SWISS SPOUSE AND REGISTERED PARTNER PERMIT

Spouse family reunification allows married couples and registered partners to live together in Switzerland, provided the relationship is legally recognised, genuine and subsisting. Although this route is often described informally as a “Swiss spouse visa” or “Swiss marriage visa”, applicants must apply for a residence permit based on marriage or registered partnership, granted through the family reunification framework.

The requirements for a Swiss spouse permit depend on whether the sponsor is Swiss, an EU/EFTA national or a non-EU national: 

• If your spouse or partner is a Swiss citizen, your application will be assessed primarily under Article 42 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA).

  
  

• If your spouse or partner is an EU/EFTA national exercising free movement rights in Switzerland, family reunification will be governed by Annex I Article 3(1) of the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP).

  
  

• If your spouse or partner is a non-EU national living in Switzerland on an L, B or C permit, family reunification will fall under Articles 43–45 FNIA and be subject to closer scrutiny, particularly in relation to accommodation, financial self-sufficiency and integration.

In this guide, we explain how spouse and registered-partner family reunification works in practice for Swiss, EU/EFTA and third-country sponsors, the requirements you will need to meet, and what to expect from the application process.

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

Benefits of a Swiss Spouse Visa / Spouse Permit

A successful spouse or registered partner family reunification application is designed to achieve a straightforward outcome: allowing you and your spouse to live together in Switzerland on a stable residence basis. In most cases, approval will give you:

• The right to live in Switzerland with your spouse or registered partner in a shared household, as part of a recognised family unit.

  
  

• Permission to work in Switzerland once your residence permit is issued. Spouse permits generally include access to employment, whether you are joining a Swiss citizen, an EU/EFTA national under free movement rules, or a non-EU resident under the FNIA framework.

  
  

• A pathway to permanent residence (Permit C) after several years’ continuous lawful residence provided integration requirements are met and the family relationship continues.

These benefits make spouse family reunification one of the most secure and practical residence routes for couples seeking to build their life in Switzerland together.

Who Can Apply for a Swiss Spouse Residence Permit?

You can apply for a spouse or registered-partner residence permit in Switzerland where your relationship to the sponsor is legally recognised. This means that you must be either:

• legally married to the person you are joining in Switzerland; or

  
  

• in a registered partnership that is valid under the law where it was formed and recognised in Switzerland.

A registered partnership is a formally recognised, legally binding union recorded by a civil status authority, distinct from marriage. In Switzerland, registered partnerships were introduced in 2007 exclusively for same-sex couples and have generally carried marriage-like rights for immigration purposes, including family reunification. Since 1 July 2022, when same-sex marriage was introduced, it has no longer been possible to enter into a new registered partnership in Switzerland. Existing registered partnerships may continue, or be converted into marriage.  

Opposite-sex couples cannot enter into registered partnerships in Switzerland.  

Switzerland recognises foreign registered partnerships where they are equivalent in legal effect to a Swiss registered partnership, while valid same-sex foreign marriages are recognised as marriages. 

In all cases - whether you are joining a Swiss citizen, an EU/EFTA national or a non-EU resident - the authorities must be satisfied that the relationship is genuine and continuing. Swiss migration offices are entitled to refuse a spouse family reunification application if they find serious indications that the marriage or partnership was entered into mainly to obtain immigration status, or where there are significant public-order concerns.

Swiss Spouse Visa Requirements (Swiss / EU-EFTA / Non-EU Sponsors)

Although the relationship basis is the same in every spouse or registered-partner case, the legal framework - and therefore the admission conditions - changes depending on whether you are joining a Swiss citizen, an EU/EFTA national, or a non-EU resident. The sections below set out the requirements that typically apply in each category, and the residence outcome you can expect if the application is approved.

1. If Your Spouse/Partner Is a Swiss Citizen (Article 42 FNIA)

Spouses and registered partners of Swiss citizens benefit from a statutory entitlement to family reunification under Article 42 FNIA. In practice, the canton will still check that the following core conditions for admission are met:

• You will live together in Switzerland as a married or registered household. The expectation is a genuine shared home in Switzerland. Temporary separations can be accepted where they are objectively justified (for example, by work or studies), but cohabitation remains the default position.

  
  

• There is suitable accommodation for the couple. Your Swiss sponsor must have housing that meets cantonal standards of adequacy in terms of size, occupancy (usually, minimum requirements are one room per person) and living conditions. This is usually evidenced by a tenancy agreement, proof of ownership, or a confirmation from a landlord.

  
  

• The household will be financially self-sufficient. Your sponsor must be in a position to support the couple without reliance on social assistance. Cantons do not apply a single national income threshold; instead they assess affordability in light of local living costs and the couple’s circumstances.

  
  

• Language and integration expectations are met. While reunification with a Swiss citizen is a facilitated route, some cantons require the incoming spouse to either demonstrate basic A1 oral ability in the local language (German, French or Italian) or enrollment in a language school with a view to obtaining a fide language passport or another SEM-recognised certificate.

Cantonal practice can differ slightly on what counts as suitable accommodation and sufficient financial resources, so the evidence should be tailored to the canton deciding your case.

Family reunification must be claimed within five years. The reunification time limit starts running from the earlier of:

• the date of lawful entry into Switzerland, or

  
  

• the date the family relationship arises (e.g. marriage)

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

Permit Outcome

If approved, you will usually be granted a B permit as the spouse or registered partner of a Swiss citizen, which includes a right to work. After five years of lawful, uninterrupted residence, and provided the integration criteria are satisfied, you may apply for a C permit.

2. If Your Spouse/Partner Is an EU/EFTA Citizen (AFMP)

Spouses and registered partners of EU/EFTA citizens have a treaty right to join them in Switzerland under Annex I Article 3(1) AFMP.  This assumes your EU/EFTA spouse is moving lawfully to Switzerland or is already a Swiss resident under the AFMP (for example as a worker, self-employed person, or person with sufficient financial means). 

Cantonal authorities assess these cases in a way that supports family unity, provided the following formal conditions are met:

• Your marriage or registered partnership is legally valid and genuine, and you intend to live together in Switzerland. Evidence is similar to Swiss-citizen cases, focusing on civil-status documents and your plans for a shared household.

  
  

• You have suitable accommodation. The sponsor must show housing that meets cantonal standards of adequacy in terms of size, occupancy (usually, minimum requirements are one room per person) and living conditions. This is normally dealt with through a lease or accommodation confirmation.

  
  

• You will not become dependent on social assistance. Although AFMP family reunification is favourable, cantons still expect evidence that the household can support itself. Where your EU/EFTA sponsor is employed, proof of employment and income is usually sufficient. Where they are self-employed or economically inactive, authorities will look more closely at resources and comprehensive health insurance.

  
  

• There is no pre-entry language requirement. Language integration is not a condition of admission for AFMP spouses, though it may become relevant later for permanent residence.

Permit Outcome

You will normally receive an EU/EFTA B or L permit, linked to your EU/EFTA spouse’s status, and with the right to work in Switzerland. A move to a C permit may be possible after five or ten years of continuous lawful residence, if integration requirements are met.

3. If Your Spouse/Partner Is a Non-EU National (Articles 43–45 FNIA)

Family reunification for spouses of third-country nationals is clearly provided for in law, but compared with Swiss-citizen and AFMP cases it is more conditional, particularly on financial independence and integration. These applications are assessed cantonally, and requirements such as affordability thresholds, housing standards and integration expectations are applied with some variation between cantons.

The canton will usually assess:

• The genuineness of the marriage or registered partnership and your intention to cohabit. You must demonstrate a legally valid relationship and a shared marital household in Switzerland.

  
  

• Suitable accommodation. The sponsor must show adequate housing for the couple under cantonal standards in terms of size, occupancy (usually, minimum requirements are one room per person) and living conditions. Weak or unclear accommodation evidence is a common practical obstacle.

  
  

• Stable finances and no reliance on social assistance. Cantons assess not only income level but stability and affordability against local living costs.

  
  

• Stability of the sponsor’s residence. In practice, the sponsor’s stay in Switzerland must be sufficiently stable and foreseeable for reunification to be granted.

  
  

• Language and integration. A key requirement for third-country spouse reunification is that the incoming spouse must either demonstrate A1 oral language ability in the local national language at the stage of application, or commit to reaching A1 through a SEM-recognised language certificate at the time of the renewal of the application.

  
  

• Time limits. Spouse reunification applications under the FNIA should generally be made within five years of the sponsor obtaining qualifying residence or of the marriage/partnership being formed. Late applications will need to be justified by important family reasons.

Permit Outcome

If your sponsor holds a B or C permit, you will normally receive a B spouse permit with work rights. If your sponsor holds an L permit, you will receive an L permit.  After five to ten years (depending on nationality) of continuous lawful residence, a move to a C permit may be available if integration criteria - including language, conduct and financial independence - are met.

Application Process for a Swiss Spouse Visa / Spouse Permit Switzerland

EU/EFTA Spouse Applications

Where the spouse or registered partner is an EU or EFTA national, the application process is governed by Switzerland’s free movement framework. EU/EFTA nationals do not require an entry visa to travel to Switzerland.

After arrival, the spouse must register with the competent Swiss commune within the applicable deadline and apply for the residence permit locally. The authorities will assess whether the conditions for family reunification are met, including residence arrangements and, where relevant, the sponsor’s economic situation.

Although the legal framework is generally favourable, EU/EFTA spouse applications are still subject to procedural requirements and cantonal practice. Delays or complications can arise where registration formalities are not followed correctly, documentation is incomplete, or the household situation raises specific questions. 

Non-EU/EFTA Spouse Applications

For non-EU/EFTA spouses or registered partners, the process is more formal and involves authorisation by the Swiss authorities prior to officially taking up residence.

Where to Apply

If you are a non-EU national residing outside Switzerland, the application usually begins at the Swiss embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence. The file is then transmitted to the cantonal migration authority in the canton where your spouse or registered partner lives, which takes the substantive decision.

If you are a non-EU national already lawfully present in Switzerland, an application may in some cases be submitted directly to the cantonal migration office. Whether an in-country application is accepted will depend on your current immigration status and the practice of the relevant canton. Advice should be taken before applying from within Switzerland.

Typical Process for Non-EU/EFTA Spouse Family Reunification

While procedures vary between cantons, non-EU/EFTA spouse and registered-partner applications generally follow the sequence below:

1. Application submission:

   The application is filed via the Swiss embassy or consulate abroad, or directly with the cantonal migration authority where an in-country application is permitted.

   
   

2. Cantonal assessment:

   The canton examines whether the legal requirements are met and may request further information or clarification.

   
   

3. Entry clearance (where required):

   Once cantonal approval is granted, a Type D national entry visa is issued if the application was made from abroad.

   
   

4. Arrival, registration and permit issuance:

   Following arrival in Switzerland, the spouse registers with the commune and the residence permit is issued.

Supporting Evidence

All spouse or registered-partner family reunification applications must be supported by evidence showing that your relationship is legally valid and genuine, that you plan to live together in Switzerland, and that the household meets the requirements linked to your sponsor’s status.

While each canton has its own practice, most will expect evidence addressing themes such as:

• Your civil status and relationship (including that the marriage or registered partnership is legally recognised).

  
  

• Your intention to establish a shared household in Switzerland.

  
  

• Accommodation arrangements that meet ordinary cantonal standards.

  
  

• Financial self-sufficiency, demonstrating that the household can live without social assistance.

  
  

• Language or integration expectations, where these apply under the FNIA framework.

The precise documents required, and the level of scrutiny applied, vary significantly depending on the canton and on whether the sponsor is Swiss, an EU/EFTA national or a third-country national. Evidence that is sufficient in one canton may be considered incomplete in another.  We recommend seeking tailored advice before applying, so that your evidence matches the appropriate legal test and the practice of the canton deciding with your case.

Processing Times

Processing times depend on the complexity of the case, the workload of the consular and cantonal authorities and the quality of the evidence provided. As a broad guide:

• EU/EFTA spouse applications are usually processed following registration in Switzerland. EU/EFTA spouse permits are usually issued within approximately 2–4 weeks, depending on the canton and circumstances.

  
  

• Non-EU/EFTA spouse applications, particularly those involving third-country sponsors, commonly take longer - often 2-4 months - especially where financial or integration conditions require closer assessment.

Delays most often result from high administrative workload, incomplete or unclear documentation, or issues requiring further scrutiny.

A well-prepared application that anticipates canton-specific expectations can significantly reduce the risk of delay or refusal. We would be pleased to advise you on the exact requirements and supporting evidence relevant to your situation.

Common Reasons for Refusal of Spouse Family Reunification Applications

Spouse and registered-partner family reunification is a well-established route, but Swiss migration authorities will refuse applications where the legal requirements are not clearly met or the evidence does not convincingly address them. In practice, refusals most often arise because the canton concludes that:

• The relationship has not been shown to be genuine and continuing, or there are indicators of a marriage or partnership of convenience.

  
  

• Accommodation is not adequate for the household, or the housing arrangements are unclear or not properly secured.

  
  

• Financial self-sufficiency is not established, for example because income is too low or unstable and the couple appears likely to eventually rely on social assistance.

  
  

• Language or integration conditions have not been met by spouses in permit renewal cases  involving non-EU/EFTA nationals.

  
  

• There are inconsistencies or credibility concerns in the evidence, including contradictions between documents, or issues arising during interviews.

Many refusals are avoidable where the application is prepared with a clear understanding of the legal test and the canton’s evidential expectations.  Contact our immigration lawyers in Switzerland for expert advice.

FAQs - Swiss Spouse Visa / Spouse Residence Permit

Is a “Swiss spouse visa” an official visa category?

“Swiss spouse visa” is the everyday label for family reunification as a spouse or registered partner. For EU/EFTA citizens exercising free movement rights, this legal route enables their legal spouse or registered partner to obtain an EU/EFTA residence permit. For Swiss citizens and non-EU nationals lawfully resident in Switzerland, it provides a well-established pathway to residence for their legal spouse or registered partner, subject to the applicable statutory conditions.

Do we have to live together in Switzerland?

Yes. Cohabitation in a shared household is a central requirement across all spouse categories. Short or practical separations can be accepted where there is a clear justification and the relationship continues, but long-term separation without good reason can place renewals at risk.

Is there a minimum salary for spouse family reunification in Switzerland?

There is no income threshold, but applicants must show sufficient, stable financial resources.  There is greater flexibility in EU/EFTA cases, but welfare reliance would still undermine a spouse application or renewal.  

Do I need an A1 language certificate before applying?

This depends on your sponsor’s category and cantonal practice.

• For Swiss-citizen sponsorship, whether or not a language requirement applies will depend on cantonal practice.

• For EU/EFTA sponsorship under free movement rules, there is no pre-entry language requirement, although language can be relevant later for permanent residence.

• For third-country (non-EU) sponsorship, the incoming spouse must either have already achieved level  A1 oral ability in the local national language or have secured an admission to  a language course that will lead to A1 oral ability.

How long does a spouse permit application take?

Processing times vary by canton and depend on the complexity of the case, the workload of the competent authority and the quality of the documentation submitted. As a general guide, EU/EFTA spouses receive their residence permits within approximately 2–4 weeks after registration in Switzerland, while non-EU/EFTA spouse applications, particularly those involving third-country sponsors, commonly take 2-4 months. Delays can result from high administrative workloads, incomplete or unclear evidence, or matters requiring closer assessment.

What residence permit will I receive as a spouse?

If your application is successful, you will generally be granted the same type of residence permit as your spouse. In the case of marriage to a Swiss national or a C or B permit holder, a B residence permit is typically issued, usually with the right to work. Where the sponsor holds an L permit, family reunification may still be possible depending on the nature of that permit; however, the accompanying spouse may not automatically be entitled to work.

Can I keep my permit if we separate or divorce?

Spouse permits are tied to the continuation of family life in Switzerland, so separation often affects renewal. However, Swiss law allows some spouses to remain after divorce where the marriage lasted long enough and integration is strong, or where major personal reasons make continued residence necessary (for example, situations involving domestic violence). These cases are highly fact-specific and should be assessed individually.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Help

Spouse and registered-partner family reunification applications can look deceptively simple on paper, but in practice success often turns on how well the file is structured for the specific canton and the sponsor category involved. We advise on Swiss spouse visas / spouse residence permits across all scenarios - whether you are joining a Swiss citizen, an EU/EFTA national under free movement rules, or a non-EU resident holding an L, B or C permit.

Our role is to ensure that your application is legally sound, evidence-led, and aligned with cantonal expectations. We can assist by:

• Confirming eligibility and assessing the prospects of success for your sponsorship category, including any timing or other issues that may affect the application.

  
  

• Advising on canton-specific requirements and evidential standards, so that your case is prepared in line with local requirements.

  
  

• Preparing and presenting a detailed spouse reunification application, addressing relationship genuineness, cohabitation plans, accommodation, financial self-sufficiency, and any other conditions that apply.

  
  

• Liaising with consular, cantonal and federal authorities throughout the process, including responding to requests for further information and supporting you if an interview is required.

  
  

• Advising on renewals, long-term residence planning (Permit C), and your position if circumstances change.

  
  

• Challenging refusals where appropriate, through strategic representations and appeals aimed at protecting your right to family life in Switzerland.

If you would like tailored advice on your spouse or registered-partner family reunification application, we would be pleased to help you prepare a strong, canton-ready case.

Contact Our Immigration Lawyers In Switzerland

For expert advice on your Swiss spouse visa / spouse residence permit application, contact Richmond Chambers Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or submit an enquiry via our website. Our specialist Swiss immigration lawyers can assess your sponsor’s status, confirm the correct legal basis, and help you prepare a strong, canton-ready family reunification application so that you can begin your life together in Switzerland as smoothly as possible.