exist and provided that adequate housing is available in Switzerland and sufficient financial means can be demonstrated without reliance on social assistance.

In the case of other elderly dependent relatives, EU/EFTA nationals may seek to sponsor an adult relative under the treaty category of “dependent family members” (Annex I, Article 3(2) AFMP). Swiss authorities apply this route cautiously. In practice, applications are often assessed in a manner closely aligned with the hardship framework. The sponsor must demonstrate that the relative is genuinely dependent - financially and, in many cases, also in practical terms - that they have the financial capacity to assume full responsibility for the relative, that suitable accommodation can be provided, and that a refusal would result in a disproportionate interference with family life.

Even where the AFMP applies, many cases are effectively examined through a FNIA-style lens, with continued emphasis on a high degree of dependency and the absence of realistic care or support solutions in the relative’s country of origin.

Eligibility Requirements for an Adult Dependent Permit sponsored by a Swiss or non-EU/EFTA national

For an adult dependent relative application to be considered, the authorities must be satisfied that a number of interlinked conditions are met. In essence, the applicant must demonstrate:

• A genuine, historic, and ongoing dependency on the Switzerland-based sponsor;

  
  

• That adequate care cannot reasonably be secured outside of Switzerland;

  
  

• That the sponsor has sufficient financial capacity to assume full responsibility for the relative’s long-term maintenance in Switzerland;

  
  

• That suitable accommodation is available in Switzerland; and

  
  

• That cohabitation, or living in close proximity, is strictly necessary in order to meet the relative’s essential care needs.

  
  

Where the sponsor is Swiss or non-EU national, an application for an elderly parent or adult dependent relative will typically be examined as an exceptional admission / hardship case under Articles 30 FNIA and 31 OASA. For Swiss nationals, the authorities may also consider the AFMP concept of “dependent family members” (Annex I, Art. 3(2) AFMP), on the basis that Swiss nationals should not be placed at a disadvantage compared to EU/EFTA nationals. The assessment will also be informed by the protection of family life under Article 8 ECHR and the sponsor’s strong connection to Switzerland. However, these factors do not create a guaranteed entitlement to admission.

In practice, the canton will require compelling evidence of intensive dependency and a lack of adequate care options abroad, and will closely scrutinise necessity and proportionality. The sponsor’s financial capacity and housing arrangements will be examined in detail to ensure they can assume long-term responsibility for the relative without reliance on public funds.

For non-EU nationals in particular, key considerations include the stability and duration of the sponsor’s residence in Switzerland, their personal and economic integration, and their financial independence. Where the sponsor’s status is short-term, insecure, or financially marginal, the likelihood of refusal increases significantly - even where the relative’s vulnerability and care needs are well documented.

For an elderly parent application, the following conditions need to be met:

1. Strict dependency requirement

Swiss migration authorities will consider adult dependent relative (often described as an “elderly parent”) applications for third-country nationals only where the dependency substantially exceeds ordinary age-related support needs.

The relative must typically demonstrate a genuinely close, long-established relationship of dependency, including (as applicable) meaningful financial reliance, serious care needs, and the absence of any viable private or public care alternative in the country of origin or in another location outside of Switzerland. Authorities will expect clear evidence that the relative is genuinely unable to care for themselves and that no reasonable alternative solution exists abroad.

In practice, dependency should be documented through medical reports and functional assessments, treating physician statements, bank records evidencing sustained support, and contemporaneous proof of the sponsor’s longstanding involvement in care (for example, organising carers, arranging treatment, regular visits, and funding support in the home country). The sponsor must also demonstrate the capacity to provide long-term maintenance without recourse to Swiss public funds.

2. Evidence of lack of adequate care options abroad

It is not sufficient to show that the relative would enjoy a better quality of life in Switzerland. The application must establish that adequate care cannot reasonably be arranged in the country of origin, even with the sponsor’s financial and practical support.

This typically requires detailed evidence addressing:

• whether appropriate professional care services or residential facilities exist locally, and if so, why they are unavailable, unsuitable, unsafe, or inaccessible;

  
  

• any genuine safety, cultural, linguistic, or systemic barriers preventing effective care; and

  
  

• why other family members or the local community cannot realistically provide, coordinate, or sustain the necessary support.

  
  

The overall narrative should show that all realistic options in the country of origin have been properly explored and exhausted, such that relocation to Switzerland is the only viable means of safeguarding the relative’s essential welfare and dignity.

3. Sponsor’s financial capacity

Cantonal authorities generally expect the sponsor to cover all of the relative’s costs in Switzerland, both immediately and over the longer term, with no reliance on social assistance. This assessment should take into account not only day-to-day living expenses but also the likelihood of escalating health and care costs over time.

The sponsor should therefore be able to evidence:

• stable and sufficient income, typically supported by employment contracts, payslips, and tax documentation; and

  
  

• the ability to fund housing, health insurance premiums, medical treatment, and, where relevant, long-term care and nursing support on an ongoing basis.

  
  

In many cases, the authorities will require a written financial guarantee and will proceed only where they are satisfied there is effectively no welfare risk.

4. Suitable accommodation

The sponsor must also demonstrate that appropriate accommodation is available in Switzerland, often by integrating the relative into the sponsor’s household. The assessment focuses on both adequacy of space and suitability for the relative’s health and mobility needs.

Supporting evidence typically includes:

• a tenancy agreement or property ownership documentation for a sufficiently large and suitable residence; and

  
  

• a clear explanation of the intended living arrangements (often cohabitation with the sponsor).

  
  

Where the relative has significant mobility limitations or care needs, additional information on accessibility features and adaptations can materially strengthen the application by showing the accommodation is genuinely fit for purpose.

5. Integration feasibility

Finally, the competent cantonal authority may consider whether it is realistically feasible for the relative to live and function in Switzerland, at least at a basic level. This does not typically require economic integration or language proficiency, but the application should present a credible plan for access to healthcare, support services, and everyday practical needs.

Where relocation appears likely to result in greater isolation or reduced day-to-day functioning compared to the home country, integration considerations may weigh against the grant of a permit.

Evidence Required for an Adult Dependent Relative Application

Because the Swiss adult dependent relative route (often referred to in practice as the “elderly parent visa”) is among the most demanding family reunification pathways in Switzerland, in particular for non-EU/EFTA nationals, the evidential burden is materially higher than for standard spouse or child reunification. Given the highly discretionary nature of these applications, the file must present a coherent, internally consistent, and thoroughly documented case theory. In practice, successful applications under the FNIA/ECHR framework typically combine several complementary categories of evidence, including:

• Dependency and welfare evidence: Clear proof that the relative already relies on the sponsor in practice - for example, sustained financial support, documented involvement in day-to-day care, records of visits, and corroborating statements from professionals, carers, or other relevant third parties.

  
  

• Assessment of care options abroad: A detailed, evidence-based explanation of why adequate care cannot reasonably be arranged in the country of origin, including why public services, family support, or private care institutions are unavailable, unsuitable, unsafe, or impracticable. This should be supported by documentation from clinics, care providers, social services, or other competent authorities.

  
  

• Necessity of the move: Evidence and contextual material demonstrating why continued residence in the home country is not a realistic option, including (where relevant) cultural, political, social, or safeguarding factors that materially undermine the relative’s ability to live there with adequate care and dignity.

  
  

• Sponsor’s financial evidence: Documents demonstrating the sponsor’s ability to assume full and ongoing responsibility for the relative’s costs in Switzerland, such as payslips, employment contract, tax returns, and bank statements, typically accompanied by a written financial undertaking/guarantee.

  
  

• Medical and care evidence: Recent medical reports and expert assessments setting out diagnoses, prognosis, functional limitations, loss of independence, and the reasons why the relative requires ongoing, hands-on care that cannot be adequately provided abroad.

  
  

• Accommodation and living arrangements: Proof of suitable accommodation in Switzerland - usually a tenancy agreement or property deed - showing the availability of at least one room per adult. In case of particular health or mobility issues, a brief description and, where appropriate, a floor plan or accessibility details should be added showing that the accommodation is genuinely suitable for the relative’s health, mobility, and care needs.

Taken together, the evidence should establish a clear and consistent picture that relocation to Switzerland is necessary and represents the only reasonable solution. A well-structured evidence bundle gives the cantonal authorities and the SEM the strongest basis on which to exercise their discretion in the applicant’s favour.

Application Process for an Adult Dependent Relative Permit (Non-EU/EFTA National)

The procedure is typically multi-stage and evidence-intensive. While the exact steps and documentation requirements vary by canton, adult dependent relative applications generally follow the structure below:

1. Filing from abroad

   For non-EU/EFTA visa nationals, the application is usually lodged via the competent Swiss embassy or consulate in the relative’s country of residence. In-country applications are accepted only in limited, exceptional circumstances or in the case of EU/EFTA relatives or those having an EU/EFTA long-term legal residency.

   
   

2. Cantonal assessment

   The cantonal migration authority is the only decision maker in the case of EU/EFTA dependent relatives. In the case of non-EU nationals it is the first reviewer, whereby it will assess, in particular, the intensity of dependency, the necessity and proportionality of relocation, the availability of adequate care options abroad, the sponsor’s financial capacity, the proposed accommodation, and the overall hardship profile. Further information and additional documentation are frequently requested during this stage.

   
   

3. Federal consultation (SEM)

   This stage is only applicable to non-EU/EFTA nationals. The federal authority SEM may request supplementary evidence before issuing its decision.

   
   

4. Entry clearance

   If the application is approved, the cantonal authority issues the residence authorisation. For visa nationals, the canton will authorise the competent Swiss representation abroad to issue a Type D national visa, enabling lawful entry to Switzerland.

   
   

5. Arrival, registration, and permit issuance

   Following arrival, the relative must register with the local commune and have their biometrics taken.. A residence permit - typically a B permit linked to the sponsor - is then issued. Renewals remain discretionary and generally depend on continued dependency, adequate ongoing support, and sustained financial self-sufficiency (i.e., no reliance on social assistance).

Processing times

Adult dependent relative applications are generally slower than standard family reunification. For EU/EFTA nationals, it may take a few weeks to around 2-3 months. For third-country nationals, an overall timeframe of around four to six months is commonly encountered. Complex cases take longer. Applicants and sponsors should plan on the basis of a relatively lengthy process.

Common Reasons for Refusal of Adult Dependent Relative Applications

The refusal rate for adult dependent relative permit applications is relatively high. In many cases, the authorities accept that the relative is vulnerable and that the sponsor is willing and committed, but nevertheless conclude that the legal hardship threshold is not met.

Common grounds for refusal under the FNIA hardship case framework include:

• the canton considers that adequate care can realistically be arranged in the country of origin;

  
  

• dependency is not shown to be long-standing, essential, and care-based (as opposed to a preference-driven or primarily financial arrangement);

  
  

• the sponsor’s financial capacity and/or accommodation are not considered sufficiently robust; and

  
  

• the evidential record is incomplete, inconsistent, outdated, or weakly corroborated by independent professionals.

A frequent reason for refusal is the finding that care services abroad exist and are deemed sufficient, even if imperfect, limited, or expensive. Where local home-care provision, residential facilities, or family support could reasonably meet the relative’s needs, the authorities are likely to conclude that relocation to Switzerland has not been shown to be unavoidable. Applications may also fail where medical evidence confirms health conditions but does not clearly substantiate a need for daily supervision or hands-on assistance that cannot be provided abroad, or where it appears the relative can still manage basic activities independently (or with support from local family members or their immediate social network).

Many cases are also refused on the basis that other family members outside Switzerland could reasonably provide, coordinate, or arrange care.

On the sponsor’s side, refusals often follow where the canton is not persuaded that full, long-term financial responsibility is realistic. Modest or unstable income, limited financial headroom for escalating care costs, or inadequate accommodation (for example, overcrowded or inaccessible housing) materially increases refusal risk.

Finally, a significant proportion of negative decisions are driven by evidential weaknesses: generic or outdated medical reports, insufficient documentation on the unavailability or unsuitability of care options abroad, inconsistencies between witness statements and objective records, or a lack of independent professional confirmation of key assertions. In some cases, integration feasibility may also weigh against admission, particularly where relocation would likely leave the relative more isolated or less able to function than in their current environment.

Most refusals ultimately turn on a single point: the authorities are not convinced that relocation to Switzerland is truly unavoidable, rather than merely preferable. A focused, well-structured, and professionally corroborated evidence bundle tailored to the facts of the case is therefore critical to improving prospects of approval.

Case Studies (Hypothetical Examples)

Case Study 1: Post-stroke parent requiring intensive daily care, with no viable care solution abroad

A Swiss-based sponsor applies to bring an elderly parent who has suffered a major stroke and now requires hands-on assistance with basic activities of daily living. The parent lives in a rural area abroad, with no reliable family support and limited access to appropriate home-care or residential facilities. The evidence includes:

• recent specialist reports confirming diagnosis, prognosis, and significant loss of independence (including functional assessments);

  
  

• treating physician statements explaining the need for daily supervision and practical assistance;

  
  

• documentary evidence showing unsuccessful attempts to secure adequate care locally (e.g., correspondence with care agencies, clinics, and social services);

  
  

• records evidencing the sponsor’s sustained involvement in care planning and support (regular visits, coordination of treatment, and ongoing financial assistance); and

  
  

• proof of long-term financial capacity and suitable accommodation in Switzerland, supported by a written financial undertaking.

On the facts, the canton is satisfied that adequate care cannot reasonably be arranged in the country of origin and that relocation is necessary and proportionate. The application is approved.

Case Study 2: Parent needing support but with viable care abroad

A third-country sponsor with a B permit applies for their father, who is elderly but remains mobile and can live with domestic assistance. The evidence confirms that professional home-care services are available locally and can be arranged (including with the sponsor’s financial support). Despite emotional closeness and some financial dependency, the canton refuses the application on the basis that the hardship threshold is not met and relocation to Switzerland has not been shown to be unavoidable.

FAQs – Swiss Adult Dependent Relative Visa / Elderly Parent Family Reunification

I am a non-EU national living in Switzerland. How can I bring my elderly parents to live with me in Switzerland?

Switzerland does not offer a standard immigration route for non-EU elderly parents to join their adult children. In most cases, admission is only considered under the very narrow adult dependent relative / hardship framework. To qualify, the sponsor must demonstrate that the parent is genuinely and significantly dependent, that adequate care cannot reasonably be arranged in the country of residence (including where relevant because appropriate services or institutions are unavailable, unsuitable, or inaccessible), and that relocation to Switzerland is necessary and proportionate. The sponsor must also prove the ability to provide full long-term financial support in Switzerland without recourse to social assistance. Even where these requirements are met, approvals remain exceptional.

Can a parent visit Switzerland and then apply for an Adult Dependent Relative permit from inside Switzerland?

Yes, in case of EU/EFTA nationals. In case of non-EU nationals, as a general rule, no. Non-EU adult dependent relative applications must normally be lodged from abroad, typically via the Swiss embassy or consulate in the parent’s country of residence. Switching from a visitor status (including visa-free stays) to an adult dependent relative residence permit within Switzerland is permitted only in rare, genuinely exceptional hardship situations.

Does owning property or having savings affect eligibility for a Swiss elderly parent visa?

It can. Significant assets or savings may weaken an application if they indicate that the parent can self-fund appropriate care in the country of origin and that suitable care options are available there. In such circumstances, the authorities may conclude that the parent is not sufficiently dependent on the sponsor and that the hardship threshold is not met.

Do siblings abroad affect a Swiss Adult Dependent Relative application?

Yes. The presence of siblings or other close relatives in the country of origin can materially undermine an application, unless there are compelling, case-specific reasons why they cannot reasonably provide, coordinate, or secure care. The sponsor should expect the authorities to scrutinise why support cannot be arranged locally through family and community networks.

How do Swiss authorities assess the “best interests” of an elderly parent?

The authorities will generally consider factors such as stability, existing medical and care networks, familiarity of surroundings, continuity of care, safeguarding risks, and the potential for isolation after relocation. An application may be refused if the canton concludes that moving to Switzerland would disrupt established care arrangements or leave the parent worse off overall, notwithstanding the benefit of family proximity.

Can a Swiss Adult Dependent Relative permit lead to a C permit?

Potentially yes.  In most cases, the relative obtains a B permit to start with, renewed as long as the issuance conditions remain unchanged. Applying for a C permit after 5 or 10 years of residence depending on nationality and integration, as well as continued compliance with permit conditions is in principle possible..

What happens if my parent’s care needs increase after they move to Switzerland?

The sponsor remains responsible for all additional costs, including home-care support, nursing care, or care-home fees. Because this residence route is conditional on full financial maintenance and no reliance on social assistance, a material increase in care costs can affect renewal prospects if the sponsor cannot credibly demonstrate the capacity to sustain the higher long-term expenditure.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Help

Adult dependent relative applications are among the most complex and demanding areas of Swiss immigration law. Success depends on presenting a clear, evidence-driven narrative that aligns with cantonal practice, SEM expectations and, in most cases, the stringent hardship criteria under Articles 30 FNIA and 31 OASA. Our team guides clients through every stage of this process to maximise the prospects of approval.

We can assist by:

• Assessing eligibility and identifying the strongest legal basis for the application, including the hardship and proportionality arguments most relevant to your relative’s circumstances.

  
  

• Structuring a comprehensive evidence strategy, ensuring all medical, practical, financial and care-related documentation is robust, consistent and persuasive.

  
  

• Coordinating with medical professionals, care providers and local authorities to obtain precise, credible reports that clearly address dependency and care needs.

  
  

• Preparing detailed legal submissions that explain why care in the home country is not viable and why admission to Switzerland is necessary and proportionate.

  
  

• Managing communication with the canton, commune, embassy and the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), including responding swiftly to requests for clarification or supplementary evidence.

  
  

• Advising on long-term planning, including the implications for permit renewal, integration requirements and future residence options.

Our approach is meticulous and outcome-focused: every application is tailored to the specific canton, the relative’s personal circumstances and the high threshold inherent in this route.

Contact Our Swiss Immigration Lawyers

For expert advice on an Adult Dependent Relative Permit or any aspect of Swiss family reunification law, contact Richmond Chambers Switzerland +41 21 588 07 70 or complete an online enquiry form. Our specialist immigration lawyers will assess your situation, outline the strongest pathways available and guide you through a carefully prepared, evidence-led application.