Switzerland Dependent Visa - Definitive Guide

Known officially as a Switzerland family reunification visa, the permit allows people to enter the country as a family member of a resident in Switzerland, and stay with them for long durations. Based on the relationship and the status of the resident in the country, the reunion or dependent visa can be issued for the following cases - 

• Reunion with EU/EFTA citizen 
• Reunion with a Swiss permanent resident
• Reunion with a Swiss temporary residence permit holder

The dependent permits allow spouses and children of the permanent or temporary visa holders to join them. However, for EU/EFTA they will be able to bring in spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents as per the rules.

In order to be able to apply for the dependent category, you will have to meet certain eligibility criteria as required by the Swiss embassy. These can be stated as follows -

• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. 
• Your passport must contain at least 2 blank pages, and it must not be older than 10 years. 
• The person being joined in Switzerland must have sufficient accommodation as per the standards and must be financially stable to support the joining member. 
• In case of a child being the dependent, they must be a minor (below 18). 
• The visa applicant must prove that they are free of any diseases that could endanger the public in Switzerland, and must not have any criminal convictions. 
• You must possess valid travel insurance.
• You must be able to prove your relationship with the family member in Switzerland. 
• You must possess at least an A1 level certification in the language spoken in the canton, or must be registered to a course for the same in Switzerland.

These were only the basic requirements. Based on the exact category the applicant falls into, and their individual case, there may be additional requirements to be met.

The application for the dependent visa for Switzerland from India is done fairly easily. The application has to be made through a Switzerland Visa Application Center (VAC). Let’s take a look at how you can apply for the permit - 

1. Visit the website of the VAC and download the National visa application form. 
2. Fill in the application form with all the relevant details and then print it. 
3. Proceed to book your appointment at the VAC. You can do this by visiting the online portal of the VAC.
4. Visit the respective VAC with the documents, completed application form, and the visa fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here.

Note that in case the family member living in Switzerland is on a temporary residence permit, they will have to contact the respective cantonal immigration office to check if they are authorized to bring in family members.

If you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen visa within the 5 years preceding your date of application, you do not have to submit them again. Your biometric data from the previous application can be used.  

Also, ensure that you do not provide false information or fake documents. Doing so can cause your application to be rejected, leading to a visa rejection.

As per the requirements, the following are the list of general Switzerland dependent visa documents you will require to get a reunion visa. Based on the individual case of the applicant and the invitee, there may be additional documents necessary.

• A valid passport.
• 2 photos as per the specifications.
• Completed visa application form. 
• Medical travel insurance covering at least 30,000 Euros. 
• Marriage certificate (for Switzerland dependent visa for spouse).
• Birth certificate (in case of children joining).
• Death certificate (In the case of death of one of the spouse/parent).
• Divorce certificate (In case of previous marriage).
• Proof of language proficiency (A1) in the language spoken at the future place of residence in Switzerland.
• Police Clearance Certificate.
• Passport & residence permit/visa copy of the resident in Switzerland.
• Proof of ownership of a house/apartment or a copy of the rent contract.
• Proof of stable, sufficient means of subsistence of the resident in Switzerland.

The photo specification of Switzerland dependent visa are as follows -

The photos to be submitted for the application must meet the following specifications. 

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• Must have 80% face coverage
• The facial expression must be neutral
• Eyes must be directed towards the camera and wide open. 
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

Being a type of the long term Schengen D category, the dependent or reunion permits are granted for stay duration longer than 90 days. The exact validity and duration will depend on the decision of the consular officer processing your application. They will take into account key points from your application while doing so. These can be your expected travel dates, your previous travel history, the type of permit of the family member in Switzerland, the means of subsistence, and so on. Normally, you will get to stay as long as the validity of your family member’s visa/permit.

The average processing time for this category is 8-12 weeks. However, depending on several factors, it can fluctuate. Therefore, it is advised to apply by keeping in mind the processing time. You will also have to take into consideration the time required for your family member to apply and get authorization from Switzerland if they are on a temporary residence permit.

The total cost of the visa includes administrative/processing charges,  biometric charges, and other service fees levied by the VAC. As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting the application.

Once you have submitted your application and provided your biometrics, your application will begin processing. Your application is first sent to the embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi for processing. The VAC has no authority over the decision-making aspect of the application. The embassy will forward it to the respective cantonal immigration office in Switzerland. Following their decision, the embassy will issue the visa or reject the application.

You can check the status of your dependent visa application by clicking here and entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also check your status by contacting your travel agency and have them track it for you.

You can check the status of your dependent visa application by clicking here and entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also check your status by contacting your travel agency and have them track it for you.

Upon receiving your dependent permit, there are a few things you must keep in mind to ensure that you do not face any difficulties with the trip.

• Before you travel  
  1. Note the validity and stay duration mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. 
  2. Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country.
• At the border
  1. You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Your entry stamp will be placed on the passport.
  2. You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
  3. You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without hesitance. 
  4. The visa alone does not guarantee you entry into the country. You could still be refused entry if you do not meet the requirements.
• When you enter Switzerland
  1. You will have to obtain the residence permit card. 
  2. On the residence permit, you will be allowed to work full-time if you are a family member of an EU/EFTA citizen or a permanent residence holder. Else, you will have to obtain additional work authorization. 
  3. You can travel to other Schengen nations for a stay duration of not more than 90 days in a period of 180 days in them. 
  4. You may be able to extend the visa under certain conditions.
  5. You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.