Family
Apply for family reunification for a spouse or registered partner
Reunification with a spouse or registered partner must be applied for with the cantonal migration authority. It requires suitable accommodation, sufficient financial means without social assistance, and living together. The deadline is usually five years from the granting of your permit or from the point the family relationship arose; afterwards reunification is only granted for important family reasons. Civil status documents must be recognised and, depending on the canton, translated and certified.
Who this applies to. This guide applies if a joining partner is yes and the marital status is either Married or Registered partnership.
Checklist
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Obtain your marriage or partnership certificate
Depending on the canton with an apostille and a certified translation; obtaining it in the country of origin often takes several weeks.
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Prove suitable accommodation
Rental contract with enough rooms for everyone joining you; the cantonal migration authority reviews it.
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Prove financial means without social assistance
Payslips or employment contract; receiving social assistance rules out reunification.
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File the application within 5 years
The deadline runs from the granting of the permit or from the marriage; afterwards only important family reasons count.
Costs
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Permit fee not quantified
No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.
Frequently asked questions
Who does this guide apply to?
This guide applies if a joining partner is yes and the marital status is either Married or Registered partnership.
What does it cost?
Permit fee: not quantified.
What do I need to do?
Obtain your marriage or partnership certificate; Prove suitable accommodation; Prove financial means without social assistance; File the application within 5 years.
As of: 08.10.2026