SWISS UNMARRIED PARTNER PERMIT

Swiss immigration law does not automatically recognise unmarried or de facto relationships (sometimes referred to as ‘cohabiting’ or ‘de facto partner’ relationships) for family reunification. Unlike spouses and registered partners, unmarried partners (also known as ‘concubines’ in Switzerland) fall outside the standard family-reunification categories under the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (FNIA) and the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP). That said, Switzerland does allow exceptional admission for unmarried partners in carefully defined circumstances. 

Whilst there is no standard Swiss unmarried partner visa category or Swiss partner visa, residence permit applications by partners who are not married are assessed under Article 30 FNIA and Article 31 OASA (often described as the Swiss ‘hardship’ or ‘humanitarian’ permit provisions), Article 8 ECHR (right to respect for private and family life) and, in the case of EU/EFTA nationals, Article 3(2) Annex I to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) can also be invoked.  Concubinage residence permits for unmarried partners are discretionary, fact-specific, and require evidence of a durable, marriage-like relationship plus compelling reasons as to why the couple cannot reasonably live together elsewhere.

In practice, the threshold applied differs depending on whether the sponsor is Swiss, an EU/EFTA national, or a non-EU national. In this guide, we explain how unmarried-partner family reunification works across each sponsorship category, what evidence is expected, and what you should anticipate from the application process.

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

Benefits of an Unmarried Partner Residence Permit

A successful unmarried-partner reunification application allows couples in a durable partnership to take up residence together in Switzerland, provided that the strict conditions outlined below are met. If your concubinage residence permit application is approved, you can normally expect:

• The right to live in Switzerland with your partner in a shared household, on the basis of a recognised durable relationship (durable partnership / long-term cohabitation).

  
  

• Access to employment, if the canton issues a B permit, work rights are usually granted, but remain tied to the permit type and cantonal practice.

  
  

• A potential pathway to permanent residence (Permit C) in the longer term, provided you maintain continuous lawful residence, the relationship continues, and Swiss integration requirements are met.

  
  

Because these Swiss partner permits are discretionary, the key “benefit” in practice is that they offer a lawful, structured route for couples who cannot, or do not wish to, marry or register their partnership - but who have nonetheless built a stable shared life that deserves protection.

Key Challenges of Unmarried Partner Family Reunification in Switzerland

Unmarried partner family reunification is a discretionary legal pathway to Swiss residency with the burden of proof resting heavily on the applicant. Cantonal authorities in Switzerland will scrutinise not only the genuineness of your relationship but also whether it is sufficiently lengthy and established to be regarded as marriage-like in practice.

A further challenge is that discretionary decision-making can differ between cantons. Although SEM Directives aim to promote consistency, cantons retain wide latitude in judging credibility, durability and hardship. Applicants must therefore be prepared for detailed document requests and a careful necessity and proportionality assessment.

It is also important to understand that durability and compelling personal grounds are cumulative requirements. Demonstrating a long-standing relationship is necessary but not sufficient. Even where a partnership is genuine and has lasted for years, a permit may still be refused if the canton considers that you could reasonably continue your family life outside Switzerland, or that refusal would not amount to serious personal hardship under Article 30 FNIA.

Who Can Apply for an Unmarried Partner Permit?

You may be eligible to apply for family reunification as an unmarried partner in Switzerland if:

1. You are in a durable, marriage-like relationship with a person who has either moved, or is about to move, their residence to Switzerland and who is either about to become, or has become, a lawful resident of Switzerland; and 

   
   

2. Your circumstances meet the strict requirements under the relevant legal basis (FNIA/OASA, ECHR and, in EU cases, AFMP principles).

   
   

Durability is central. Swiss authorities further assess whether the relationship is comparable to marriage in its stability, seriousness, and integration into day-to-day life.

Swiss Unmarried Partner Requirements (Swiss / EU-EFTA / Non-EU Sponsors)

1. If Your Partner Is a Swiss Citizen

Unmarried partners of Swiss citizens do not have an entitlement under Article 42 FNIA (which only covers spouses and registered partners). Instead, the application must be framed as a request for exceptional admission as an unmarried partner of a Swiss citizen based on serious personal hardship or other compelling reasons.

In practice, you will need to show:

• A durable, marriage-like relationship. Cantons typically expect several years of proven cohabitation - often around three years of cohabitation, although the requirements vary from canton to canton -  and strong shared-life indicators (joint home, shared finances, mutual obligations).

  
  

• Cohabitation in Switzerland. You must demonstrate a real intention to live together in a shared household in Switzerland, for example through a joint lease agreement. The accommodation must meet Swiss requirements in terms of size, generally corresponding to one room per person.

  
  

• Your partner can support you financially. The cantonal authorities will assess whether your partner will be able to support you financially without reliance on public funds.

  
  

• Serious personal hardship if you are refused. This is a high bar. Emotional distress alone is rarely enough; the canton assesses objective hardship such as inability of the Swiss partner to relocate, medical needs, care responsibilities, or whether a refusal would disproportionately interfere with established family life.

The cantonal Migration Authorities  expect a relationship that has been lived in a genuinely shared domestic way for several years and that shows clear life-planning comparable to marriage. The canton will also consider whether marriage is unavoidable. Particular weight is often given to situations where partners cannot marry, the Swiss partner cannot realistically relocate abroad because of entrenched employment in Switzerland, caring responsibilities for children or dependent relatives, medical treatment, or deep social and economic integration. Where the couple has a common child or has cohabited continuously in Switzerland, the proportionality analysis under Article 8 ECHR generally carries greater force.

Permit outcome

If your unmarried partner residence permit application is approved, you will usually receive a B permit, normally issued for one year and renewable if cohabitation and integration continue.

2. If Your Partner is an EU/EFTA Citizen in Switzerland

Under the AFMP, EU/EFTA citizens have a treaty right to reunify with spouses, registered partners, dependent children, and dependent parents, but not with unmarried partners.

However, Swiss authorities may issue Swiss residence permits to  unmarried partners where there is a durable relationship and dependence/interdependence, based on a broad reading of Annex I Article 3(2) AFMP together with Art. 8 ECHR and FNIA-based cantonal practice.

You will normally need to show that:

• The relationship is durable and stable. While there is no statutory minimum duration, relationships of several years’ standing - often around three years of continuous cohabitation (the exact duration varies between cantons) - are more likely to succeed.

  
  

• There is meaningful dependency/interdependence. This can be financial (shared expenses, bank accounts) or practical/emotional (shared household, mutual care).

  
  

• Your partner can support you financially. The cantonal authorities will assess whether your partner has the financial means to support you without reliance on public funds. 

  
  

• You will live in adequate housing. The cantonal authorities will review your lease agreement to ensure that it complies with Swiss law and that the property is of the required size (at least one room per person).

  
  

• Refusal would breach Article 8 ECHR family-life protection. The refusal would be disproportionate in light of the particular circumstances of your case.

Although unmarried partners do not benefit from an automatic right under the AFMP, a dependent residence permit may be granted where the partnership is well established, long-lasting and comparable to marriage or where financial dependency already existed in the home country.

Evidence of sustained cohabitation and long-term commitment will be central. The Cantonal Migration Authority will also ask about marriage plans and why marriage is not an option.

Permit outcome 

If your application for family reunification as an unmarried partner is granted, you are likely to receive an EU/EFTA B permit, often time-limited initially and renewable subject to continued cohabitation.

Note on upcoming AFMP updates: Switzerland is in the process of updating the AFMP to partially align with EU Directive 2004/38/EC. Current public materials indicate that unmarried “life partners” may receive more structured consideration in future. The Federal Council opened consultation on the Bilateral III package on 13 June 2025, but the updated AFMP is not yet in force. Unmarried partner applications / durable partner applications remain discretionary for now.

3. If Your Partner Is a Non-EU National in Switzerland

Swiss statutory family reunification for Non-EU nationals covers spouses/registered partners and children. Unmarried partners (including de facto partners) are excluded, so any application must be made as an exceptional case under Articles 30 FNIA and 31 OASA.

To be considered, you will need to show:

• A long-standing, marriage-like relationship, typically with proven cohabitation and shared responsibilities.

  
  

• Strong interdependence (practical, financial, emotional), often supported by a common child or an extended period of shared domestic life.

  
  

• That your partner can support you financially. The cantonal authorities will assess whether your partner has the financial means to support you without reliance on public funds. 

  
  

• Adequate housing in Switzerland. The cantonal authorities will want to see a lease agreement that complies with Swiss law and is for a property of the required size (at least one room per person).

  
  

• Compelling hardship if refused, such as medical or psychological distress, or other circumstances rendering continued separation disproportionate.

Unmarried-partner applications involving non-EU sponsors are subject to particularly close scrutiny by both cantonal and federal authorities. A core part of the assessment is whether the relationship is so long-lasting, well established and comparable to marriage, and whether there are good reasons for a marriage not to take place that refusal would be unduly harsh. Also, the sponsor’s permit type and integration record, proof of adequate housing and financial capacity may impact the authorities’ decision. Where the sponsor holds a short-term L permit or has a fragile immigration history, the canton may scrutinise the stability of the couple’s future in Switzerland more closely.

Work authorisation

Work authorisation is usually granted to unmarried partners but may depend on the cantonal practice and the sponsor’s permit type. B permits typically include work authorisation, while L permits or Art. 30 hardship permits may involve additional cantonal conditions.

What If You Marry or Register Your Partnership Later?

Some couples apply as unmarried partners because they are not currently able to marry or register their relationship, but later decide to formalise the partnership. If you marry or enter a recognised registered partnership after admission, you will become eligible to switch into the ordinary spouse/registered-partner family reunification route, provided the relationship remains genuine and the statutory requirements are met. While a later marriage will not retrospectively change the discretionary basis on which your original permit was issued, it can strengthen future renewals and may provide a clearer legal footing for longer-term residence. Any change in status should be notified and the strategic timing and consequences of formalising the relationship should be assessed carefully with legal advice.

Evidence for Unmarried Partner Family Reunification

Because Swiss unmarried partner visa / residence permit applications depend almost entirely on credibility and durability, evidence must be extensive and consistent. Most cantons expect a detailed portfolio addressing:

• Cohabitation and shared household: for example, a joint lease/tenancy, shared address registrations, utility bills.

  
  

• Financial interdependence: for example, joint bank accounts, shared insurance, proof of joint expenses, remittances, tax records where relevant.

  
  

• Relationship history: for example, photographs over time, travel itineraries, correspondence, evidence of visits, joint plans.

  
  

• Personal statements and third-party declarations: a detailed narrative of the relationship is usually required, whilst affidavits from friends/family confirming the relationship may add further support.

  
  

• Dependency evidence (if relied on): financial documents or medical reports explaining the dependency and why separation would cause severe hardship.

Where the couple has not been able to cohabit continuously due to immigration barriers, work placements or other objectively valid reasons, it is important to show how the relationship has nevertheless been lived in a stable, marriage-like way over time. This can include evidence of extended stays in the same household, overlapping tenancy periods, travel and border-entry records, health-insurance coverage showing the same address, or documentation demonstrating that the partners have consistently shared daily life when possible. Swiss authorities tend to view shared financial arrangements and a long-term joint household as powerful indicators of commitment because they reflect practical and economic life integration similar to marriage.

In assessing credibility, cantonal authorities will compare the consistency of your documentary evidence against your personal statements. They may examine whether timelines align, whether cohabitation is supported by independent records, and whether the claimed level of dependency corresponds with the couple’s actual living and care arrangements. Common credibility concerns include short-lived cohabitation, weak evidence of shared responsibilities over time, or unexplained gaps in cohabitation or contact. Addressing these points proactively in the submission is often decisive.

Illustrative Examples

Example 1: Swiss citizen sponsor with objective hardship

A non-EU national studying in Switzerland has been in a relationship with a Swiss citizen for over four years, with confirmed continuous cohabitation in Switzerland. The couple does not want to marry because of profound personal anti-marriage convictions. The Swiss partner has long-term employment in Switzerland and is the primary carer for an elderly parent. The couple can show a shared tenancy and joint finances. Refusal would require the Swiss national to leave their partner, which the authorities would regard as disproportionate. The permit is granted under Article 30 FNIA and renewed annually based on continued cohabitation and integration.

Example 2: EU/EFTA sponsor with durable partnership and interdependence

An EU citizen has very recently moved to Switzerland and applies to reunite with their unmarried partner. The couple has cohabited for three years abroad, maintained joint insurance and bank arrangements, and can evidence a consistent shared domestic life. They also show that the non-EU partner is financially dependent on the EU sponsor and the EU sponsor has the financial means to provide for the couple and adequate housing for the couple to live together in Switzerland. Marriage is not an option due to strong religious beliefs. The canton accepts the relationship as durable and the dependency/interdependence as credible, and grants a B permit on a facilitated AFMP-aligned basis, subject to renewal while the partnership continues.

Application Process for a Swiss Unmarried Partner Permit

The application procedure for a Swiss unmarried partner residence permit mirrors other family-reunification routes, but the documentary evidence required and the level of scrutiny applied are higher:

1. Submission abroad or in-country.

   If you are a visa national living outside Switzerland and the  EU/EFTA, you should apply via the Swiss embassy/consulate. If you are already lawfully in Switzerland or in case of EU/EFTA nationals, an in-country application may be possible, depending on your current status and canton.

   
   

2. Cantonal assessment under discretionary criteria.

   Based on the supporting documentation provided, the cantonal migration authority evaluates the durability of the relationship, hardship grounds, housing, finances, and integration factors. Because the decision is discretionary, applicants should be prepared for follow-up questions on the development of the relationship, the reasons why formal marriage is not possible or has not taken place, and the specific hardship factors relied upon. Providing a structured legal submission at the outset often reduces delays by anticipating these evidential questions.

   
   

3. Federal approval

   In the case of non-EU/EFTA nationals, the cantonal authority may require the federal authority’s approval.

4. Entry clearance (where required).

   If you require a visa, a Type D entry visa is issued by the Swiss consulate competent for your place of residence abroad after the cantonal migration authority issued the visa approval. EU/EFTA nationals are visa exempt. 

   
   

5. Arrival, registration, and permit issue.

   Once in Switzerland, whether you are an EU/EFTA or a non-EU national, you will need to register with the commune of residence and have your biometrics taken as a last step before receiving the residence permit card.

   
   

Processing times vary by canton, nationality, quality of evidence and workload of the authorities. Non-EU unmarried-partner applications can take 2-3 months or longer to be processed. EU/EFTA unmarried-partner applications are typically decided within a few weeks. 

Integration and Renewal Expectations

Similar to spouse permit renewal applications, unmarried partner permit renewals depend on both the continuation of the relationship and integration in Switzerland. Cantons will expect you to maintain a shared household with your partner and to show that the relationship remains genuine and marriage-like. If the partnership ends, your permit will usually be cancelled unless independent grounds for stay exist.

Provided that the relationship remains intact, the renewal application will also need to include proof of integration in line with Article 58a FNIA. This includes, for instance, respect for public order and Swiss values and appropriate language progression for your linguistic region. In practical terms, the canton will look at whether you and your partner have sufficient financial means to avoid reliance on social assistance, and whether you are making reasonable steps to integrate socially and linguistically. 

Common Reasons for Refusal of Unmarried Partner Family Reunification Applications

Unmarried-partner family reunification applications are refused most often because the canton concludes that:

• Durability or seriousness of the relationship is not proven, or it appears more like dating than a marriage-like partnership.

  
  

• Cohabitation history is unclear or not credibly supported by housing evidence.

  
  

• Hardship is not sufficiently objective or compelling. Cantons apply Article 30 FNIA strictly.

  
  

• Inconsistencies undermine credibility.

Many refusals can be avoided when the application is put together with a solid grasp of the legal criteria and the canton’s evidence requirements. If you’d like tailored guidance, our Switzerland-based immigration lawyers can help.

FAQs - Swiss Unmarried Partner Visa / Unmarried Partner Permit

Can we apply if we are not able to marry or register a partnership?

Yes. Swiss law recognises that some couples cannot marry or enter a registered partnership (for legal, practical, or personal reasons). In such cases, you may still apply as unmarried partners, but only through the discretionary route under Article 30 FNIA and Article 31 OASA (and, for EU/EFTA sponsors, the AFMP facilitation framework). You will need to show a durable, marriage-like relationship and compelling personal grounds for admission.

Does having a child together strengthen an unmarried-partner application?

Very significantly. According to the practice of the Swiss authorities, a common child is one of the strongest indicators of a serious, stable partnership. While a child does not create an automatic right to a permit, it greatly assists in proving durability, interdependence, and the proportionality of admission under Article 8 ECHR.

What if we have a durable relationship but lived mostly in different countries?

Long-term cohabitation is the clearest evidence of durability, but it is not the only route. If you could not live together for objective reasons (work placements, visa restrictions, study, or caring duties), you should provide detailed alternative proof: frequent extended stays, consistent travel history, sustained communication, shared financial planning, and clear evidence of an established joint life. The burden of proof in such cases is particularly high, however, and in some cantons years-long cohabitation is mandatory.

Do we need to show financial self-sufficiency and suitable accommodation?

Yes. You should usually demonstrate that you will live together in adequate housing and that the couple can support themselves without reliance on social assistance. These factors feed directly into the hardship/proportionality assessment.

What happens if the canton doubts our relationship is “marriage-like”?

The canton may request additional documents, or clarifications. If the relationship appears inconsistent or insufficiently evidenced, refusal is likely. The most effective response is a structured supplementary submission addressing durability point-by-point with corroborating documents, timelines, and third-party attestations.

If the permit is granted, what must we do to renew it?

Renewal is typically conditional on continued cohabitation in a shared household and ongoing integration. Expect the canton to check that you still live together, have the necessary financial means to support yourself in Switzerland, and are meeting Article 58a FNIA integration benchmarks (language, respect for public order, and integration in Swiss society). If the relationship with the sponsor ends, the  permit will be cancelled and you will need to leave Switzerland, unless there is another legal ground enabling you to obtain another residence permit.

Can we appeal a refusal of unmarried-partner family reunification?

Yes. A refusal under Article 30 FNIA / Article 31 OASA is appealable through the cantonal process and, if necessary, onward to federal level. Immigration appeals usually focus on correcting factual misunderstandings, strengthening evidence of durability/interdependence, and arguing proportionality under Article 8 ECHR. Timelines are strict, so legal advice should be sought immediately after a decision.

How Richmond Chambers Switzerland Can Help

Unmarried-partner family reunification is one of the most discretionary and evidence-heavy areas of Swiss migration law. Success depends not only on having a genuine relationship, but on presenting it in a way that meets federal and canton-specific practice.

We can assist by:

• Advising on eligibility and the correct legal basis for your sponsor category, including how Article 30 FNIA, Article 31 OASA. Art 8 ECHR and (where relevant) Annex I Article 3(2) AFMP apply to your facts.

  
  

• Building a convincing evidence portfolio of durability, cohabitation, and interdependence, tailored to the practice of your future canton of residence.

  
  

• Preparing carefully structured legal submissions addressing the specificities of your case, in accordance with cantonal and federal requirements.

  
  

• Liaising with cantonal and federal authorities, responding to queries, and supporting you throughout the entire duration of the procedure, including with requests for further evidence.

  
  

• Advising on renewals, long-term residence planning, and appeals if a refusal is issued.

With experience across multiple cantons and complex discretionary cases, we are well placed to guide you through this sensitive process and maximise your chances of approval.

Contact Our Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland

For expert advice on an unmarried-partner family reunification application, contact Richmond Chambers Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or submit an enquiry via our website. We can assess your circumstances, confirm the strongest legal pathway, and help you prepare a canton-ready application so that you and your partner can build your life together in Switzerland.